Review Detail

Alfred Blooms is a beautifully illustrated picture book by Carrie Kruck with a touching story. Alfred and Lulu live on the same street, but they have very different homes. Lulu's house boasts a vibrant garden filled with friends and laughter, while Alfred's garden, despite all his efforts, doesn't bloom. When Alfred experiences a gardening mishap, he gets covered in seeds and sprouts flowers. Initially, Alfred is embarrassed by his predicament, but Lulu shows him the true meaning of friendship.

What I Liked: The story's message is a true standout. Alfred learns that his friendship with Lulu isn't based on what he brings her or whether he has a nice garden, but on who he is as a person. I can easily see this used in a classroom setting to facilitate discussions about kindness, friendship, and self-worth. Carmen Mok's illustrations are a wonderful addition to the story and capture Alfred's various emotions so well.

Alfred Blooms is a touching story about friendship that young readers will connect with.