The illustrations in this minimal text picture book are very much in the Tim Turner tradition - muted pastel shades of brown and grey, vacant looking expressions on wide, round faces. A distinctly dystopian eeriness fills its hauntingly mesmerising pages. 'Brigg lived in a small room in a big city.' begins the story - and so we follow the resigned drudgery of Brigg's soulless, colourless, urban life. One day he steals a book from the library where he works and learns about flowers - something he has never seen in the barren metropolis he calls home. Then, seeing the same shapes and colours on a packet of seeds in a shop window, he transforms his dreary accommodation by growing a beautiful plant. But Brigg s delight turns to anguish when the plant is sucked away by the automatic cleaning system in his apartment. All is not lost however, as the plant continues to thrive in a dust heap outside the city, and hope for a more colourful future is restored. A simple story with a strong message against apathy, reinforcing the notion that it only takes one person to make a difference. --Carousel June 2007

There is a touchingly indelible beauty about this most remarkable book. With a seemingly simple text, John Light tells the story of a young boy who works in a bleak city s gloomy library whose dark cellar houses banned books. He sneaks one out to read at home in secret, and is enchanted by the picture of a flower, a rare treat in a flowerless world, a world which he now sets about seeking to change. Lisa Evans illustrations have a unique quality which captures brilliantly the poignancy, the bleakness and the final floral optimism of the text. Aimed at young children, this magical book will have a strong appeal well, well beyond the early years. --School Librarian Summer 2007

I can't stop looking at The Flower - it really does remind us that books can work magic. This is a book for all ages - a book that you must look at again and again, and share with all your friends. It really does remind us that books can work magic --Wendy Cooling, Children's Book Consultant

When Brigg discovers a book in the library labelled Do Not Read , he cannot resist taking it home. In it, he comes upon pictures of bright, vibrant objects called flowers. He cannot find flowers anywhere in the city, but stumbles instead on a packet of seeds. This sets off a chain of events which bring about unexpected results, continuing to grow and bloom even after we have turned the last page. John Light s enigmatic story is told with utter simplicity, but resonates long after we finish reading this book. His increasingly optimistic vision is hauntingly captured by Lisa Evans s beautiful and whimsical illustrations.

The discovery of a forbidden book about flowers brings a glimmer of hope. This illustrated story is set in a bleak future metropolis.

John Light was born in London in 1943. For many years he taught chemistry at the University of London, but is now a full time writer, artist and publisher. He likes art, music, science, gardening and watching the sea. As well as stories for children, he writes poetry both for children and for people who used to be children. He also writes science fiction novels.

2008-08-08 Thought provoking and beautiful

This is a strange, beautiful, captivating story that lingers long after reading it.

When Brigg goes to the library and finds a book labelled "Do not read" on it, he does what any self respecting child would do, he takes the book home to read. In it he finds pictures of something he has never seen before in the city...flowers. He is captivated by the illustrations and the beauty of them. On passing an antique shop he sees a picture of a flower in the window and buys, what turns out to be, a packet of seeds, which he plants and nurtures until one at last flourishes.

John Light weaves a story of enormous pathos, yet ultimately of hope which is brought to life through Lisa Evans' haunting illustrations.

It is a story which lends itself to use within the school curriculum in a broad range of subject areas, from PSED and Citizenship to philosphy and thinking skills.

As an adult reader, the book has left a lasting impression on me. It is a stunning book, thought provoking and profound which encourages children to think, to ask questions and to hope...

Amazing stuff!