Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Nepa is a beautifully illustrated children’s story which follows a poppy seed as it travels the world searching for the perfect place to grow. The home she is originally sent from the sky to live in is too dry for her to flourish and grow, so she takes to the wind until she finds the perfect garden in which to bloom.
Aside from being a beautiful story in and of itself, Red in the Flower Bed has special meaning, because it is Nepa’s story about adoption. Andrea Nepa is the mother of an adopted Vietnamese daughter named Leah. In 2001, Adoptions from the Heart assisted with the international adoption. Andrea dedicated her book to her daughter: “For my dear Leah, whose journey in her young life has already taken her to far away and unexpected places.” In 2006, Leah was diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in remission. Andrea lives with Leah and her husband, David, in Haddonfield, New Jersey. She is a registered dietitian for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
I’ve got to say, that while I enjoyed reading the story right from start (and my daughter is in LOVE with it), I was truly touched by Nepa’s work after I took the time to read her bio and learn more about why she wrote the poppy’s story. Red in the Flower Bed is the perfect story for any young child, but I think it will be especially poignant for a family with experience or an interest in adoption. As another bonus, this book is offered as an e-book, and my kids were so excited to get to “read like mommy” on my phone and on the computer. The story is a favorite of both of my older children, and I’m sure it will be a favorite for your family as well.
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2 COMMENTS
Tribute Books
14 years agoAww, I'm so glad to hear how much your daughter enjoyed it. Andrea and Leah are very special and I'm glad that you enjoyed their story.
Christine Beasley
15 years agoI would like to read the book Second Chance
bizzley at msn dot com