This article was authored by Publisher Spotlight intern Sophie Morris.
Found all over the world, the lotus flower has inspired humankind for centuries. Generations of lotus rising from the murky waters and striving towards sunlight turned it into a symbol of resilience and beauty across cultures. Picture books offer a unique and accessible glimpse into what makes the lotus flower so revered and inspires kids to see that beauty and resilience are all around them.
For little botanists curious about how and where lotus flowers grow, THE WATER FLOWER by Yingting Chen and illustrated by Huaqing, published by Post Wave, describes the life cycle of a lotus flower. The journey starts when a single seed falls into the water and slumbers until spring. When the weather grows warmer, the seed awakens and starts to grow, revealing unfurling leaves and delicate flowers. Join the lotus on a journey across seasons to discover every stage of its life, from sprouting seed to blooming flower. This book about the famous water flower works well for curious readers ages 5 to 7.
This next title is great for inquisitive kids who are curious about the cultural and spiritual associations connected to the lotus. Published by Eternal Tree, I AM A LOTUS by Anu Sehgal and illustrated by Diah Chakraborty describes how the lotus flower is a symbol of resilience and wisdom. This book shows kids that when they exhibit the qualities the appreciated in the lotus, they too, are beautiful like a lotus. This inspiring children’s book about the many admirable qualities people and lotus flowers share is geared towards readers ages 4 to 6.
The lotus flower has represented many things across time: resilience, inner strength, divinity, humility, rebirth, and more. By discovering this timeless flower through these picture books, children can learn how to apply these concepts to their daily lives.
Further Discussion
The topic of lotus flowers is ideal for kids to apply to the outside world. Lotus flowers come in many different colors, sizes, and shapes, just like humans! There are dozens of varieties of lotus plants, and lotuses have been specifically cultivated for flower color, shape, and size for thousands of years.
Lotus flowers also give us a lot to chew on – literally! Did you know that every part of the lotus plant is edible? From the root to the petals, every part of the lotus flower is repurposed and used in cooking. Lotus plants have taught people around the world to be resourceful with their cooking.
The lotus root is a mild-flavored root often included in recipes in Asia. The lotus stem can be included in stir-fry and chili. The giant leaf of the lotus plant can be used as a container for rice. The petals can be dipped in batter and deep-fried. Even the seeds can be roasted for a crispy snack or boiled for sweet soups or pastes. For a tasty treat, check out this Crispy Air Fried Lotus Root Recipe offered by MagMagCooks on Instagram.
For an extension activity to go with these blooming books, check out this lotus flower craft. If you do create some lotus blossoms and share them on social media, feel free to tag us @pubspotlight on all platforms.
