We Are All Flowers by Orlaith O’Sullivan introduces kids to the gentle art of “flower-watering,” a mindfulness practice rooted in Zen teachings that encourages appreciating the good qualities in others and ourselves. With its rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, the book delivers a lovely message about kindness, self-esteem, and connection.
The concept of “flower-watering” is beautiful—showing children how recognizing others’ strengths can brighten everyone’s day, while also encouraging self-reflection and self-care. The mindfulness tie-in makes it an enriching read, especially for families exploring emotional intelligence or Zen practices.
However, the rhyming meter felt awkward, making it tricky to read aloud smoothly. When I shared the book with my grandchildren, I noticed the older ones had trouble staying engaged. The story seemed better suited for younger children in the target audience of ages 4-8, who may find the colorful illustrations and simple ideas more captivating. My grandchildren and I collectively rate this book 3 stars.
** Many thanks to Plum Blossom Books for providing a physical review copy of the book. The opinions are my own.