Flower Block

by Lanisha Butterfield

When Jeremiah plants a packet of sunflower seeds, the very last thing he expects is for the vines and leaves to grow overnight and burst through the ceiling of his apartment!

As Jeremiah and his brother chase the magical plant up through the floors of their tower block home, they discover an array of curious neighbours who join in the adventure. But what could be waiting for them at the top of the building? And will Jeremiah find his voice to help the neighbours discover the true magic hidden within these sunflower seeds?

A glorious celebration of the power of nature to bring communities together, from talented debut author Lanisha Butterfield and illustrator Hoang Giang.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2024

Reviews

[Sasha Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book for my grandson based on a sample of the gorgeous artwork, and that aspect did not disappoint. It is lush and full of engaging detail. Unfortunately, I felt that the book was let down by the text, which was rather pedestrian. It contains very few of the details in the artwork, and it doesn't feel like we really have time to get to know any of the characters.

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lanisha Butterfield and Hoan Giang’s picture book is a luscious celebration of life, nature and community. The colours are vibrant and the illustrations packed with character and a sense of place and I liked the fact that there is also a subtle sense of grief in the background as Theo and Jeremiah are dealing with the death of their father. All in all it’s an entertaining read that shows the importance of neighbourhood and connection.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
I bought this for my cousin's son who is v keen on gardening and wildlife.
I love the concept of the book and the illustrations are beautiful particularly the spread of the child sleeping and dreaming. But I agree with some other reviews I've read that the text didn't really develop the story outline to its potential. But then I guess I'm not the target demographic so what do I know!
I hope Henry enjoys it - that's what matters!!

[Amy Cheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun, quick read that pulled me right into the story and kept me guessing about what would happen next. I enjoyed the main character's journey and felt like this was a well-written escape for a cozy afternoon.

[Liz Thorpe]

Link to Speak Up by Nathan Bryon and Dap Adeola

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to see tower block residents represented in this gorgeously diverse picture book

[Charlotte Whiteing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful hopefully book

[Zelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed from Libby

A heartwarming story about a kid who want to keep the memories of the loved ones and ended up having a wholesome experience.

[Tim Roast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flower Block, a play on words of Tower Block, sees young Jeremiah Bright plant a sunflower seed in his flat before being told to “wait for the magic to happen”. Overnight the magic happens. “Jeremiah could not believe it. Vines and leaves had sprouted in all directions and burst through the ceiling!” Jeremiah and his brother “need to find the top of the plant and stop this thing!” They go up the Flower Block bringing the neighbours together as they do into a happy community, when before they potentially weren’t.

Good book with good art. There is for example a nice 2-page side-cut image of part of the tower/flower block with Jeremiah and his brother going up the tower block with their neighbours joining them or in their flats. And the story is good too with a message of neighbours coming together because of nature but also each other. 5-stars.
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