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Florabelle: A Beautiful Picture Book About a Little Girl with Big Dreams for Kids
Meet Florabelle—a little girl with a BIG imagination!
Florabelle just can't seem to pay attention. And although her family can be a bit serious at times, she knows that life is always more fun when you use your imagination.
Sasha Quinton's fantastical story about a little girl who dreams big enough to face her fears is brought to life with Brigette Barrager's beautiful illustrations accompanied by Michel Tcherevkoff's magnificent flower photography. Florabelle will spark the creativity in every little girl's imagination and will delight fans of Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious.
Florabelle just can't seem to pay attention. And although her family can be a bit serious at times, she knows that life is always more fun when you use your imagination.
Sasha Quinton's fantastical story about a little girl who dreams big enough to face her fears is brought to life with Brigette Barrager's beautiful illustrations accompanied by Michel Tcherevkoff's magnificent flower photography. Florabelle will spark the creativity in every little girl's imagination and will delight fans of Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2015
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 14, 2020
An imaginative young girl who enjoyed casting herself as the star of many a magical adventure - fairy princess, ballerina, queen - Florabelle is something of a trial to her more serious family, who wish she'd pay more attention to the real world. Determined to be included in a family trip to the beach, Florabelle attempts to be more serious, only to have her imagination break out altogether once she is at the shore. Picturing any number of monsters in the deep, our heroine won't enter the waters, until her imagination provides the solution to the problem it created...
A fairly pedestrian tale of an imaginative girl somewhat out of step with a prosaic world, as represented by her rather repressed family, Sasha Quinton's Florabelle is the kind of book I might easily have added to my "out-of-step-with-the zeitgeist" shelf. "Not another story about a special child who is so misunderstood by those around her, and persecuted by their expectation that she consider others as well as herself," was my first thought. Happily, the concluding portion of the tale highlights the fact that imagination can do as much to impede discovery as it does to promote it, if not used properly. I appreciated the fact that Quinton's narrative demonstrates that Florabelle's family is a loving one, even if everyone else in it is rather staid in comparison to the eponymous heroine. Leaving these issues aside, this picture-book boasts colorful artwork from illustrator Brigette Barrager, who has worked on such titles as Uni the Unicorn and Sleeping Cinderella and Other Princess Mix-Ups , as well as photographer Michel Tcherevkoff. I thought that the composite artwork here, which blends photographic flower elements from Tcherevkoff with illustrated elements from Barrager, was quite interesting, and by far the best part of the book. Recommended primarily to Barrager fans, although those with a strong preference for "imaginative girl against the world" stories might also want to give it a look.
A fairly pedestrian tale of an imaginative girl somewhat out of step with a prosaic world, as represented by her rather repressed family, Sasha Quinton's Florabelle is the kind of book I might easily have added to my "out-of-step-with-the zeitgeist" shelf. "Not another story about a special child who is so misunderstood by those around her, and persecuted by their expectation that she consider others as well as herself," was my first thought. Happily, the concluding portion of the tale highlights the fact that imagination can do as much to impede discovery as it does to promote it, if not used properly. I appreciated the fact that Quinton's narrative demonstrates that Florabelle's family is a loving one, even if everyone else in it is rather staid in comparison to the eponymous heroine. Leaving these issues aside, this picture-book boasts colorful artwork from illustrator Brigette Barrager, who has worked on such titles as Uni the Unicorn and Sleeping Cinderella and Other Princess Mix-Ups , as well as photographer Michel Tcherevkoff. I thought that the composite artwork here, which blends photographic flower elements from Tcherevkoff with illustrated elements from Barrager, was quite interesting, and by far the best part of the book. Recommended primarily to Barrager fans, although those with a strong preference for "imaginative girl against the world" stories might also want to give it a look.
April 29, 2015
Florabelle is a day dreaming little girl who is constantly getting into trouble because of it. When mom challenges her to stop long enough to earn going to the beach, Florabelle is determined. A day at the beach for everyone is a great treat but when Florabelle's imagination kicks into gear and starts creating scary sea monsters and a great deep unknown, not even her family can get her into the ocean. But can Florabelle's day dreams save the day after all? A great look at the creativity of a child's mind and the love that helps it grow.
June 20, 2015
This book is gorgeous. One of the most creatively illustrated/crafted picture books I have seen in a very long time. The colors are vibrant- the real flowers and their variety are stunning. There is so much to look at and admire. This book must have taken quite a long time to create. It will definitely hold a childs interest. The last couple of pages might be a little too sugary but overall I think it is fantastic.
May 8, 2015
Your shelves are groaning already with books like this. Pass.
August 15, 2015
Florabelle is thrilled to go to the beach for the first time, but when she sees the ocean her vivid imagination kicks into high gear as she pictures all the scary things that could lurk beneath the waves. When she makes herself imagine pleasant things like mermaids instead, she can finally conquer her fear and splash in the waves.
The premise of a flighty, daydreaming girl living in her imagination is certainly not new, although the theme is common because it does strike a chord with so many children. The illustrations, on the other hand, are unique and gorgeous -- not to mention quirky and colorful and full of life.
The premise of a flighty, daydreaming girl living in her imagination is certainly not new, although the theme is common because it does strike a chord with so many children. The illustrations, on the other hand, are unique and gorgeous -- not to mention quirky and colorful and full of life.
May 15, 2015
sweet collage style photos with live plants!
June 1, 2015
Beautiful artwork--but the writing leaves everything to be desired!
May 12, 2022
I picked this book because of the excellent illustrations. The book is so bright and colorful; the illustrator put time into making all these floral pictures. They are really beautiful, but the book was ok. The book was about a girl who had strict parents who never let her use her imagination. They always fused at her for not paying attention and messing up the house. They told her that if she didn't stop, she would not be able to go to the beach, so she calms down and stops imagining like a child. So, they go to the beach the next day and it is totally not what she expected. All of her family was enjoying the beach and she was sitting in the sand, until her imagination took over in the sand and she created herself as a mermaid. She eventually went into the water with her family and they were all so happy. The end of the book ends with her mother saying "We couldn't dream of loving you more" and that's all she needed. She was so happy her mother accepts and loves her even though she thought she didn't. All she wanted the whole book was her family's approval and love, and she eventually noticed they always did love her even though they fused at her sometimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2020
The story itself is pretty bland - there are tons of other books out there about overcoming fears and about the power of imagination (and when to rein it in). Even ones that cover all this at the beach (Ladybug Girl at the Beach is one that pops right to mind). In that respect, this isn't really unique. The illustrations, however, are very unique and are worth giving this book a look. It's a fanciful combination of real flower photographs and drawn illustrations. Overall, a very suitable style for a book on imagination.
For storytimes, could be a good one for themes on imagination, on overcoming fears, or on going to the beach. Could be a good addition for a busy library's picture book collection, but if you're pressed for space, there are ones that stand out more.
For storytimes, could be a good one for themes on imagination, on overcoming fears, or on going to the beach. Could be a good addition for a busy library's picture book collection, but if you're pressed for space, there are ones that stand out more.
August 15, 2021
Florabelle has a big imagination. She even dreams she is a mermaid. However, she has difficulty focusing, instead of daydreaming.
This wonderfully illustrated story, great for those who may have ADHD or who simply are hopeful imaginative kids, will love Florabelle's whimsical pictures and messages. The illustrations are the stand-out for me due to the combination of sketched illustrations and flower photography, interwoven throughout the whole story.
This wonderfully illustrated story, great for those who may have ADHD or who simply are hopeful imaginative kids, will love Florabelle's whimsical pictures and messages. The illustrations are the stand-out for me due to the combination of sketched illustrations and flower photography, interwoven throughout the whole story.
August 22, 2022
A wonderfully illustrated children's book. Good story too. Slight criticism that 'dreaminess' is somehow an undesirable trait if conformity is not given to parents. Certainly a message about growing up and taking responsibility which is useful but couldn't help think that Florabelle's creativity and imagination had been a little reduced.
September 21, 2018
A young girl loves to drift off into colorful imaginative dreams but what happens when her family can't stand her inability to focus any more? I love the side story about being afraid of the ocean. Preschool and up. Very colorful artwork
February 3, 2019
We really like this book. The story is about a little girl with big rosy-red dreams and reminds us of a few girls we know. The photos and illustrations are beautiful.
Check out Leeanne and Johanna reading this book on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/GlUzEK_BXk0
Check out Leeanne and Johanna reading this book on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/GlUzEK_BXk0
August 8, 2017
I want the rhymes to add up a little smoother but the art, alone is worth buying it for! and the story is so sweet. My girls love this. It's gotten multiple reads a night from them!
January 2, 2018
This is a cute book about a little girl with her head in the clouds. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book, and I admired Florabelle for daring to dream even when her family was serious.
August 17, 2018
Day-dreamy.
November 9, 2018
Way to long for very young readers but beautiful art
December 18, 2019
Florabelle thinks everything would be better if she were something else.
June 27, 2023
Fun story and colorful illustrations
April 10, 2025
Sometimes books are meant to remind parents where to be in the life of their child...It's not always easy parenting a "Florabelle." But it is worth the ride.
March 19, 2017
Cute! I'm a big fan of Brigette Barrager and the illustrations in this one are beautiful.
August 10, 2015
I'm always hesitant to rate a book highly based on illustration quality alone, so let's say that the pictures are pretty, but the story is a bit light. Basically the main character, Florabelle, daydreams all the time. It gets in the way of her life, causing her to be late to school, drawing her away from family meals, you know. Eventually they put their foot down and say that if she doesn't start focusing, she'll miss going to the ocean. When she does get there, she's frightened, and won't swim. Eventually she realizes that by dreaming she's a mermaid, she can overcome her fear of the water. She swims with her family, yay, the end.
I was left wondering what the message was. Too much dreaming is bad and annoying? Sometimes daydreaming is alright, especially when it helps you overcome your fears? Like I said earlier, the illustrations are lovely with a mix of fantasy and realism, but, I'm not sure the story is solid enough to warrant me buying a copy.
I was left wondering what the message was. Too much dreaming is bad and annoying? Sometimes daydreaming is alright, especially when it helps you overcome your fears? Like I said earlier, the illustrations are lovely with a mix of fantasy and realism, but, I'm not sure the story is solid enough to warrant me buying a copy.
September 11, 2015
This is a delightful book! Florabelle has a very large, colorful, imagination. Sometimes it gets her into trouble because she doesn't pay attention. But when she goes to the beach with her family, her imagination helps her be brave. The artwork is vibrant and clever. I love the octopus! Recommended for anyone looking to brighten their dull day.
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August 14, 2019 My five-year old really liked this book; my three year old wasn't as interested. She loved the illustrations and the beautiful flower photographs. She asked to read this several times.
I also liked this book. Florabelle is a relatable character for kids. The illustrations are gorgeous.
I also liked this book. Florabelle is a relatable character for kids. The illustrations are gorgeous.
Read
June 9, 2016This book is about a young girl with a wild imagination. Her family is serious at times. She likes to have fun and use her imagination. She has trouble paying attention because of her wild imagination.
Illustrations are photos and colored pencil
I enjoyed this book because it is another book that lets students understand that it is okay to be yourself.
Illustrations are photos and colored pencil
I enjoyed this book because it is another book that lets students understand that it is okay to be yourself.
May 15, 2015
Age: Precshool
Not much substance and Annabelle only imagines herself to be "beautiful" things but the illustrations are gorgeous and frou-frou kids will adore Florabelle's various imaginings of herself as a ballerina, a fairy, a queen, a rodeo star, and, finally, a mermaid.
Not much substance and Annabelle only imagines herself to be "beautiful" things but the illustrations are gorgeous and frou-frou kids will adore Florabelle's various imaginings of herself as a ballerina, a fairy, a queen, a rodeo star, and, finally, a mermaid.
February 5, 2017
The art in this book is absolutely terrific. The collages are fantastic, and we especially liked the undersea creatures.
May 1, 2015
Local author
July 14, 2015
Especially liked the use of flowers in the illustrations.
August 1, 2015
Mediocre but pretty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews