The Giving Flower: The Story of the Poinsettia

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

From Pura Belpre Honoree Alda P. Dobbs and illustrator Emily Mendoza comes a lyrical and vibrant picture book history of the Poinsettia flower and the holiday traditions it has inspired.

The story of the Poinsettia goes back through hundreds of years, treasured by the Aztecs, the inspiration for Mexico's most famous Christmas legend. After the flower caught the eye of the first US ambassador to Mexico, it was named after him. A century later, millions of Americans saw the brilliant red flower on their first color television screens. Award-winning author Alda Dobbs and artist Emily Mendoza bring to life the history of this beautiful and uniquely new world holiday icon. Includes detailed back matter with a timeline.

About the Author

ALDA P. DOBBS is as passionate about connecting children to their past, their communities, and nature as she is about writing. Alda lives with her husband and two children outside Houston, Texas.