Blossom and Bud

Blossom and Bud live in Mr. Baxter’s flower shop, among plants of every imaginable size, color, and shape. Blossom doesn’t like how tall she is and tries to hide her height. Bud doesn’t like how he looks, so he tries to force his flower to bloom. But Mr. Baxter thinks they are just right, as they are, and has a special role for each of them.

This story will help kids love themselves all around, no matter their shape or size. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers about nurturing a positive body image in children.

This new story is from the author of the popular books that feature Bentley the bee, Bee Still: An Invitation to Meditation, Bee Heartful: Spread Loving-Kindness, and Bee Calm: The Buzz on Yoga; as well as Snitchy Witch, Did You Hear? A Story About Gossip, A World of Pausabilities: An Exercise in Mindfulness, Don’t Put Yourself Down in Circus Town: A Story about Self-Confidence, and Sally Sore Loser: A Story About Winning and Losing.

Frank J. Sileo, PhD, is a New Jersey licensed psychologist and the founder and executive director of The Center for Psychological Enhancement in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Dr. Sileo works with children, adolescents, adults and families. He is consistently recognized as one of New Jersey’s top kids’ doctors.

Dr. Sileo is the author of 11 other award-winning children’s books that have been translated into four languages. His recently published parenting book deals with parenting chronic medically ill children. He speaks across the country, is published in psychological journals, and is quoted frequently in the media.

Visit him onlineopens in new window, and on Twitteropens in new window, Facebookopens in new window, and Instagramopens in new window.

Brittany Lakin is an illustrator and designer whose achievements include placing Top 25 of Pictoplasma’s Face Off and being shortlisted for the Templar Illustration Prize.

She lives in the United Kingdom. Visit her onlineopens in new window, and on Twitteropens in new window, Facebookopens in new window, and Instagramopens in new window.

Two flowers learn the power of self-acceptance… Blooms with positive textual messages…
—Kirkus Reviews

Fostering a Positive Body Image (PDF, 114KB)opens in new window
We are all different shapes, sizes, and colors, each of us special in our own way. Blossom and Bud by Frank J. Sileo, PhD was written to help children respect, accept and appreciate how their own and others’ bodies are beautiful and different in their own ways. It was also written to foster discussion in a safe and comfortable environment with the caregivers in their lives.

Fostering a Positive Body Image, Part 1 (PDF, 316KB)opens in new window
In his Note to Adult Gardeners in Blossom and Bud, Dr. Sileo provides suggestions about nurturing a positive body image in children. Here’s an excerpt explaining body image and when to seek professional help.