A Crown for Corina written by Laekan Zea Kemp and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri is a story about family, celebration and tradition and is richly told in both loving thoughts and gorgeous colors. It takes place as Corina’s Abuela guides her through this Mexican tradition. Readers of this lovely picture book will visually participate in Corina’s birthday celebration as she comes to understand who she is, where she comes from, what she wants to be in the future and how she can continue to honor her family.
The flowers that Corina selects for her crown are all found in her Abuela’s magnificent garden. Corina selects them for both specific and interesting reasons. “I pluck bright yellow esperanzas because they mean hope, daisies because they are strong enough to grow anywhere, and mistflowers because their sweet nectar is the butterflies’ favorite.”
The gorgeous illustrations, rendered in watercolor, are exceptionally beautiful and full of life. The flowers seem to dance and sing gloriously across the pages of this book.
A Crown for Corina written by Laekan Zea Kemp and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri is a beautiful story about the making of a very special crown filled with very special flowers to honor Corina as her family gathers to celebrate her birthday. This book will delight readers 4-8 years of age and grandmothers everywhere---garden savvy or not. (Little, Brown and Company, 2023)
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Activity Questions for A Crown for Corina
Older readers: What flowers would you place on your crown? Think about it and draw a picture of your crown filled with flowers. Next, write a short explanation as to why you selected each flower and what each flower means to you. Take your time.
Older readers: Of all the flowers selected by Corina to place on her crown which one did you like the best? Why? What other items could you place on a crown that would show your love for something such as ribbons and their colors or words and their meanings?
Younger readers: Draw a picture of 5 flowers you like? Then write the reason you like it underneath each picture. The reason could be the color of the flower, or the shape of the flower, or the smell of the flower or the insects that visit the flower.
