Review Detail

‘June Bloomed Anyway’ by Ivy Strohmaier, illustrated by Cara McFarlane Varela, is the story of a California poppy named June. Her family has been part of Ms. Beansprout’s garden for more than 30 years, and June is happy with the way things are. She lives alongside her mother, father, and her little brother. One day, though, Ms. Beansprout decides to change her garden, taking June’s father and some of June’s cousins away to be re-planted elsewhere. While June tries to stop this from happening, her cries are unheard (she is a poppy, after all).

The story is one of grief, but also one of understanding and kindness, as her mother tries to reassure her that everything will be okay, and that her father is safe, despite not being with them any longer. When one can’t be with a loved one, it’s important to realize that memories can keep that person near, from knowing the way they perform a certain activity or walk a certain path, much like June feels the breeze upon her in the garden. She can be with him in her dreams, and she can know that despite their distance, their love still blooms.

The illustrations highlight both the contentment and sadness that the poppies—especially June—feel when her father is replanted across the way. It also shows her growth as she learns how to cope with not having him near. It is a sweet and relevant story for anyone missing someone, and anyone who enjoys personification, as the poppies come alive and share their sorrows and dreams with each other.