The Boy Who Grew Flowers

Before:
Introduce the book and tell the children a little bit about it. Follow with a comment or question that is
related to the story such as, What makes you special and unique? Encourage a discussion so the
children can comment, ask questions, and express their feelings. Set the stage for listening by asking
an “I wonder” statement based on the cover illustration.
• I wonder where the boy is taking those flowers?
During:
Encourage the children to comment on the illustrations, ask questions, and predict what
will happen next in the story. Children gain confidence and a sense of achievement
through being able to correctly predict how a story will end. Point out “rare words” (e.g.,
those words that are not commonly used in every day conversation) and help the
children relate the meaning in a way that makes sense to them.
Read
Rare Words in The Boy Who Grew Flowers
• hotbed: the center of activity
• exotic: strikingly different
• tame: no longer wild
• shape-shifters: someone able to change form
• sprouted: to develop buds or shoots
• rumors: a statement without facts
• luminous: light-emitting, bright
• forthright: outspoken, simple and direct in speech
• hissed: a “s” sound to show a negative opinion of something
• rattled: to make somebody lose composure
• wistful: pensive and sad
• marveled: something that inspires awe, amazement or admiration
• tumbledown: ruined and falling down
• mule: a backless slipper or shoe
• saddle: a seat for riding an animal
• fancy: ornately decorated
• tango: a dance of Latin American origin