The Land of the Blue Flower by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Written: Feb 27 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: gorgeous layout, lovely artwork, sweet story
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: The author of "The Little Princess" and "A Secret Garden" has brought us a gentle tale for younger readers. Perfect for reading aloud!
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| jiastar's Full Review: Land of the Blue Flower Books |
The Story
A long line of men, all named Mordreth, have reigned over a land. A land where people have lost their connection to the earth, to nature. A land of famine and disorder and hatred.
The reigning King Mordreth has been killed in the hunt, his fair wife has died as a result of childbirth. Luckily she sent for a wise and learned friend before the end and placed her babe into his care until he was of an age to reign. The Ancient One took the child, Amor, up to a castle, deserted for 100 years, at the summit the mountains to raise and love and teach the ways of a King.
The Ancient One taught him wisdom through observing nature and the animals. Amor learned to honor and respect everything in the world around him. He learned the uselessness of fear and anger.
When he reached his 20th year it was time to rule. He left his home of light and beauty and entered a world of filth and poverty and fear. He did not turn away from his people, but thought and thought of a way to help them find their way back to the light.
Years ago a bird brought him a seed of a glorious blue flower. He remembered the joy it gave him to plant it, see it grow, and marvel in its beauty. He proclaims a law in which every man woman child and babe must plant the seeds he will give them, and help them grow. Those who do not own land, may plant them anywhere there is free space.
In a year he will go across his land to make sure that the seeds have in fact been planted by all.
People who had never worked before found themselves happy to be out in the air, working int he sweet earth. People found themselves talking about how best to grow the flowers, and found less time for petty arguments. People started keeping the town clean, as rubbish would not help the flowers bloom. People started helping their neighbors, so as to ensure that no one would fail.
Slowly everyone found that they were becomming happier, healthier and more productive.
As time does, the year passed. The King rode through the town finding every breath sweet and fragrant, every ugly place hidden. The people looked healthier and happier.
Until he came upon the house of the little lame boy. His home was no more than a hovel and there was not a blue flower in sight. Everything was tended to, the garden obviously tended to, but no flowers grew.
What happens? I don't want to spoil the end.
Why I love this book:
- it is visually beautiful. The artwork is bright and vibrant. In addition, each page is trimmed with borders of golden branches, buds, leaves, blossoms, and birds.
- rich poetic language. The author weaves pictures with his prose. You see the world he created. Your emotions are stirred.
- it reinforces a connection to nature
- it is spiritual without preaching ANY religion
- it touches on the idea that the Divine is beyond human understanding
- it explains that while everyone experiences dark emotions sometimes, that they can be controlled and overcome
Quotes I Love:
"Your brother the wind is bringing to you the breath of your brothers the trees."
"Hold your soul still and look upward often."
"All these wonders in one world and you a man upon it."
"There is no time for anger ... it is a worthless thing."
"But the earth is full of magic."
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jiastar
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Monmouth County, NJ
Reviews written: 368
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A wife ... a mom ... and a Witch
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