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Frieda Wishinsky grew up in New York City, where she played in local parks and frequented the local candy store. After earning her BA in international relations and her Master of Science in special education, Frieda began to teach…and then to write. Her first title, Oonga Boonga, was an American Booksellers’ Pick of the List. Since then, she has grown a magical garden and published more than 70 books, including her bestselling biography of Frederick Law Olmsted, The Man Who made Parks. Frieda has earned many starred reviews and awards, including the Print Braille Book of the Year and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. Today Frieda lives in Toronto, where she still loves exploring parks and gardens. Author, illustrator, designer, and visual artist Karen Patkau's distinctive art can be found in more than a dozen picture books for children. She is the recipient of the Ezra Jack Keats Memorial Medal for Don't Eat Spiders, and One Watermelon Seed was a Bank Street Best Book. A Good Trade is a White Ravens Choice, a Bank Street Best Book, and a nominee for the OLA Blue Spruce Award and the Kentucky Bluegrass Award, among others. Karen lives in Toronto, Ontario
Praise for A Flower is a Friend The Children’s Book Council “May 2023 Hot Off the Press” Feature 49th Kids “Spring 2023 New Releases” Feature ★“ Beginning with this quietly lovely book’s first spread, blossoms proudly announce themselves in clear, simple prose and describe how they help their friends….The remarkable digital illustrations, so photographically, lusciously lifelike that one can almost smell floral aromas wafting from the pages, call for readers’ close scrutiny….A garden of gorgeous delights.”—Kirkus ★ Starred Review “Young readers will enjoy the accessible tone and engaging illustrations of this scientifically minded book; this is first-rate for browsing shelves or to round-out classroom collections.”—School Library Journal “This appealing picture book takes viewers on a close-up tour of a garden….Wishinsky’s age-appropriate text talks of friendships between flowers and animals and uses questions to engage her audience….Patkau’s vibrantly colorful illustrations are eye-catching and helpful. An intriguing picture book on flowers and their friends”—Booklist ★“[S]tunningly beautiful….The interconnectedness of nature is explained in easy-to-understand descriptions and the colorful illustrations of familiar and not-so-familiar flowers are beautiful to look at.”—Youth Services Book Review ★ Starred Review “[A] wonderful invitation to embrace science….Enjoy both quiet moments with the pictures and the fun of discovery with the text in this thoughtful book. Highly Recommended”—CM Magazine “[A] lovely celebration of flowers….The lyrical text lends itself to be read aloud with young readers. The art invites the reader to study the images closely to discover more animals….A perfect book for nature lovers.”—The International Educator “This quiet, cozy, informative, and beautifully illustrated children’s book explores the relationships between flowers and wildlife.…Perfect for schools and libraries, this fantastic introduction to nature, gardening, and ecosystems will captivate children ages 3 – 6 with its realistic artwork and accessible language.”—CLCD - Children’s Literature “Master nonfiction author Frieda Wishinsky helps readers think about the way that flowers care for those around it….Full page, close-up illustrations by award-winning illustrator Karen Patkau are spectacular….This is a gorgeous gem of a nonfiction title.”—Larry Swartz “Page after page of glorious digital art….A Flower is a Friend will be a lovely book for teaching STEM with regards to the growth and changes in plants and the interrelationships of living things….Coupled with Karen Patkau's illustrations, A Flower is a Friend transforms from creative non-fiction to gorgeous coffee table book that any reader would love to peruse.”—CanLit for LittleCanadians
