WALLFLOWERS

A sweetly gentle validation for young introverts.

“People call you a wallflower,” observes the narrator, reminding listeners, “You don’t mind at all.” Starting with the cheerful yellow cabbage roses of the wallpaper-esque endpapers, full-bleed illustrations present a delightful variety of background patterns—designs on wallpaper, fish at the aquarium—in rich, warm hues. Individual children, most brown-skinned, some lighter, their clothes matching the backgrounds, seem to emerge from the patterns, as if to say, “I’m here.” “While most people like looking at the BIGGEST or the BRIGHTEST, // you find a quiet spot where you can be you.” Joy distinguishes the need for quieter recognition from being self-effacing: “But it isn’t always easy / going unnoticed.” “You love to be seen. // You just don’t want to be center stage.” With panache, Joy offers a nicely compact, upbeat reminder that not having a big voice or delivering a large performance doesn’t necessarily translate to timidity. “You are BOLD.” “You are a wallflower. / Find your garden and… // BLOOM.” (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Just right, respectful and reassuring, for both the always and the sometimes quiet.