Hana in the Time of Tulips

by Deborah Noyes, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator)

Hana and her father used to love to walk in the garden and play their favorite game. But ever since tulip fever struck Holland, Hana’s father has been consumed by greed, and now he is too busy even to kiss her good night. It is up to Hana—with some help from a special family friend—to find a way to remind her father of what’s truly valuable.

With stunning art reminiscent of Rembrandt, this tender tale illuminates the enduring love between father and child.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Art, Childrens, Fiction, Cultural, Historical

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Deb writes for adults and children and is also an editor and photographer. She lives in Massachusetts with her family.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tulipomania is perhaps not the easiest (or most important) concept to put across for young children. But even if your tot doesn't grasp the historical context, he or she can still relate to the very human concerns in this story. Noyes really understands the importance of routines and little gestures to small children, who often place great significance on that five minutes of play when daddy gets home from work, or that kiss at bedtime. Hana doesn't understand the craze for a specific flower -- aren't the wildflowers just as pretty? -- or why her parents are suddenly so worried about money. But she does understand that they are paying less attention to her and that she wants to cheer them up.

Ibatoulline's illustrations are beautiful imitations of Dutch Masters paintings and sketches.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

At its heart this is an achingly poignant father and daughter story, and it also takes place during the time of tulipomania in Holland, and the painter Rembrandt is a friend of the family. So, this is an interesting historical fiction story and a lovely story of love between daughter & father.

The illustrations are wondrous and lush, and perfectly fit the subject and period.

There is an informative author’s note at the end of the book, and I’ve read other books about this era and the value of tulips, but I had no idea how short a period (3 to 4 years!) tulipomania encompassed.

This is the perfect way to teach about a point in history: a historical fiction story where the details of the human relationships could as easily take place today.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young Dutch girl named Hana worries about her distracted father in this beautifully illustrated work of historical fiction for the picture-book set. Although he once took the time to play with her - pretending to faint, and allowing her to be the Renowned Physician coming to his aid - Hana's father has recently grown distant and unhappy, constantly wrapped up in his business affairs, which seem to center more and more around his precious tulips. Although she tries to distract him from his worries, nothing seems to bring back the happy and indulgent playmate she once knew. When disaster strikes, and the tulips lose all their value overnight, Hana must find a way to show her father that all the important things - the love of their family, the trust she places in him, even the beauty of the tulips themselves - have remained the same...

As my friend Miriam, whose online review alerted me to this lovely title, has already noted, the tulipomania that gripped Holland in the seventeenth century is probably not the most important historical phenomenon to communicate to younger children. It is quite fascinating though, and author Deborah Noyes provides a brief but informative afterword for those children interested in the topic. The main narrative, which concerns Hana and her relationship with her father, is one with appeal for all children, I think, regardless of the historical background. The story of one family, and their discovery - made against the backdrop of an extraordinary moment in Dutch and world history - of what is truly important, is most satisfying, but it is Bagram Ibatoulline's artwork that make Hana in the Time of the Tulips truly special. His paintings seem consciously modeled on the Dutch Masters - indeed, Rembrandt in a character in the story - and the effect is just beautiful.

Highly recommended to all picture-book readers who enjoy family stories, historical fiction, or gorgeous artwork!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the loveliest books I have ever seen or read.

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With beautiful Rembrandt-like illustrations this picture book tells a story about a family caught up in Holland's 17th century Tulip-mania and the coveted Semper Augustus tulip variety.

[Taylor E · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the cure for a frown? What wipes troubles from a parent's brow? History throw the eyes of a child can help adults see the world's worries laid bare.

This book is beautifully illustrated and simply told; both qualities I admire in children's literature. This little work will cure your frown with it's sweet simplicity in challenging life's complexity.

[Logan Draper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hana in the Time of the Tulips is the interesting story of a young girl, Hana, and the craze of Tulipomania during the seventeenth century. Hana’s father makes a living by selling tulips to artists. The artists then paint the tulips, and sell the pictures to wealthy families. But when tulips go out of fashion, it is up to Hana to encourage her father and cheer him up. Additionally, the story has a very famous character in it, Rembrandt. He is a family friend, and he even gives painting advice to Hana. So when she paints a beautiful painting of a tulip to cheer her father up, it is in the style of Rembrandt. This story is a beautiful picture book for older readers; it corresponds perfectly to a lesson on art history. Students can learn about Rembrandt, and other famous seventeenth century painters, and then read a fictional story with Rembrandt in it. Furthermore, Bagram Ibatoulline does a wonderful job imitating Rembrandts style of painting. The illustrations look like they should be hung in a museum next to Rembrandts, rather than in a children’s book. I especially loved the illustration of Hana picking daisies with her dog, Frans. The colors are so bright and warm, and the painting is detailed, but it still maintains a sense of blurry innocence.

[Naturegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story with beautiful illustrations. The story is about a small girl named Hana whose father wa sa tulip merchant at the time when tulips were worth their weight in gold. As time goes on and the trade become less profitable, her father becomes depressed about how their family will be provided for. Hana, being filled iwth love for her father goes out into the tulip field one day and paints a rare tulip blooming there. She brings the painting to her father and says she will provide for them by selling her paintings. THe story ends on a note of hope that everything will work out ok.

[Skedatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gently wonderful read-aloud book with beautiful illustrations that applies to our own times. Who says that history is dead?

Hana is a young girl who doesn't understand about means or markets, but she understands that her father is upset and withdrawn about money troubles. She in her own sweet way reaches out to her father and reminds him what the important things are in life.

It struck a resonant chord with all of the financial upheaval that has been through my family's life. Definitely one that I wouldn't mind adding to our own collection.

[Sandybear76]

This book had great illustrations, which reminded me of the old Dutch masters I saw in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The little girl in this book is worried about her father who is increasingly forgetful as the tulip market goes crazy around him. A family friend is Rembrant. the little girl has a painting of Rembrant's near her bed and uses that painting to help her father through his own money crisis.

[Ubalstecha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated story about the Netherlands in the time of the tulipmania. The story is told from the point of view of a little girl who's father is a tulip dealer. While the story is simple, the illustrations are reminiscent of the Dutch masters of the time. A nice book to explain what happened in the Netherlands (and the world) at the time. Also good as an example of the boom and bust cycle.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie and mom rates 4 stars, Jacob 2 stars.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's funny how sometimes you know nothing of a topic and then all of a sudden you are made aware of it repeatedly in a short amount of time. Recently my daughter and I read about "tulipomania" in Holland in World History, then it was covered by an informative youtuber we follow, now in Hana in the Time of the Tulips; which I got from the library because we are covering Rembrandt in art history.

I found the story to be strange yet touching, i'm sure beautifully conveying the concern over the loss of this bizarre new currency that has baffled economists ever since.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Choppy and mismatched is how I'd characterize this picture book. The illustrations were lavish and very fluttery, like Rembrandt (who is actually featured within). But the language is stilted and unnatural. Definitely not child-centric. I couldn't figure out the intended audience - and worse, with a depressing storyline that used tulipomania as the vehicle to impart child neglect, impending financial ruin, and familial breakdowns - I couldn't figure out what the purpose was. No resolution, no solid reasoning, just a meandering plot told by a precocious child who deserves better. Strange.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Younger readers with no background knowledge of Tulip Mania in 1637 Holland may be a bit confused by Hana's father's behavior but can empathize with her feeling as he is changing toward her. They may not know who Rembrandt is either, but when they find out I think they will appreciate the illustrations all the better.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a lot of Dutch and Flemish painters from this time period and I find tulipmania fascinating, however I'm not sure how interesting this book would be to children. I don't think they would understand the economical implications of a market crash, but they might relate to wanting to cheer up a parent.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heartwarming story of father-daughter love, set during an historical period few people know much about (tulip mania? Who knew?). The story has a strong, timeless feel to it, and the artwork is of the highest degree.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the art and the peek into Rembrandt’s life as a friend. Also enjoyed learning about Tulipomania from the back matter. I knew the Dutch were proud of their bulbs but did not know about this economic period in history.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a few new things about the tulip craze period but overall it was a sad book. A daughter progressively loses her father's attention and feels the weight of trying to bring him back. A lot of the pictures were dark, as in black, in shadow, not heavy.

[Karen Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

historical picture book

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story between father and daughter. Rembrandt as a cameo. I love the nature remedy for ailments : rosemary, fireflies and daisy.

[Sherry Hession · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture book that details Tulipmania that took place from 1634-37 in Holland through the eyes of a young girl watching how it has affected her loving father.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age: 4th grade
Media: Ink & oil?
Illustration Style: imitation of Dutch masters (Rembrandt), softened edges (to emulate child's point of view), darker paintings, focus on people

With an advanced storyline and darker pictures, this book is made to be read to an older audience that may be interested in older settings. Taking place in the 17th century, 5-year-old Hana shares a particularly fond relationship with her father. When he becomes wrapped up in Holland's tulipomania, his genuine affection towards his daughter dwindles. Hana, as his "Renowned Physician," sets out to find a cure, asking the people in her life. In the end, she decides to paint him tulips which allows her father to see his daughter's loving concern.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations which are oil paintings in the style of the old masters of the 1600s are wonderful and the theme of tulipmania is a topic of interest to me. For those reasons I would give this title four stars.
The fact that this title is a picture book I rate it with two stars as I do not think the theme of tulipmania and the dark paintings will appeal to children. The theme of the young girl attempting to cheer her father would appeal to young children, but portrayed against the backdrop of tulipmania I feel makes this title rather inaccessible to children.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of the 17th century tulip craze in Holland told from the eyes of a child. Rembrandt himself makes an appearance. And he makes the connection of the flowers and the paintings and the characters in the book wonderfully.

Beautiful, beautiful illustrations that look like classic oil paintings themselves.

Very similar book, in the way of title and being told by a young person witnessing the tulip craze, as Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister.

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luxurious illustrations and enchanting text paint poignant images of a father consumed by an economic craze and the overlooked daughter who quietly cares for him.

You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the tender relationship between Hana and her father, as well as Hana's curiosity in seeking answers from the adults all around her. Also, the author's note at the end of the book is interesting: "...paid for bulbs with paintings valued today as masterpieces", etc..

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the illustrations were wonderful. I didn't enjoy the book as much. I did like the history lesson at the end (Author's note). I lost Jeremiah's interest.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set at the time of the tulip crash in Holland. Active protagonist, gorgeous illustrations.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pictures reminiscent of Rembrandt. Sweet story of love between a parent and child.