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Bloom
A beautifully written, incredibly original and wickedly funny novel for readers of 10 and older – BLOOM is for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, and for anyone who has ever wanted a little more colour and wildness in their lives…
Sorrel Fallowfield is growing up – in a REALLY surprising way…
Sorrel Fallowfield is so good at being good that teachers come to her when they need help remembering the school rules – and there are LOTS.
Luckily, Sorrel doesn’t have any trouble following them, until the day she discovers a faded packet of Surprising Seeds buried under a tree in her backyard.
Now she’s hearing voices, seeing things, experiencing an almost unstoppable urge to plant the Seeds in some very unusual places… and completely failing to win her school’s competition to find The Most Obedient Child of the School.
And all that’s before flowers start growing out of her head…
Sorrel Fallowfield is growing up – in a REALLY surprising way…
Sorrel Fallowfield is so good at being good that teachers come to her when they need help remembering the school rules – and there are LOTS.
Luckily, Sorrel doesn’t have any trouble following them, until the day she discovers a faded packet of Surprising Seeds buried under a tree in her backyard.
Now she’s hearing voices, seeing things, experiencing an almost unstoppable urge to plant the Seeds in some very unusual places… and completely failing to win her school’s competition to find The Most Obedient Child of the School.
And all that’s before flowers start growing out of her head…
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2019
60 people are currently reading
2651 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Skinner
6 books105 followersI started my writing career aged nine when my mum gave me a WHSmith diary and from then on I was hooked. I decided that the only thing worth doing in my life was writing and that one day, very soon, I'd write books.
I studied English Literature and Film and Television Studies at Glasgow University. I still think back with amazement that I got part of my degree by watching films. Seriously, what a gig. I once wrote an entire essay about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk. Those were the days.
After graduating, I worked in loads of different jobs, from barwork to copywriting, and as time went on, I'd wonder - when was that book-writing going to happen? It had been three decades. I mean, come on. Oh, and also, when was someone going to ask me about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk?
Then in the summer of 2015, when my four year old daughter blew a dandelion at my head , I had a sudden idea for a story that I couldn't stop thinking about. And that was Bloom.
Writers that have influenced me include: Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Sue Townsend, Helen Fielding, Louise Fitzhugh and Frank Cottrell Boyce, with a special nod to Jim Davis (creator of 'Garfield'.)
I studied English Literature and Film and Television Studies at Glasgow University. I still think back with amazement that I got part of my degree by watching films. Seriously, what a gig. I once wrote an entire essay about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk. Those were the days.
After graduating, I worked in loads of different jobs, from barwork to copywriting, and as time went on, I'd wonder - when was that book-writing going to happen? It had been three decades. I mean, come on. Oh, and also, when was someone going to ask me about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk?
Then in the summer of 2015, when my four year old daughter blew a dandelion at my head , I had a sudden idea for a story that I couldn't stop thinking about. And that was Bloom.
Writers that have influenced me include: Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Sue Townsend, Helen Fielding, Louise Fitzhugh and Frank Cottrell Boyce, with a special nod to Jim Davis (creator of 'Garfield'.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
March 2, 2021
This book was a fantastic read! The story was definitely unique. I loved the humor, from the headmaster's nostrils to the gale whipping your hair around comparable to a hairdresser trying out a new hairdryer. I loved the author's way with words. The characters were well developed and it made you love some and dislike others. Sid was such a sweet person and his comment about needing friends. I loved the cover and it helped me to easily imagine as the sprouts started happening within the story.
This book started out with a warning from Sorrel about a potential infection readers may get for holding this book. Then the story began, told in the first person point of view, following Sorrel, 11. She's a good student and rules abiding and her school is not short on rules. She made her mom's life easy by doing what she's told. In school, she's known as Good Girl Sorrel, but some mean girl changed it to Suck-up Sorrel. The school hosted a competition on who will be the most obedient child and Sorrel knew she could easily won it since she's Head of Year twice but from her encounter with the mysterious package of seeds in her backyard, she's been losing her strides. She forgot to iron her clothes before school and that never happened. She couldn't tell her mom what's going on with her but luckily she has her best friend Neena to experience it with. There are illustrations popped up in various pages of the book and it tickled me every time. I loved it!
Bloom was very well written and a fast paced read! Gardening is cool in this new light and I liked how Neena embraced it all. The diversity in this book was appreciated. I loved the atmosphere of a family owned store so I'm motivated to look up some to visit next. The countryside with rivers and wildlife sounds wonderful and I can't wait to visit one. I didn't realize I am surrounded by concrete most of the times. I love a happy ending and I'm glad this story has one. I highly recommend everyone to read this book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This book started out with a warning from Sorrel about a potential infection readers may get for holding this book. Then the story began, told in the first person point of view, following Sorrel, 11. She's a good student and rules abiding and her school is not short on rules. She made her mom's life easy by doing what she's told. In school, she's known as Good Girl Sorrel, but some mean girl changed it to Suck-up Sorrel. The school hosted a competition on who will be the most obedient child and Sorrel knew she could easily won it since she's Head of Year twice but from her encounter with the mysterious package of seeds in her backyard, she's been losing her strides. She forgot to iron her clothes before school and that never happened. She couldn't tell her mom what's going on with her but luckily she has her best friend Neena to experience it with. There are illustrations popped up in various pages of the book and it tickled me every time. I loved it!
Bloom was very well written and a fast paced read! Gardening is cool in this new light and I liked how Neena embraced it all. The diversity in this book was appreciated. I loved the atmosphere of a family owned store so I'm motivated to look up some to visit next. The countryside with rivers and wildlife sounds wonderful and I can't wait to visit one. I didn't realize I am surrounded by concrete most of the times. I love a happy ending and I'm glad this story has one. I highly recommend everyone to read this book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
March 26, 2023
This is a Middle Grade. This book is slow to get started, but when you get into the book you will not want to put in down. This book is fill with Magical Realism. I loved the characters in this book, and I love that this book as a lot about plants. I have to say this middle is good for older kids. I would say 6st grade and up. I only say that because some of the magical realism parts will take being older to totally understand the meaning behind it. I really loved the ending of this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (HarperCollins Children's Books) or author (Nicola Skinner) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
March 4, 2021
Does your life seem to be all in grey tones? Do you feel stifled? Malnourished? Pale and sickly? Sorrel Fallowfield has just the seeds for you. As she begins Year 6, 11-year-old Sorrel is confident in her rule-following ways. After all, the school motto is May obedience shape you. May conformity mold you. May rules polish you. The principal, Mr. Grittysnit, has announced a new contest for the most obedient child and Sorrel is certain the vacation prize is just what she and her mother need. Then she stumbles upon the Surprising Seeds. They promise to give her just what she needs. But is that the same as what she wants? Once the seeds sprout -- on her head -- and spread through the school and beyond, Sorrel has to make a decision. Her best friend Neena has been meticulously documenting their experiment in her lab notebook. Sorrel is sure that the notes should remain a secret. What will happen when she is forced to accept responsibility? Will the cure that the local developer has developed really be what is best for a town that was once known as Little Cherrybliss? Told in a 'tongue-in-cheek' manner reminiscent of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket, this new release will remind you to think outside the box and get back to nature.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2019
Urgh this book! I loooooved it. We need more books and more stories like this in this concrete world! Also its a supergorgeous layout on this book!
March 19, 2021
This story is shared with a sense of adventure and fun, while tackling some more serious themes which range from nature, the environment to friendship, bullying, media lies along with sensationalizing stories, and more. It follows the story of a young girl named Sorrel Fallowfield who lives in a town where there is more concrete than nature, and the school is hell bent on plowing down the field the children have used for games and play, with plans for more concrete to cover that ground.
Sorrel is determined to win a school contest so that she can take her Mum on a vacation to Portugal. A contest that seems custom made for her to win. She’s always been good at school and ...good at home, and always listens and does what she’s been told to do. And she was good, a good student with stacks of certificates in shoeboxes to prove it. Even her nickname at school was Good Girl Sorrel. At home she would unwind by cleaning up the kitchen, getting her school shoes cleaned and ready for the next day, and making sure her homework was done.
Until the day she finds the ”Surprising Seeds in her backyard, seeds with their own story, and agenda. Not knowing anything about growing anything from seed, Sorrel and her best friend Neena go in search of help, and find it in an old ramshackle garden centre that has seen better days. It’s there that she finds some assistance for her garden from Sid Strangeways. Sid even sells her a trowel that had belonged to his great-great-great grandmother Agatha Strangeways, but despite Sorrel and Neena’s best attempts, the garden doesn’t grow as planned. It grows… just not exactly how - or where - she’d intended.
Filled with humour, adventure, magic and charm this is perfect for middle school readers, tackling more serious issues like bullying, the environment and more, making this a story which can also be enjoyed by all ages.
Published 16 Mar 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Harper360 / HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
#Bloom #NetGalley
June 20, 2020
This has been on my Tbr pile for a while now but I'm glad i didn't read it until now!
This was a perfect book for what we are going through now In so many ways.
Sorrells seed sprinkling results in many children sporting wonderful flowers growing out their heads and the village being on quarantine.
" quarantine is really cruel, send out children back to school "
With people wearing shower caps to prevent Infection, the hand sanitizer coming out, and everyone pointing the finger at who is to blame for the outbreak while desperate for a cure to the point of pouring cement on their heads .
It was a fun and thought provoking story that I thoroughly enjoyed .
This was a perfect book for what we are going through now In so many ways.
Sorrells seed sprinkling results in many children sporting wonderful flowers growing out their heads and the village being on quarantine.
" quarantine is really cruel, send out children back to school "
With people wearing shower caps to prevent Infection, the hand sanitizer coming out, and everyone pointing the finger at who is to blame for the outbreak while desperate for a cure to the point of pouring cement on their heads .
It was a fun and thought provoking story that I thoroughly enjoyed .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2020
This was lovely and lots of fun. Made me wanna have lots of house plants, a green roof, and a green balcony. I think it's perfect for when you're in the mood for something light and summery :)
December 28, 2018
What a fabulous read this book is. A lovely story showing how important it is to keep green spaces and to let children be children. I sincerely hope the publishers are planning to add a few little black seeds to this book. (That'll make sense once you read it, I promise.)
A brilliant read. Buy this one for everyone you know.
I received a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mum picked me up five minutes later.
'Good day?' she asked.
'Not bad. You?'
'It was ok,' she said. 'I had a meeting with my boss. I had this great idea for a new range of pizzas, with fresher ingredients. I even suggested a few of my own recipes, things I'd been experimenting with at home.'
'And?'
'Oh, you know, the usual response. She'd think about it. Then she told me to go clean a gunked up tube that was clogged with processed cheese.' Mum stared at the pavement.
'Cool, Mum!' I said, squeezing her hand. 'If she's thinking about it, that's a good thing, isn't it?'
She bit her lip, then gave me a grin. 'Must be,' she said. 'You never know. Oh, and guess what? I found someone who can fix the patio. He's coming tomorrow, with a fresh load of concrete.'
It was just what I needed to hear. Perhaps things could finally get back to normal.
A brilliant read. Buy this one for everyone you know.
I received a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mum picked me up five minutes later.
'Good day?' she asked.
'Not bad. You?'
'It was ok,' she said. 'I had a meeting with my boss. I had this great idea for a new range of pizzas, with fresher ingredients. I even suggested a few of my own recipes, things I'd been experimenting with at home.'
'And?'
'Oh, you know, the usual response. She'd think about it. Then she told me to go clean a gunked up tube that was clogged with processed cheese.' Mum stared at the pavement.
'Cool, Mum!' I said, squeezing her hand. 'If she's thinking about it, that's a good thing, isn't it?'
She bit her lip, then gave me a grin. 'Must be,' she said. 'You never know. Oh, and guess what? I found someone who can fix the patio. He's coming tomorrow, with a fresh load of concrete.'
It was just what I needed to hear. Perhaps things could finally get back to normal.
December 3, 2019
Huhu ihr Lieben! Es ist heute absolut graues Wetter und um ein bisschen Farbe in diesen Freitag den 13. zu bringen, möchte ich euch gern das Buch "Agatha Merkwürdens Racheblumen" von Nicole Skinner vorstellen! >>Es wird bunt und wild und wunderbar!<<
...Und das trifft auf alle Fälle zu! Denn im Buch „Agatha Merkwürdens Racheblumen“ von Nicola Skinner ist rund um die junge Melissa jede Menge los! Melissa's Heimatstadt ist betongrau und ordentlich. Für alles gibt es Regeln und Melissa ist sozusagen ein Ass darin all diese Regeln zu befolgen. Doch es kommt wie es kommen muss, das letzte grüne Plätzchen soll ebenfalls einbetoniert werden und dann tauchen plötzlich diese eigenwilligen Blumensamen auf... Melissa hört plötzlich Stimmen und der Drang die seltsamen Blumensamen auszusähen wird immer größer! Doch diese suchen sich ihren ganz eigenen Weg und schon ist man mittendrin in einer abenteuerlichen, magischen und humorvollen Geschichte die zeigt, wie wichtig Pflanzen und das grün um uns herum ist. Sie zeigt, wie lobenswert es ist Regeln zu befolgen und wie wichtig es dennoch ist für sich selbst einzustehen und dafür eben auch mal Regeln zu brechen.
Das Buch richtet sich an Kinder ab 10 Jahre, das würde ich so absolut unterstreichen und bietet neben den abenteuerlichen, magischen und blumigen Dingen eben auch wichtige Denkanstöße.
Fazit: Mir hat das Buch wirklich gut gefallen, es lies sich leicht und locker lesen und konnte mich absolut für sich gewinnen!
...Und das trifft auf alle Fälle zu! Denn im Buch „Agatha Merkwürdens Racheblumen“ von Nicola Skinner ist rund um die junge Melissa jede Menge los! Melissa's Heimatstadt ist betongrau und ordentlich. Für alles gibt es Regeln und Melissa ist sozusagen ein Ass darin all diese Regeln zu befolgen. Doch es kommt wie es kommen muss, das letzte grüne Plätzchen soll ebenfalls einbetoniert werden und dann tauchen plötzlich diese eigenwilligen Blumensamen auf... Melissa hört plötzlich Stimmen und der Drang die seltsamen Blumensamen auszusähen wird immer größer! Doch diese suchen sich ihren ganz eigenen Weg und schon ist man mittendrin in einer abenteuerlichen, magischen und humorvollen Geschichte die zeigt, wie wichtig Pflanzen und das grün um uns herum ist. Sie zeigt, wie lobenswert es ist Regeln zu befolgen und wie wichtig es dennoch ist für sich selbst einzustehen und dafür eben auch mal Regeln zu brechen.
Das Buch richtet sich an Kinder ab 10 Jahre, das würde ich so absolut unterstreichen und bietet neben den abenteuerlichen, magischen und blumigen Dingen eben auch wichtige Denkanstöße.
Fazit: Mir hat das Buch wirklich gut gefallen, es lies sich leicht und locker lesen und konnte mich absolut für sich gewinnen!
August 13, 2019
Bloem is een prachtig verhaal. De hoofdpersoon Bloem vertelt je wat er is gebeurd in het stadje Betondeugd. Door haar is er namelijk een ramp geweest. Bloem heeft zaadjes gevonden en die plant ze. Wat er daarna gebeurt, kan niemand geloven.
Het verhaal wordt opgebouwd, alle personages leer je eerst kennen, voordat de ramp komt. Zodra de ramp is gebeurd, wordt duidelijk wie echt vrienden zijn en wie je maar beter niet in de buurt kunt hebben. In het verhaal zit ook een boodschap verstopt. Planten en bloemen zijn belangrijk voor onze planeet. Een oude legende in het boek leert de lezer wat belangrijk is, niet alleen voor de aarde, maar ook waar je gelukkig van wordt.
Bloem is een verhaal met een boodschap. De brave Bloem kan daarnaast herkend worden door vele kinderen, maar wanneer ze zich niet meer aan de regels houdt, zijn er ook weer herkenbare punten. Ik denk dat dit boek ook erg leuk is om samen te lezen, zodat je kunt praten over het verhaal. Dit debuut van Nicola Skinner is een aanrader!
Ik heb Bloem als recensie-exemplaar gekregen van Harper Collins.
Het verhaal wordt opgebouwd, alle personages leer je eerst kennen, voordat de ramp komt. Zodra de ramp is gebeurd, wordt duidelijk wie echt vrienden zijn en wie je maar beter niet in de buurt kunt hebben. In het verhaal zit ook een boodschap verstopt. Planten en bloemen zijn belangrijk voor onze planeet. Een oude legende in het boek leert de lezer wat belangrijk is, niet alleen voor de aarde, maar ook waar je gelukkig van wordt.
Bloem is een verhaal met een boodschap. De brave Bloem kan daarnaast herkend worden door vele kinderen, maar wanneer ze zich niet meer aan de regels houdt, zijn er ook weer herkenbare punten. Ik denk dat dit boek ook erg leuk is om samen te lezen, zodat je kunt praten over het verhaal. Dit debuut van Nicola Skinner is een aanrader!
Ik heb Bloem als recensie-exemplaar gekregen van Harper Collins.
November 29, 2019
A lovely written book about nature, about magic, and about finding who you are.
I read this book in Dutch but I want to write a review in English. I will be using the Dutch names though, as I have no clue what the characters English names are. I started this one yesterday evening before I went to sleep, and then, since my ear hurt like hell (I got a helix piercing yesterday) I couldn't sleep and decided to continue reading this book. Cue about 1 1/2 - 2 hours later and I was finished. I was done! What a book!
I want to write a good/not so good review as my ear still hurts and I am tired as hell.
Good:
-The Woekerkoppen or gardenheads. I wouldn't mind a garden on my head though. I wonder what kind of plants or garden would grow on my head. Since each person gets their own that fits their personality which had me delighted and laughing. How perfect that it matched people so wonderfully, even though some may want to deny their rotten nature. :P
-The curse was quite interesting and while it brought chaos (more on that later), it also brought unity and a chance for a better future.
-I loved how the illustrations started with just small strands of plants and then BOOM, burst into full bloom. It really looked like the book came to life, and I was delighted that they added this.
-Neena. While she was a bit too much the opposite of Bloem, I just adored her and how she wasn't agreeing with the things Mr. Grittelsnert did and how she tried to stand up for her (and her schoolmates) rights. Plus, I just love an inventor (albeit she is a bit of the crazy sort).
-The ending made me smile so much.
-I loved seeing the symptoms of the seeds. How it started with needing darkness and sleep, then water, then light, and so on until things bloomed. Dear Lord though, I don't want to know how much it hurt to have things bloomed out of your head. But I guess it is worth it.
-The way it all spread and the chaos that brought. First it was just 3 people, but quickly it became more and more. Yay for seeds. I had a laugh at the chaos that happened though.
-Sid! At first he was a bit of a grumpy/strange old man, but I loved how he stood his ground and stayed where he was despite getting into trouble with Valentini who wanted the land. Go Sid, go!
-The story of Agatha. Poor woman. :(
-Bloem, and she will be back in the not so good part as well. At times I quite liked her and how she was discovering there was more to life than rules and being a stuck-up. She was quite brave at times, and I just adored how much she loved her mom and tried to be there for her.
-Bloem's plan at the end, oh my how sneaky!
-The cover!
-The fourth wall breaking at some points in this book. It is one of those things that I just adore when it pops up in books. The MC (or a narrator) talking directly to the reader. Warning them, telling them things, making sure they are on the same page.
Not so good:
-How so many people spelled Bloem's name wrong. Instead of Bloem they used Blom. At times I thought it was a mistake on the author's behalf as it kept happening.
-That Bloem betrayed Neena for a point. What the hell? This is your best friend. And I get you are all drooly and OMG OMG rules, but friendship should trump that all.
-Bloem was quite boring at times. I am glad that eventually she let loose a bit more, but for most of the time... she was a bit stuck-up and OMG rules are life, rules are oxygen. I get that she was doing it for her mom, but I already had a feeling mom just wanted her kid to be happy, but that it wasn't making her happy per se. I won't tell you if my feeling was true or not, you will have to read.
-Why is this guy (Mr. Grittelsnert) a principal? He is just the worst. Setting up kids against each other, caring more about exams and tests instead of happiness.
-Who the hell takes a report on the situation to the school when everyone is having a witchhunt on the whodunnit? I am sorry, but that was just the most stupid thing ever and I don't get why it was added.
-Chrissie. I just don't like bullies, and she was just the worst.
-The witchhunt for the one who had anything to do with the Woekerkop/garden heads. That was just a bit over the top and I was actually thinking how hurtful it was to do all that to an eleven year old. Yes, she unleashed something that wasn't really OK, but to just do all that? No. People were overly rude and hurtful.
While I am happy with what kind of illustrations we got, they really gave the book something extra, I would have liked other illustrations as well.
So as you can see good and not so goods! Normally with such a balanced good/not so good I would have rated it a bit lower (more like a 3 star), but the writing style (and the translation) was just so nice and it just flowed well. I just couldn't stop reading, had to know what would happen to the seeds, and then had to find out how it all would end. It is definitely a book one cannot put down once they start, and that is why I am rating it higher. I would definitely recommend it to all in need for a fun book about magic, friendship, and tons and tons of nature, oh and a couple of baddies to conquer and show them that they were wrong.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I read this book in Dutch but I want to write a review in English. I will be using the Dutch names though, as I have no clue what the characters English names are. I started this one yesterday evening before I went to sleep, and then, since my ear hurt like hell (I got a helix piercing yesterday) I couldn't sleep and decided to continue reading this book. Cue about 1 1/2 - 2 hours later and I was finished. I was done! What a book!
I want to write a good/not so good review as my ear still hurts and I am tired as hell.
Good:
-The Woekerkoppen or gardenheads. I wouldn't mind a garden on my head though. I wonder what kind of plants or garden would grow on my head. Since each person gets their own that fits their personality which had me delighted and laughing. How perfect that it matched people so wonderfully, even though some may want to deny their rotten nature. :P
-The curse was quite interesting and while it brought chaos (more on that later), it also brought unity and a chance for a better future.
-I loved how the illustrations started with just small strands of plants and then BOOM, burst into full bloom. It really looked like the book came to life, and I was delighted that they added this.
-Neena. While she was a bit too much the opposite of Bloem, I just adored her and how she wasn't agreeing with the things Mr. Grittelsnert did and how she tried to stand up for her (and her schoolmates) rights. Plus, I just love an inventor (albeit she is a bit of the crazy sort).
-The ending made me smile so much.
-I loved seeing the symptoms of the seeds. How it started with needing darkness and sleep, then water, then light, and so on until things bloomed. Dear Lord though, I don't want to know how much it hurt to have things bloomed out of your head. But I guess it is worth it.
-The way it all spread and the chaos that brought. First it was just 3 people, but quickly it became more and more. Yay for seeds. I had a laugh at the chaos that happened though.
-Sid! At first he was a bit of a grumpy/strange old man, but I loved how he stood his ground and stayed where he was despite getting into trouble with Valentini who wanted the land. Go Sid, go!
-The story of Agatha. Poor woman. :(
-Bloem, and she will be back in the not so good part as well. At times I quite liked her and how she was discovering there was more to life than rules and being a stuck-up. She was quite brave at times, and I just adored how much she loved her mom and tried to be there for her.
-Bloem's plan at the end, oh my how sneaky!
-The cover!
-The fourth wall breaking at some points in this book. It is one of those things that I just adore when it pops up in books. The MC (or a narrator) talking directly to the reader. Warning them, telling them things, making sure they are on the same page.
Not so good:
-How so many people spelled Bloem's name wrong. Instead of Bloem they used Blom. At times I thought it was a mistake on the author's behalf as it kept happening.
-That Bloem betrayed Neena for a point. What the hell? This is your best friend. And I get you are all drooly and OMG OMG rules, but friendship should trump that all.
-Bloem was quite boring at times. I am glad that eventually she let loose a bit more, but for most of the time... she was a bit stuck-up and OMG rules are life, rules are oxygen. I get that she was doing it for her mom, but I already had a feeling mom just wanted her kid to be happy, but that it wasn't making her happy per se. I won't tell you if my feeling was true or not, you will have to read.
-Why is this guy (Mr. Grittelsnert) a principal? He is just the worst. Setting up kids against each other, caring more about exams and tests instead of happiness.
-Who the hell takes a report on the situation to the school when everyone is having a witchhunt on the whodunnit? I am sorry, but that was just the most stupid thing ever and I don't get why it was added.
-Chrissie. I just don't like bullies, and she was just the worst.
-The witchhunt for the one who had anything to do with the Woekerkop/garden heads. That was just a bit over the top and I was actually thinking how hurtful it was to do all that to an eleven year old. Yes, she unleashed something that wasn't really OK, but to just do all that? No. People were overly rude and hurtful.
While I am happy with what kind of illustrations we got, they really gave the book something extra, I would have liked other illustrations as well.
So as you can see good and not so goods! Normally with such a balanced good/not so good I would have rated it a bit lower (more like a 3 star), but the writing style (and the translation) was just so nice and it just flowed well. I just couldn't stop reading, had to know what would happen to the seeds, and then had to find out how it all would end. It is definitely a book one cannot put down once they start, and that is why I am rating it higher. I would definitely recommend it to all in need for a fun book about magic, friendship, and tons and tons of nature, oh and a couple of baddies to conquer and show them that they were wrong.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
April 14, 2024
Ein sehr schön gestaltetes Kinderbuch. Die Geschichte war auch sehr originell und auch wenn es nicht durchgehend spannend ist, hält es das Interesse durch eine sympathische Grundidee aufrecht. 😊
May 4, 2019
An entertaining, environmentally orientated story aimed at children from ten years onwards, the important themes it explores come across effectively, resonating with the reader.
The plot is complex, filled with messages about the importance of green spaces, not building on the green belt land we have, the power of corporations, and the damage they can do. On a more individual level, there is an exploration of friendship, and its importance, and how it has to be nurtured to survive. Diversity is also a theme, as is the importance of family, however, it exists.
The need to be different and speak out, rather than saying nothing just to fit in, is perhaps the most dominant theme of this story, and in a world where the young often feel powerless this is a theme worth promoting.
The beauty of this book is that it delivers its messages in the guise of a magical story, with complex characters who demand a reaction from the reader. Sorrel is easy to empathise and admire, whilst the controlling, blinkered headmaster has little to recommend him. Full of vivid imagery, you can easily imagine the setting and action, which is vital in any book.
Perfectly pitched for the age group, and also enjoyable as an adult read, this is a must-read.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins Children's Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is complex, filled with messages about the importance of green spaces, not building on the green belt land we have, the power of corporations, and the damage they can do. On a more individual level, there is an exploration of friendship, and its importance, and how it has to be nurtured to survive. Diversity is also a theme, as is the importance of family, however, it exists.
The need to be different and speak out, rather than saying nothing just to fit in, is perhaps the most dominant theme of this story, and in a world where the young often feel powerless this is a theme worth promoting.
The beauty of this book is that it delivers its messages in the guise of a magical story, with complex characters who demand a reaction from the reader. Sorrel is easy to empathise and admire, whilst the controlling, blinkered headmaster has little to recommend him. Full of vivid imagery, you can easily imagine the setting and action, which is vital in any book.
Perfectly pitched for the age group, and also enjoyable as an adult read, this is a must-read.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins Children's Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
did-not-finish
March 17, 2020DNF at 60%
I’ve been ‘reading’ this for over a month. I don’t think I’m going to pick it back up at this point.
I’ve been ‘reading’ this for over a month. I don’t think I’m going to pick it back up at this point.
February 19, 2023
⭐️: 5 / 5
Estoy totalmente segura que este libro va dirigido a un público infantil porque asi es este libro; infantil.
Pero es hermoso, una lectura divertida, no tienen idea la cantidad de veces que me reí con este libro.
Iris es una niña que piensa que su mamá es feliz con su trabajo y con ver todos sus logros solo por ser una niña obediente, un concurso de obediencia se anuncia en su escuela, el o la ganadora se iría a Portugal con su mamá con todo pagado, iris lo toma como pan comido pero a la salida de la escuela y en el patio de su casa, a lado del viejo sauce se encuentra un paquete de semillas mágicas que prometen cumplir todos sus deseos, lo que no esperaba era que esas semillas harían de todo menos cumplir sus deseos.
Ay, este libro merece mucho más reconocimiento, la disfrute mucho, 100% recomendado. 💚
Estoy totalmente segura que este libro va dirigido a un público infantil porque asi es este libro; infantil.
Pero es hermoso, una lectura divertida, no tienen idea la cantidad de veces que me reí con este libro.
Iris es una niña que piensa que su mamá es feliz con su trabajo y con ver todos sus logros solo por ser una niña obediente, un concurso de obediencia se anuncia en su escuela, el o la ganadora se iría a Portugal con su mamá con todo pagado, iris lo toma como pan comido pero a la salida de la escuela y en el patio de su casa, a lado del viejo sauce se encuentra un paquete de semillas mágicas que prometen cumplir todos sus deseos, lo que no esperaba era que esas semillas harían de todo menos cumplir sus deseos.
Ay, este libro merece mucho más reconocimiento, la disfrute mucho, 100% recomendado. 💚
July 26, 2020
Unexpectedly relevant both ecologically and for the current pandemic. Beautifully hopeful and humorous. Think the precociousness of Matilda mixed with the humour of Tiffany Aching. 'Bloom' is a children's classic in the making, with a message to ignite a generation. Absolutely blown away.
August 3, 2019
Niks zo leuk als de lokale boekwinkel, Roojboek in Venray, binnenspringen om een nieuw recensieboek op te mogen halen. Ik had dit boek nog niet langs zien komen, maar de achterflap klonk al veelbelovend en de cover zag er heerlijk kleurrijk uit. En aangezien ik momenteel in het ritme van een boek per dag zit, kon ik vanochtend gelijk aan dit boek beginnen.
En wat een ongelooflijk tof boek is dit! Het boek is overduidelijk een kinderboek, geschikt om voor te lezen aan de allerkleinsten, maar ook leuk voor oudere kinderen om zelf te lezen en zelfs leuk voor de ouders. Het boek kenmerkt zich door lekker grote letters en een hele vlotte schrijfstijl. Vooral de vertelstem van Bloem, waarbij ze commentaar geeft op haar eigen gedrag en de gebeurtenissen, is heel leuk en zit vol met humor.
In het boek wordt ook een hele leuke sfeer geschapen. Ik zie al helemaal voor me hoe ouders 's avonds, samen met de kinderen, voor de spiegel staan om te kijken of er al planten uit hun hoofd beginnen te groeien. Door het boek met een serieuze waarschuwing hiervoor te beginnen, is de toon eigenlijk meteen gezet en daardoor werd ik alleen maar nog nieuwsgieriger naar het verhaal.
Het verhaal is een spannend avontuur. Door de inleiding weten we natuurlijk al dat er iets spannends gaat gebeuren, maar de schrijfster vergeet niet om ons eerst kennis te laten maken met het stadje, de mensen die er wonen, hoe deze mensen zich gedragen en welke normen en waarden ze hebben. En pas als de context goed is neergezet, dan wordt het plot in beweging gezet als een bal die steeds sneller en sneller gaat rollen.
Daarnaast zit er, zonder het er duimendik bovenop te leggen, een hele mooie boodschap in dit verhaal verborgen. Het boek barst van de liefde voor de natuur, voor planten en bloemen en dieren. Het is een ode aan de groene parken en de bossen, aan de rivieren en aan de frisse lucht en de stralende lentezon. En het is ook vooral een geheugensteuntje voor ons: Als we zorgen voor de natuur en de planten en de bomen, als we hen onze liefde geven, dan worden wij daar ook gelukkiger van. Want net als planten hebben mensen ook frisse lucht en zonlicht en genoeg slaap nodig.
En goede verhalen. En dit is er daar zeker één van!
En wat een ongelooflijk tof boek is dit! Het boek is overduidelijk een kinderboek, geschikt om voor te lezen aan de allerkleinsten, maar ook leuk voor oudere kinderen om zelf te lezen en zelfs leuk voor de ouders. Het boek kenmerkt zich door lekker grote letters en een hele vlotte schrijfstijl. Vooral de vertelstem van Bloem, waarbij ze commentaar geeft op haar eigen gedrag en de gebeurtenissen, is heel leuk en zit vol met humor.
In het boek wordt ook een hele leuke sfeer geschapen. Ik zie al helemaal voor me hoe ouders 's avonds, samen met de kinderen, voor de spiegel staan om te kijken of er al planten uit hun hoofd beginnen te groeien. Door het boek met een serieuze waarschuwing hiervoor te beginnen, is de toon eigenlijk meteen gezet en daardoor werd ik alleen maar nog nieuwsgieriger naar het verhaal.
Het verhaal is een spannend avontuur. Door de inleiding weten we natuurlijk al dat er iets spannends gaat gebeuren, maar de schrijfster vergeet niet om ons eerst kennis te laten maken met het stadje, de mensen die er wonen, hoe deze mensen zich gedragen en welke normen en waarden ze hebben. En pas als de context goed is neergezet, dan wordt het plot in beweging gezet als een bal die steeds sneller en sneller gaat rollen.
Daarnaast zit er, zonder het er duimendik bovenop te leggen, een hele mooie boodschap in dit verhaal verborgen. Het boek barst van de liefde voor de natuur, voor planten en bloemen en dieren. Het is een ode aan de groene parken en de bossen, aan de rivieren en aan de frisse lucht en de stralende lentezon. En het is ook vooral een geheugensteuntje voor ons: Als we zorgen voor de natuur en de planten en de bomen, als we hen onze liefde geven, dan worden wij daar ook gelukkiger van. Want net als planten hebben mensen ook frisse lucht en zonlicht en genoeg slaap nodig.
En goede verhalen. En dit is er daar zeker één van!
October 23, 2019
Ich kann es gar nicht anders bewerten als mit 5 Sternen. Das Buch sitzt voll mit gesellschaftlichen Problemen und die Autorin hat dafür ausgesprochen viel Fantasie benutzt um dem Ausdruck zu verleihen. Dieses Buch sollte eine Schullektüre sein. Nicht nur das, auch einige Erwachsene könnten sich ruhig mal ein wenig Zeit dafür nehmen
December 21, 2019
Quite fun, but a bit ‘and they all lived happily ever after’ for me
August 31, 2023
If you need colours, life, plants, and a bit of magic, then this book is for you!
-
Sorrel Fallowfield, 11, is good at following the rules at school, and she's certain that she'll win the competition for the most obedient child, and get some vacations in Portugal with her mum.
But all of her hopes completely crash when she discovers in her backyard a packet of Surprising Seeds, meant to give you what you need if you grow them. Turns out, the seeds, that are sprouting out of Sorrel's scalp, make her behave like an very troubled child…! What's wrong with these seeds, then? Weren't they supposed to make Sorrel's life better?
Sorrel and her best friend Neena then realise that the seeds are imbued with the vengeful feelings of Agatha Strangeways, who used to live in their town long ago, when it wasn't covered in concrete and that you could swim in the river running through the forest.
But now it's too late; the seeds are growing on their own, and going from one head to another… spreading like an epidemic.
-
This was such a hilarious and whimsical book, with a very unique story and style. I enjoyed reading this book so much!
The beginning was a bit long, but then once the story really started, it was hard to put down.
I absolutely adored the narrator's humour and more generally, the writing style of the author.
-
The characters are very unique and varied, too. Each of the characters' growth throughout the story is interesting.
Sorrel really wants to be validated by the school's headmaster and is ready to do anything to earn an “Obedience Point”. She also wants to please her mum and make her proud, hence all the good behaviour at school.
It was nice to have such a main character.
Then there's her best friend, Neena, who is absolutely obsessed with science and seems to be the only one to realise there's something off—but, most important, she's the only one who actually stands against it.
-
This book really had a unique vibe to it. It felt to me like an ode to difference, uniqueness, and being yourself—and, of course, to nature, too.
I now really want to grow a headful of tomatoes.
-
Sorrel Fallowfield, 11, is good at following the rules at school, and she's certain that she'll win the competition for the most obedient child, and get some vacations in Portugal with her mum.
But all of her hopes completely crash when she discovers in her backyard a packet of Surprising Seeds, meant to give you what you need if you grow them. Turns out, the seeds, that are sprouting out of Sorrel's scalp, make her behave like an very troubled child…! What's wrong with these seeds, then? Weren't they supposed to make Sorrel's life better?
Sorrel and her best friend Neena then realise that the seeds are imbued with the vengeful feelings of Agatha Strangeways, who used to live in their town long ago, when it wasn't covered in concrete and that you could swim in the river running through the forest.
But now it's too late; the seeds are growing on their own, and going from one head to another… spreading like an epidemic.
-
This was such a hilarious and whimsical book, with a very unique story and style. I enjoyed reading this book so much!
The beginning was a bit long, but then once the story really started, it was hard to put down.
I absolutely adored the narrator's humour and more generally, the writing style of the author.
-
The characters are very unique and varied, too. Each of the characters' growth throughout the story is interesting.
Sorrel really wants to be validated by the school's headmaster and is ready to do anything to earn an “Obedience Point”. She also wants to please her mum and make her proud, hence all the good behaviour at school.
It was nice to have such a main character.
Then there's her best friend, Neena, who is absolutely obsessed with science and seems to be the only one to realise there's something off—but, most important, she's the only one who actually stands against it.
-
This book really had a unique vibe to it. It felt to me like an ode to difference, uniqueness, and being yourself—and, of course, to nature, too.
I now really want to grow a headful of tomatoes.
March 19, 2021
Bloom has a distinctly Roald Dahl-esque feel to it. Nicola Skinner’s quirky, often tongue-in-cheek prose practically flies off the pages. And Flavia Sorrentino’s floral illustrations add an extra dimension that truly benefits the story.
Bloom is one of those books you don’t know you needed to read until you’ve read it. It brings life and lightheartedness, as well as a positive message. It was fun to read to myself, and I can’t wait to read it aloud with my 7-year-old when she’s a bit older (I’d say more advanced 8- and 9-year-olds will get along just fine with this one).
Sorrel is a fascinating character study. Her journey is surprising and delightful. She’s the kind of kid you want to “root” for. The supporting characters are surprisingly well flushed out considering their minor roles.
Bloom is a fast-moving, enjoyable read that will, for many, become a book that gets read multiple times.
Bloom is one of those books you don’t know you needed to read until you’ve read it. It brings life and lightheartedness, as well as a positive message. It was fun to read to myself, and I can’t wait to read it aloud with my 7-year-old when she’s a bit older (I’d say more advanced 8- and 9-year-olds will get along just fine with this one).
Sorrel is a fascinating character study. Her journey is surprising and delightful. She’s the kind of kid you want to “root” for. The supporting characters are surprisingly well flushed out considering their minor roles.
Bloom is a fast-moving, enjoyable read that will, for many, become a book that gets read multiple times.
April 8, 2021
#FirstLine ~ It's not often you open a brand-new book to be told that it's dangerous.
I loved this book so deeply. I loved the setting, as I am from the USA and when books are set in a small town in the UK my heart instantly melts. This book is so very character driven and you will fall in love with all of them, even the evil ones will make you smile. This book is about so many important themes. You will see the value of friendship, standing up for what is right even when it is hard, embracing obstacles and the importance of green spaces. I adored Sorrel so much. She was just a deeply driven young girl, with big dreams that were turned on there axis. She also bloomed in this book from the start to finish and to watch it happen was a sheer delight. I want to devour all the books Skinner has written because this book turned me into a super fan of hers! I HIGHLY recommend this book by a truly gifted storyteller.
I loved this book so deeply. I loved the setting, as I am from the USA and when books are set in a small town in the UK my heart instantly melts. This book is so very character driven and you will fall in love with all of them, even the evil ones will make you smile. This book is about so many important themes. You will see the value of friendship, standing up for what is right even when it is hard, embracing obstacles and the importance of green spaces. I adored Sorrel so much. She was just a deeply driven young girl, with big dreams that were turned on there axis. She also bloomed in this book from the start to finish and to watch it happen was a sheer delight. I want to devour all the books Skinner has written because this book turned me into a super fan of hers! I HIGHLY recommend this book by a truly gifted storyteller.
January 19, 2022
Красиво написана детска книжка за едно момиченце, което открива изненадващо-вълшебни семена и ги засява, но не където трябва - в почвата, а в главите на хората...и кой каквото носи в душата си, това расте и цъфти.
Прекрасно послание за всички, не само за децата; и се чудя защо никое от нашите издателства не е открило тази красота...накрая даже "злият" директор се скрива в болница...в България...😁
Прекрасно послание за всички, не само за децата; и се чудя защо никое от нашите издателства не е открило тази красота...накрая даже "злият" директор се скрива в болница...в България...😁
June 23, 2019
4.5 stars!
July 19, 2019
AMAZING!!!!! Everyone should read this
April 13, 2020
This was a beautiful (and fast) read. Be different, have enough sunlight and rain, and bloom wherever you are.
Everyone needs greenery, rivers and grass.
Everyone needs greenery, rivers and grass.
June 19, 2020
3 Sterne
May 11, 2021
1,5?
Nie wiem, co myśleć. Żadnego pozytywnego bohatera, antywzory na antywzorach, końcowy morał wykoncypowałam sobie tak naprawdę na siłę. Nie wiem, co dziecko mogłoby z niej wyciągnąć...
Nie wiem, co myśleć. Żadnego pozytywnego bohatera, antywzory na antywzorach, końcowy morał wykoncypowałam sobie tak naprawdę na siłę. Nie wiem, co dziecko mogłoby z niej wyciągnąć...
January 17, 2023
When you read this this book you realise that you don't need to be perfect, you don't need to be the best, when you break the rules the world unfolds around you. Unleashing a totally different you.
May 3, 2024
VERY slow start. My friend convinced me it got better so I read till the end but it wasn’t my style. 2 stars 😢
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