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There Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and activist Alice Walker invites readers young and old to see the world—and our place in it—through new eyes in this new edition featuring art from Queenbe Monyei. With beautifully poetic text and joyous illustrations to guide readers through their read, There Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me is an ode to the natural world and our place in it. Celebrating the connections and interconnections between self, nature, and creativity, this gently provocative text opens up the world to a reader, and a reader to our world. From the celebrated author of The Color Purple and other classics comes a beautiful, lyrical picture book for fans of her work of all ages.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Alice Walker
239 books7,207 followersNoted American writer Alice Walker won a Pulitzer Prize for her stance against racism and sexism in such novels as
The Color Purple
(1982).
People awarded this preeminent author of stories, essays, and poetry of the United States. In 1983, this first African woman for fiction also received the national book award. Her other books include The Third Life of Grange Copeland , Meridian , The Temple of My Familiar , and Possessing the Secret of Joy . In public life, Walker worked to address problems of injustice, inequality, and poverty as an activist, teacher, and public intellectual.
People awarded this preeminent author of stories, essays, and poetry of the United States. In 1983, this first African woman for fiction also received the national book award. Her other books include The Third Life of Grange Copeland , Meridian , The Temple of My Familiar , and Possessing the Secret of Joy . In public life, Walker worked to address problems of injustice, inequality, and poverty as an activist, teacher, and public intellectual.
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October 14, 2022I understand the choice to reissue this book and have a Black woman illustrate it, but honestly I like Stefano Vitale's illustrations so much better :(
While Queenbe Monyei's illustrations aim to make it feel more contemporary, Stefano Vitale's illustrations (reminiscent of Mexican and Central American folk art traditions) are so evocative, draw the viewer-reader in, and (I feel) are much more effective at illustrating what the words of the poem are attempting to communicate about interconnectedness.
While Queenbe Monyei's illustrations aim to make it feel more contemporary, Stefano Vitale's illustrations (reminiscent of Mexican and Central American folk art traditions) are so evocative, draw the viewer-reader in, and (I feel) are much more effective at illustrating what the words of the poem are attempting to communicate about interconnectedness.
February 14, 2019
There is nothing better than showing children gorgeous art!
"I think that flower is a sun flower!"
"No, no. I think it's a daisy."
One more hand remains raised: "I think it's a Linnea, because it has pink in it."
The gorgeous art and beautiful poetry made this a book children had to fuss over. Lots of rock, paper, scissors with this book.
"I think that flower is a sun flower!"
"No, no. I think it's a daisy."
One more hand remains raised: "I think it's a Linnea, because it has pink in it."
The gorgeous art and beautiful poetry made this a book children had to fuss over. Lots of rock, paper, scissors with this book.
September 1, 2022
This is a great intro for kids to what poetry can do. It turns images on their head and will attract kids with the bright art.
March 19, 2011
This picture book is written in short verses accompanied by illustrations of vibrant colors. The author, Alice Walker, shows us how we are connected to nature and art. She also helps children see the world in a different perspective. I had to read this picture book a few times to really take in the meaning. After I read it a few times, I began to feel that connection. Instead of writing “I am smelling a flower, Walker writes, “a flower smelling me.” She also writes, “There is water at the tip of my tongue tasting me.” It is a powerful concept to grasp that people and the universe influence each other. This book demonstrates that. This book could be read with students in grades 1-5. After reading through the book a few times, children can discuss the different perspective that the author wrote this poem in. Students could then write a poem in a different perspective. They could choose some different parts of nature to write about. For more poems about nature you could read Color Me a Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People by Jane Yolen.
November 16, 2009
This is a poetic story about seeing the world in a new perspective. The author starts out with the line “There is a flower at the tip of my nose smelling me”, and continues out the whole story in the same format on each page. It almost turns ordinary actions upside down, promoting a new way to think about things. This book is poetic in its format using repetition and the same basic format on each page. This book could be used as a mentor text to encourage children to generate poems in different perspectives, similar to the book. Appropriate for grades 1-4.
October 12, 2009
A nice poem of gratitude that turns most actions upside down (flowers smelling you, for example). It has vibrantly colored illustrations and is short enough so that children will stay interested.
September 26, 2022
Colorful charming illustrations accompany the poetry of Walker creating a delightful book to share one on one and with groups. The positive message never gets old. Could be used in storytimes as a guest reader book and/or writing or artwork prompt for older students.
October 11, 2017
I love this quiet peaceful Children's book
August 15, 2018
This is a joyful book about belonging to and being a part of this big beautiful world! The bright, bold illustrations add to the poetic joy!
July 21, 2020
Everything Is One.
April 30, 2021
Although a children’s picture book, this is beautiful prose. Each line could be its own poem.
July 6, 2022
Originally published in 2006, this is a new edition with illustrations by Queenbe Monyei.
July 27, 2022
pretty.
November 29, 2022
Alice Walker. 'Nuff said
December 4, 2022
Walker describes how poetry is part of our everyday lives and shows the oneness that connects us with the source of all life. Bold illustrations emphasize the magic inherent in everyday moments.
May 12, 2023
I love when children’s authors write books that are secretly actually poetry. This is ✨
September 26, 2024
Cute, easy to read. The illustrations are really beautiful. Some of the rhymes aren’t as cohesive as the others but overall a decent read.
August 2, 2025
Great Storytime Read!
October 14, 2025
A lovely piece of prose.
October 20, 2011
Leah Sherrod
Professor Holland
EDTR 115 EMA
20 October 2011
Poetry Reflection Assignment
Title: There Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me
Author: Alice Walker
The poem talked about everyday things you would see. Reading this book was like taking a walk and having the world observe you. For example the book talked about a flower smelling me instead of the person smelling the flower. The same with the sky “There is a sky At the end Of my Eye Seeing Me” Towards the end of the poem the book changes to how you feel on the inside. Some examples are “There is a song Deep in My body Singing Me.” “There is a poem in the cradle Of my Soul Rocking me. In the end the author concludes the poem by stating “There is a story At the end Of my arms Telling Me!”
The content in the book was flowing and easy to read. The wording the author used had a peaceful and calming effect. The content was very optimistic with a positive outcome. The wording was funny to because a flower is not able to smell you, you have to smell the flower.
The form and structure of the poem was written in a narrative epic style. The theme was about a period of time in a person’s life. The poem was spread out over several pages with a unique style print that had a hand drawn painted picture to go with the line on the page.
I found this poem book to be entertaining and fun to read. I liked how the world was observing us instead of how we observe the world. There was a lot of lines you could relate to for example; “There is a road At the bottom Of my Foot Walking me.” Sometimes you feel like you’re not getting anywhere in life but the next thing you know a year has gone by. “There is a dance That lives In my bones Dancing Me.” To me this seems like there are times when you just have to get up and move, your body is ready for action and movement, not peace and quiet. I think we can all relate to this book in one way or another with positive attitudes and even walk away from the book have a more positive attitude. I would recommend reading this poem story to children who may be having a bad day in hopes of encouraging them to be in a better mood.
Professor Holland
EDTR 115 EMA
20 October 2011
Poetry Reflection Assignment
Title: There Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me
Author: Alice Walker
The poem talked about everyday things you would see. Reading this book was like taking a walk and having the world observe you. For example the book talked about a flower smelling me instead of the person smelling the flower. The same with the sky “There is a sky At the end Of my Eye Seeing Me” Towards the end of the poem the book changes to how you feel on the inside. Some examples are “There is a song Deep in My body Singing Me.” “There is a poem in the cradle Of my Soul Rocking me. In the end the author concludes the poem by stating “There is a story At the end Of my arms Telling Me!”
The content in the book was flowing and easy to read. The wording the author used had a peaceful and calming effect. The content was very optimistic with a positive outcome. The wording was funny to because a flower is not able to smell you, you have to smell the flower.
The form and structure of the poem was written in a narrative epic style. The theme was about a period of time in a person’s life. The poem was spread out over several pages with a unique style print that had a hand drawn painted picture to go with the line on the page.
I found this poem book to be entertaining and fun to read. I liked how the world was observing us instead of how we observe the world. There was a lot of lines you could relate to for example; “There is a road At the bottom Of my Foot Walking me.” Sometimes you feel like you’re not getting anywhere in life but the next thing you know a year has gone by. “There is a dance That lives In my bones Dancing Me.” To me this seems like there are times when you just have to get up and move, your body is ready for action and movement, not peace and quiet. I think we can all relate to this book in one way or another with positive attitudes and even walk away from the book have a more positive attitude. I would recommend reading this poem story to children who may be having a bad day in hopes of encouraging them to be in a better mood.
April 14, 2012
In a series of short verses, Alice Walker praises the world around her: “There is a sky/ At the end of my Eye/ Seeing Me.” “There is a dance/ That lives In my bones/ Dancing Me.” "There is a song/ Deep in/ My body/ Singing/ Me."
Appropriately one of the verses is "There is a poem/ In the cradle/ Of my Soul/ Rocking me." The pictures by fabulous Stefano Vitale capture the joy of the young girl as she celebrates her life and the glory of the Earth.
Walker writes in an Afterward that this book came about because one day she was out walking, and it was so beautiful, “the wonder of myself as part of all this overcame me.” She went home and wrote this book, “which was not a book then, but a thank you note.”
Rating: 3.5/5
Appropriately one of the verses is "There is a poem/ In the cradle/ Of my Soul/ Rocking me." The pictures by fabulous Stefano Vitale capture the joy of the young girl as she celebrates her life and the glory of the Earth.
Walker writes in an Afterward that this book came about because one day she was out walking, and it was so beautiful, “the wonder of myself as part of all this overcame me.” She went home and wrote this book, “which was not a book then, but a thank you note.”
Rating: 3.5/5
July 19, 2008
Stefano Vitale's illustrations are simply gorgeous, bursting with vibrant, deep colors. I have no idea what the medium used is; it's not something I can identify, but it has grains running through it that add texture. The poetry is very simple with each two-page spread only having six lines or less. It's not clear whether these are intended to be seperate poems or one long poem, but each poem or stanza has the same basic structure. This could be used as a writing prompt to encourage students to construct their own similar poems.
September 2, 2008
Alice Walker wrote a poem of thanksgiving that celebrates the connection between nature and her after an afternoon walk. That poem became this picture book that glories in the beauty of the world. The vibrant pictures show how the woman/girl is a part of the world and the world is a part of her. This is a song of the brilliance of the world.
October 22, 2008
Illustrated by: Stefano Vitale
Level: Early to Late Elementary
This a a very beautifully written book. The language is beautiful and very poetic. I plan on using this book during our poetry unit. The wording is very different that it makes you stop and think and imagine what is being discussed. It would be interesting for students to write their own page in the story.
Level: Early to Late Elementary
This a a very beautifully written book. The language is beautiful and very poetic. I plan on using this book during our poetry unit. The wording is very different that it makes you stop and think and imagine what is being discussed. It would be interesting for students to write their own page in the story.
July 13, 2011
In a beautifully poetic and gently provocative text, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker invites readers young and old to see the world -- and our place in it -- through new eyes. Glowing colors and radiant images accompany this joyous celebration of the connections and interconnections between self, Nature, and creativity
October 31, 2013
Genre: Poetry
Awards: None
Grade Level: K-2
I would use this book in my classroom to celebrate Earth Day. After reading the book I would have the students draw something from nature and have them write a poem about their drawing. This book is important because it teaches young readers about poetry and also about finding themselves in nature.
Awards: None
Grade Level: K-2
I would use this book in my classroom to celebrate Earth Day. After reading the book I would have the students draw something from nature and have them write a poem about their drawing. This book is important because it teaches young readers about poetry and also about finding themselves in nature.
January 29, 2008
My sweet friend L Boogie read this to her 4 year old niece while I was in Seattle a few weeks ago. It was so sweet. I think I enjoyed it more than the baby. It's very lyrical and a good introduction to metaphor and poetry.
October 25, 2011
Alice Walker brings her poetic voice to a delighful picture book about seeing the world from a different perspective. This is one I imagine my younger self reading again and again. Memorizing. Reciting. Relishing.
January 7, 2008
this is such a special book!!!
March 4, 2008
This poem, with beautiful illustrations, is about learning to see the world with new eyes. Are you changing the world or is the world changing you? Connects nature and creativity with the individual.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews