The Falling Flowers

Today I Will

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:03:20 -0800

I was thrilled to receive a sweet note from Eileen Spinelli. I've been friends with her for a few years now, and sent her a copy of The Falling Flowers when it first came out. She and husband Jerry used my book as an entry in their new book, Today I Will, published by Alfred A. Knopf. It's a book about a year of quotes, notes and promises to myself... Anyway- looks like a great book- have it on order. :) And, it's always awesome to be part of something so special!

It's almost spring!

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:26:49 -0800

As the cold days of winter draw to an end, I am eagerly looking forward to those first signs of spring. In my own backyard, it means anxiously anticipating the blooming of three Japanese flowering cherry trees we planted a few years ago. Their bright, pink blossoms dance in the air as the winds change direction from the north, northwest to south, south west. When The Falling Flowers first came out, I would sit under the trees with book in hand and read to my kids.

This year, I hope to visit Washington D.C. (we live just 2 hours away!) and take in all the beauty of the cherry trees in the city. I also plan on giving some books away for Easter presents (good idea huh?) Another good idea- plant a cherry tree or two in your back yard, or at your school, church or place of business. Cherry trees are beautiful year round!

The Falling Flowers Book Trailer

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 08:50:22 -0800

Book Signing at the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn, NY 2006

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:52:51 -0800

They Are More Amazing Than I'd Imagined

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:37:39 -0800

By sheer luck, the cherry trees were just beginning to blossom when we visited Japan for a week in April last year. Just seeing the trees around the cities and at the castles and temples was the highlight of the entire trip. I'll let the images speak for themselves.

School Library Journal

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:34:44 -0800

The Falling Flowers by Jennifer Reed and illustrated by Dick Cole has been reviewed in School Library Journal:

"The pale blue boxes of text, set along the outer edge of an otherwise blank white page, resemble lovely scrolls. The soft watercolors that complete the spreads have a dreamlike quality."

Children's Bookwatch

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:31:02 -0800

Children's Bookwatch has a nice review of The Falling Flowers by Jennifer Reed and illustrated by Dick Cole:

"Ideal for children 4 to 8, The Falling Flowers is the story of a young Japanese girl and her grandmother. Mayumie and her Grandmother take a train ride into the heart of Tokyo, then walk together down a quiet street in the middle of the city and find a grove of Japanese cherry trees all in blossom. The simple, elegant text by Jennifer Reed is perfectly showcased with Dick Cole's watercolors giving this original story a timeless and universal appeal. The Falling Flowers would make a truly fine and appreciated addition to any picturebook collection."