Blossom

By Laura Dockrill and Sara Ogilvie

Acclaimed author Laura Dockrill sows seeds of hope and community at the flower market in this heartfelt, lyrical tale of family life and change.

Blossom has grown up surrounded by the beautiful plants and flowers from her family’s market stall. The stall was started by her grandparents, Tutu and Pops, and passed on to Blossom’s parents after their death. It’s a magical place where customers come to find flowers for all occasions: from celebrating love to offering comfort in times of sorrow. But now the stall is at risk, with tension rising as Blossom’s parents argue about the future. Can Blossom call on the lessons she learned from Tutu and find a way to cope with the dramatic changes that are happening around her. Can she save the flower stall?

Acclaimed author Laura Dockrill sows seeds of hope and community at the flower market in this heartfelt, lyrical tale of family life and change. This book features a dyslexia-friendly layout and font, and illustrations throughout so that even more readers can enjoy it.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Sep 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781800900752

Laura Dockrill

Laura Dockrill is a poet and illustrator from South London. A graduate of The Brit School of Performing Arts, twenty-two year old Laura was named one of the top ten literary stars of 2008 according to The Times and voted Elle’s top twenty faces to look out for in 2009. Her sassy and unique way with words has captivated audiences at gigs and festivals everywhere. Laura has created artwork for Kate Nash and everything from chocolate wrappers to condom tins.

Book preview

Cover: Blossom by Laura Dockrill

For Tutu

Contents

Title Page

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Copyright

Chapter 1

Did you know that plants are wonderful listeners? And they are great at keeping secrets too.

My grandma, Tutu, used to say, You’re never alone if you have a plant.

Thanks to Tutu, we have plants all over the house, so we are never ever alone. In fact, we are kind of overcrowded – and a bit outnumbered too. It’s like the plants don’t live with us, we live with the plants.

There is a group of plants gossiping by the front door, and the waxy palms by the TV mean we always have to watch TV shows at an angle.

Plants are draped like towels over the banister, twisting around the handrail and creeping up the walls like natural wallpaper.

We have plants in the bath, sticking their arms and legs out at you as they soak in the tub like they’re on holiday! We have to use the shower – which would be fine but there are even a few plants in there too, crowded together like they are having a private dinner party! Honestly, the plants are EVERYWHERE! You can’t even do a wee in peace!

There are plants on all the kitchen surfaces. Herbs that we use for cooking – chives, sage, basil, coriander, parsley – and ones that smell beautiful like lavender on the windowsill. Bees sometimes hover above them as if they’re browsing in a supermarket!

Spider plants hang out on the fridge, sticking a nosy arm into whatever you’re eating. And you are sure to get a sharp poke in the eye from something green when you do the washing-up. All these plants are trying to get your attention and to listen in on your thoughts.

Climbing the stairs are potted plants. They greet you as you go up to bed like the heads of seals: bob, bob, bob.

I always feel like they’re tee‑heeing when I get sent to my room for talking back.

You’re probably thinking: why on earth would you let all of these plants take over your home?

And so I’ll tell you – but it is a bit sad, so prepare yourself.

Chapter 2

My dad’s parents, Tutu and Pops, lived in the most higgledy-piggledy house. If you think our house is covered in plants, you should have seen theirs! Some rooms looked like a jungle and their garden was wild