Title: The Wishflower Princess
Author: Kathie Kalafatis
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-7960-8047-6
Pages: 35
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Carol Davala
Pacific Book Review
While some may look upon dried dandelions as nothing more than weeds, others see the wispy seed pods as nature’s offering of wishes. In the delightful children’s book The Wishflower Princess, Kathie Kalafatis sheds light on the latter belief. Here the wild puffs are showcased amidst an enchanting opportunity for a sad princess to restore hope throughout the land.
Princess Alexa is an unusual girl. “Part tree and part flower with the soul of a pearl,” she has the special ability to spread the wishflower’s seeds of hope throughout the kingdom. Unfortunately, her sudden sneezes are causing the cottony flower heads to blow away, and hope is being lost and scattered on the wind. Soon a bold knight and his trusty rose-plume helmeted tortoise, head out to find a cure for the Princess’ dilemma. During their travels they encounter Lady Kayla, a worried maiden who shares the reasons behind an evil curse that has befallen the Princess. In an effort to return hope to the kingdom, they gather advice from the wise and beautiful Wonderland Witch, that ultimately proves a valuable lesson about positivity and belief when facing life’s challenges.
Kalafatis’ mystical tale artfully unfolds in a primary two-phrase rhyming pattern. Though there are times when some verses seem a bit forced, like choosing “land” and “again” as words that rhyme, the sing-song cadence and intended sentiment is clear. Welldefined and detailed illustrations nicely compliment the narrative. From moss-laced castle turrets, to buzzing bees, to the swirling wood grain texture of Princess Alexa’s skin, all serve to enhance the natural environment. A soft, calming color palette comes through to shade the blue waters, jade forests, and majestic purple mountains. Evil lurks with a classically darkened backdrop; a sorcerer cloaked in gray garb, with pitch black fingernails resembling sharpened claws. The Wonderland Witch who provides the answer for restoring hope to the land, appears a fantastical sight. The forest beauty with flowing auburn hair wrapped around antler extensions, wears a leafy autumnal mask and a long billowy gown awash in layers of red, green, and gold.
To heighten the story, Kalafatis’ final words convey an important environmental message. Here she imparts the wisdom that “wildings” like the dandelion, are a necessary part of the eco-system to help in bee pollination and in sustaining the natural cycle of life. Links are included to several websites that offer packets of wildflower mixtures to aid in this planetary cause.
The Wishflower Princess is a charming story filled with the essence of hope and the magic of belief. With its peaceful, earthy landscape and heartfelt intention, the gentle read offers imaginative entertainment for the younger set, and a thought-provoking and creative consideration for those old enough to recall carefree, childhood days and chance moments at wishing upon a wispy dandelion puff.
