A Crown for Corina

by Laekan Zea Kemp, Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator)

Overview

A charming story about a girl who learns a beloved family tradition and the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown, from two Pura Belpré award-winning creators.

Today is Corina’s birthday, and she’s excited to wear the biggest crown with the most beautiful flowers picked from her abuela’s garden.

Each flower tells a special story about all the ways Corina is rooted in the family she loves. 

With elegant and eye-catching illustrations from award-winning artist Elisa Chavarri, this charming story shares a beloved family tradition through one girl’s journey of self-discovery as she learns about the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780759556843
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	02/07/2023
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	97,678
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.20(h) x 1.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Laekan Zea Kemp is the author of Pura Belpré Honor book Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, Heartbreak Symphony, and Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza. She lives in Austin, Texas. A Crown for Corina is her picture book debut. Laekan invites you to visit her at laekanzeakemp.com or follow her on Twitter @LaekanZeaKemp.

Elisa Chavarri is the artist of Pura Belpré Honor Book Sharuko: El Arqueólogo Peruano / Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello by Monica Brown. She graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Elisa was born in Peru and raised mostly in northern Michigan, where she still lives with her husband and their two children. She invites you to visit her at elisachavarri.com. 

Editorial Reviews

01/09/2023

In this picture book debut from Kemp (Heartbreak Symphony), a Latinx child named Corina celebrates a birthday by making a flower corona using personally significant flowers from Abuela’s garden. Sensory-focused, expectant first-person narration draws readers in: “It looks like la tierra is throwing una fiesta. Today, the party is for me.” Watercolor images from Chavarri (I’ll Hold Your Hand) bring Abuela’s sprawling, variegated planting to lush life as Corina picks flowers that offer reminders of family: a sunflower for Mamá’s favorite color, morning glories that resemble the trumpet Abuelo once played, and sword lilies that signify pretend sword fights with Papá. Next are flowers that represent the future, including hope-suggesting esperanzas and strong daisies. After Corina’s garden party comes and goes, night brings with it the end of a birthday, a wilting crown, and a reminder about family and memory. Highlighting seasonal cycles and the natural passage of time, it’s a lushly told story that emphasizes the role of the past in the present and future: when Corina asks Abuela why their family wears crowns, she replies that “when we place la corona on our head, we become its roots, reaching back through time to hold on to the things that matter.” Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Claire Easton, Painted Words. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

* “A gorgeous picture book celebrating tradition, family, and memories. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.”—SLJ, starred review

“Highlighting seasonal cycles and the natural passage of time, it’s a lushly told story that emphasizes the role of the past in the present and future.” —Publishers Weekly

“Lush botanical illustrations are paired with a timeless message about the importance of family….A heartwarming story blooming with tenderness.”—Kirkus

“Kemp smoothly melds the corporeal with the intangible, lingering over the physical sensations of brushing past flowers, smelling their scent…Chavarri’s use of vivid watercolors in hazy, dream-like brushstrokes adds to the wistful warmth and movement of the story.”—BCCB

"Kemp movingly uses the setting of Abuela's flower garden to encourage young readers to explore their roots and who they might want to be....A warm meditation on family, perfect for sharing with a grandparent."
 —Booklist

From the Publisher

★ 01/01/2023

K-Gr 2—It is Corina's birthday, and as a special gift, she is able to select her favorite flowers from Abuela's garden to use to make her corona. With help from Abuela, Corina learns about selecting flowers that hold special meaning to her, which will help tell the story of who she is. Corina thinks about her family and selects flowers that remind her of them: sunflowers, morning glories, coneflowers, and more. She also makes sure to select blooms that symbolize who Corina would like to be. Corina's crown of flowers is finally ready as her birthday guests arrive, and she shares the story of her corona and thinks about her family and their story long into the night. Lush watercolor illustrations showcase Abuela's garden and the joy that is bursting inside of Corina. Colorful and vivid spreads welcome readers to the garden and the celebrations, sharing the beauty of Corina's world and the love shared with family and friends. The text follows Corina and Abuela as they enjoy this important time together, with Corina asking Abuela about the corona as she explores the garden, and Abuela sharing the importance of family. VERDICT A gorgeous picture book celebrating tradition, family, and memories. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.—Selenia Paz

School Library Journal

2022-11-29
It’s Corina’s birthday, which means the biggest and most beautiful crown is hers.

The corona that Corina will be wearing won’t be silver or gold, though—it will be made from the loveliest flowers picked from Abuela’s garden. The garden explodes with colorful blossoms, and Corina spends time with her grandmother selecting the best flowers for the birthday crown. Abuela reminds her that “every flower in your crown must tell your story, Corina. Who you are and where you come from.” Taking this charge to heart, Corina carefully chooses blooms with special meaning. Bluebonnets remind Corina of her beloved pet rabbit’s tail, and sunflowers and sword lilies remind her of her parents. A walk through the garden weaves together past, present, and future as Corina and Abuela construct her corona. Corina’s smile shines as bright as her floral birthday crown, and even after the flowers fade, her memories of a very special day stay strong. Lush botanical illustrations are paired with a timeless message about the importance of family. Corina’s memories of time spent with loved ones are set against a rich garden tapestry of vibrant colors, enhancing this sincere story. Corina and her family members are Latine, with brown skin and black or gray straight hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A heartwarming story blooming with tenderness. (Picture book. 5-9)

Kirkus Reviews