Wallflowers: A Heartwarming Illustrated Book for Kids (Ages 4-8) About Being Quiet and Happy

by Mackenzie Joy

People call you a wallflower. Sometimes they call you shy. Sometimes they call you quiet, or maybe even scared. People think these are bad things, because sometimes they are LOUD. But you are happy just the way you are. And maybe you don’t need to learn to be loud, they just need to learn to listen. Mackenzie Joy beautifully pairs her gorgeous illustrations with minimalist text in this heartwarming book that doesn’t just acknowledge shy children, but celebrates them—because every wallflower deserves their chance to grow. 

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Emotion, Fiction, Storytime, Self Esteem, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

Published February 21, 2023

Reviews

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book is so CUTE!!! It really spoke to my introvert soul, and I loved it so much <3

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple affirmations remind kids who are quiet “wallflowers” that they’re important and can bloom and do great things while remaining true to themselves.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet picture book celebrating introverts and "quiet ones." Good as a read-aloud or an SEL story time book. The illustrations are sweet and the diverse group of introverted littles was good to see!

[pineapple tofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may be a wallflower, but who knows? You are quiet and shy. And yet you prefer to celebrate and be celebrated. Friendships can bloom and you have exciting dreams and ideas. You are wonderful and bold. And who knows…only in your garden can you BLOOM!
A pretty picture book of what it means to be a wallflower. Hiding in the back of a crowded room, or in the shadows at night. In your bubble of safe space, being a wallflower can mean many things, and this adorable book for children defines what it means to be so. Flowers and zig zags and sometimes starry nights, the wallpaper of these magnificent wallflowers are gorgeous in design. Happiness and sadness. Confusion and sometimes bitterness, comes together in a hodgepodge of colorful ideas and bright young thinkers. But remember, the world outside your safe circle can’t wait to hear your wonderful and fascinating ideas.

[Rachel Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture book from the library

I LOVED THIS. The Mackenzie Joy wrote the book and drew the illustration, and her author photo in the back matches the illustrations! (The 'wallflowers' in the book stand against a wall, and their clothes blend in with the wallpaper. Joy's photo is of her in a blue sweater with clouds, standing in front of a blue wall with clouds!)

Simple but profound, and absolutely lovely way of explaining how people like to be listened to and included, even if they seem shy or quiet.

[Anna Tharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book demonstrates all of the different personalities that people can have and how it doesn't strip away from their value as a person. It talks about children who may be more reserved and like to do things on their own, but still have amazing and creative ideas to share with the world. I love that it includes a variety of different cultural identities within the illustrations and can be used to teach kids to love themselves for their differences, rather than feeling like they need to be like everyone else.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo to Mackenzie Joy!
I wish that this picture book had existed for me and others as a kid.

Whether you are shy or may be socially disinclined, Joy reminds us that that is okay. Wallflowers are just as deserving of love, support, kindness and inclusion.

Love this simple text and beautiful and immersive illustrations that show that even the wallflowers stand out in their own way and that is what makes them unique too;

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for the quiet ones who still need to be heard - just without shouting. This is a lovely book that encourages those who are a bit more introverted and reminds the extroverts that everyone has something to offer - and that everyone wants praise and recognition but not necessarily in the same way. A good reminder that everyone process and responds differently.
Peek under the dust jacket - the cover of the book is delightfully different.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and comforting words aim to boost the self-esteem of "wallflowers."

The best I can say about this book is this:

Although most of the sentences here will read like resounding cliches to a grownup...

They might be heard for the very first time by picture book readers...

And, therefore, might seem very important and highly original. Such as:

"You love to be heard."

In honor of the intended audience, I'll give this book FIVE STARS.

[Yadhira Linares]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think this would be a perfect book for the younger side of elementary. what i enjoyed most about this book is how it explains how its ok to be quiet and shy as long as you are being true to who you are. This would be a perfect book to show around the beggining of class just because this books feels like a reminder that its ok to do or be whatever as long as you are being true to yourself.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There have been some wonderful books in the past couple of years that embrace and celebrate the introverted kids. Wallflowers reminds us to notice them and to see their leadership potential. Just because they're quiet and don't love the center of attention doesn't mean they don't have ideas to share.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute book celebrating the little Wallflowers among us. Many of the illustrations have simple elements but some of the backgrounds combined with the Wallflower characters are lovely.

There's great racial diversity. I think it could be used in a preschool or lower-elementary school storytime.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are a wallflower. Find your garden and BLOOM.”

Just because someone prefers to watch and listen or find a quiet spot to be doesn’t mean they always want to blend in or go unnoticed. Not everybody likes to be center stage, but they like to be seen. Not everybody likes to shout, but they love to be heard.

A handy read to help introverts to be better understood.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this one as I was a shy kid growing up and still have my fair share moments of being shy. It’s for the quiet kiddos, the introverts. It lets them know they are seen and heard and assures them that they are okay just as they are. The illustrations of the wallflowers literally blending into the wallpaper was a creative way to get the point of the story across.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a proud and happy introvert, I loved this book! I will share it with all young readers at my library, so those who enjoy all the wonders of introvert life will be seen, and extroverts will get an education on the perks of hanging back, listening closely, and being sensitive.

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There needs to be more books about kids who are often called "shy", which can sometimes have a negative connotation. This book does a great job validating a child who chooses to stay on the edge of the spotlight, but still wants to be included.

[Sarah BT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the art and the simple text. This is a sweet and encouraging book that highlights the importance of everyone's voice-even if that voice isn't the loudest in the room. A perfect, lovely read for the quiet ones.

[Erin]

Simple and sweet and affirming. A celebration of wallflowers, shy folk, and introverts; an acknowledgement that quiet does not mean you can't be bold, shy doesn't mean you don't still need to be celebrated, and we can listen for everyone's voices not just the loud ones.

[Blanco Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's difficult to be a wallflower in this world. Too often you have to "advocate for yourself" or be the loudest voice to be heard.

It's nice to have a book for those of us who enjoy some quiet time and solitude, but still want to be heard.

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was BEAUTIFUL. It tells the quiet kid in the back of the class that it’s okay they are quiet. You can be quiet and not want all of the attention on you. You don’t always have to be center of attention or front and center.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for the quiet and introverted kids, but shows that it isn't a problem that needs solving. Cute artwork

[Ashley Ewert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy!

[Isabel Lorence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet , everyone can relate to it.

[Leova Manbhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book about wallflowers. I love the soft illustrations and the explanation what being a wallflower is. Great book.

[Y.Poston]

a delightful exploration into those of us
who prefer to be quieter

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An appreciation of shy kids and how they engage with the world on their own terms.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all the introverts out there. ♥

[Clementine · Rating 4 out of 5]

gentle and sweet. nice illustrations.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn't think you could make a picture book about shy people, but this was genius! I loved the illustrations showing the kids blending into the background. It was really sweet, too.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a gentle book with gorgeous illustrations. It shows our friends that are a bit on the shyer side that they are valid and allowed to take up space. <3