The Souls of Flowers

Selected for The Children’s Book Council’s April 2024 “Hot Off The Press” Reading List

"Gr 5 Up–A stunning compendium of 21 common meadow and garden plants found in Europe and North America, artistically captured by acclaimed Czech botanical painter Kourková. The full-page watercolor depictions of each flower are accompanied by informative and lyrical entries written by Czech writer and editor Mandausová. These essays also include anecdotes and flower meanings. For example, the profile on the Hyacinth shares the origin of its name (Greek mythology), how Mozart wrote an opera about the myth, and that “the gift of a hyacinth means that the giver’s heart belongs to you.” Kourková provides commentary on what each flower means to her and how she felt as she painted it. The work opens with a biography of the botanical artist and her philosophy on painting flowers. An exhortation on respecting flowers also prefaces the collection. The switches between third person and first person are often confusing, but the poetic summaries will draw in botany enthusiasts and artists. Browsers and students alike will be captivated by the lifelike and intricate art done mostly in pastels. The lack of back matter will make it difficult for researchers, but readers interested in plants and language of flowers studies will not mind. VERDICT This breathtaking collection for budding botanists is a general purchase." —Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal

"When I first saw the work of Pavlina Kourkova, I recognised in it a pure softness that is a pleasure to behold. Pavlina manages to paint with such even beauty that it captivates the viewer. There is both precision and simplicity in each study and a clarity of decision-making in her delivery of the paint. Her studies have a smooth and gentle quality all of their own. Her work in this book is pure colourful joy from start to finish." —Billy Showell BA, SBA

Worldwide known Artist & illustrator, Tutor, Author, Emeritus President of SBA - The Society of Botanical Artists UK

"I love that this referenced how flowers are art, and they are drawn uniquely. "Through the Painter's Eyes" provided a perspective that I wasn't familiar with." —Lindy W., NetGalley-Librarian

"This gorgeous book would make a wonderful gift for flower lovers. Filled with beautiful art work, it’s lovely to look it, but I loved reading about the origin of flowers and the legends and history associated with each one. It also talks about medicinal values and other uses. It was fascinating, a quick read, and a great topic." —Destiny L., NetGalley-Educator