Book Review of Flora and the Jazzers
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The Children’s Book Review
What to Expect: Animals, music, dreams fulfilled, resilience, kindness, jazz, classic picture book atmosphere.
At the center of this exquisitely illustrated picture book is a determined young ferret with a heart full of music and a dream bigger than the grand hotel where she works. Flora and the Jazzers is an inspiring rags-to-riches story that blends classic storytelling with lavish, detailed art reminiscent of The Wind in the Willows and the fleeting symmetry of a Wes Anderson film.
Flora is a scullery maid—overlooked, underappreciated, and utterly enamored with music. She scrubs pots and floors by day, saving pennies and catching whispers of melody when she can. When her favorite jazz band, the Jazzers, comes to play at the hotel, Flora dares to believe she might hear them live. But her demanding, growling manager dismisses her hopes, claiming music is “not for someone like you.” What unfolds next is a heartwarming tale of kismet, courage, rising to the moment, and stepping into the spotlight.
Astrid Sheckels’s watercolor illustrations with white gouache highlights are a showstopper: expressive, finely detailed, and full of charm. Each spread invites readers to linger, particularly the double-page view of the hotel’s interior, which evokes the intricate whimsy of a dollhouse, and rewards repeated readings. The anthropomorphic cast (including dapper mice and foxes) adds delightful personality and warmth.
Perfect for fans of underdog stories, jazz lovers, and anyone who’s ever dared to dream beyond their current circumstances, Flora and the Jazzers is a triumph of hope, heart, and harmony—a picture book to treasure.
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About the Author
Astrid Sheckels spent her childhood playing outside, using her imagination, and drawing, especially pictures of well-dressed animals. She lives in Massachusetts and is the author and illustrator of numerous books, including the award-winning Hector Fox and Friends picture book series.
For more information, visit waxwingbooks.com/flora-and-the-jazzers.
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