Hope for the Flowers

Hope for the Flowers is an amazing story with multiple levels of meaning. Simply put, it's a love story between two caterpillars who become butterflies. But the story is complex. There's a tower reaching so high its top cannot be seen. The tower is made entirely of caterpillars. They step on each other selfishly to reach an unknown destination. Some die in the struggle. To keep going, each caterpillar must become hardened to the others, avoiding even eye contact with those he/she steps on. But two caterpillars connect. They drop out of the race. They fall in love and live in intimacy. But still they think there must be more to life. Curious again about the top, the male caterpillar decides to rejoin the climb. The woman caterpillar is also curious, but knows that climbing isn't the way. While he climbs, she wanders... until she encounters a wise older caterpillar spinning a cocoon. He explains the transformation from being a caterpillar to being a butterfly. She is afraid to give up what she knows, but she risks it. Meanwhile, the man, Stripe, is ruthlessly working for success in the "caterpillar pillar." Just when Stripe reaches the top, he meets his old lover, Yellow, who has now transformed into a gorgeous butterfly with the freedom to fly. Their reunion bursts with a painful love. Without giving away the end (actually the whole second half), I'd just like to point out some of the other levels of meaning: Psychologically, the work is brilliant in its knowledge of the interplay of reason and feelings. Sociologically, its insights penetrate many aspects of human interaction. Theologically, it cuts to the heart of major world religions. I first read this in the Philippines years ago. It was a gift from one of my best friends, a spiritual director at a Catholic, Jesuit college in a historically Muslim area. At 26 she was already nationally known as a counselor and spiritual director. At 24, I was teaching philosophy, which there included introductions to such Asian religions as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. Hope for the Flowers has a deep wisdom into the core of these religions, and especially, in my opinion, into the Christian cycle of life, death and resurrection. Why are we here? What is life about? What will make us happy? These are questions that Hope for the Flowers entertains if not answers. For children of all ages.

This is a wonderful story and beautifully illustrated. To me it describes the importance of letting nature take its course, having blind faith in the face of change, and the beauty in becoming your authentic self. I received this book as a gift MANY years ago, and I repurchase a few from time to time as gifts for friends and family who are experiencing change. As you can tell, I love this book and it's message.

I teach first grade and I read this to my class every spring. I am always amazed at how even little kids pick up on the deeper meanings of this book. I first heard about this when I was in a class in college for Resident Advisor training. And I’ve had a copy ever since. Occasionally a kid borrows it and I know they won’t return it. So I just order another copy. I’m on my fourth one and happy that some kid loved it enough to want it in their life. I am going to suggest this to my book club just because I want to talk with others about it.

We first heard of this story in a sermon at church and figured if it was good enough to be referenced in a sermon by a man we very much admire and trust then we should own it. Our daughter would cry every time we read the story because there is apart that seems like it may turn out very sad. It is a beautiful story about being who God made you to be even if the journey seems difficult and doesn't look the same as many others.WE bought this for my mom, our godson, and my sons godson as well :)

Such a great read to boost your emotional and spiritual awareness. I keep mine on the coffee table for visitors to grab for an easy read.

I have loved this book since 1976!

I got this book for my wife as a birthday gift. It was one of here favorites as a kid. I personally had never heard of it but I read it after I gave it to her and it is really a great book with a good message. So much so that I bought a few extras for her to give out to other people. If you purchase the book from the author's website she will even sign it for you and make it out to whoever you ask. I had the pleasure of conversating with Trina via email. She is a sweet and caring person. This is a great book for kids and adults alike.

My dad has had this book forever and introduced it to me. I absolutely love this book. It is simple but beautifully written and has so many life lessons in it. Despite the book being an easy and quick read, it is one of my favorites just because of how much meaning the words (and illustrations!) hold. I got this book as a gift for one of my college professors. Would recommend for all ages.

Five stars is just not sufficient for rating this - it is impossible to understate the beauty of the story told in this wonderful book! On the face of it this is a truly wonderful children's story of two caterpillars and their journey to becoming butterflies. However, as it states on the cover this is also a book for adults. Prepare to be profoundly challenged and to question the 'why' of life!! It is more powerful at communicating what is important in life than any spiritual guide or self-help book I have ever read. Challenging though it be, the story really does offer the glorious hope of what is to come if we allow ourselves to enter the darkness of the cocoon ... the butterfly of our full potential or 'real' self. For a more in depth exploration of the journey towards finding your 'inner butterfly' from a spiritual perspective; read this alongside Sue Monk Kidd's 'When the Heart Waits'. You will want to share this with everyone you know!

I was fortunate to get a glimpse of this great book a few months ago. Since then it had been my desire to read it & make it my most valued possession. Thanks to my lovely sister who gifted me this 'Parable' on my birthday. Thanks to this book, I have started believing that, 'Great things are truly Simple'

One of the best books ever. Wisdom meets whimsical. Lots of Truth in here, done in the most playful of ways. It is disarming and convicting. A children’s book for adults.

Loved the story! The depth of it. It takes choice and courage to to decide to jump out of the ‘race’ and step into the unknown. The result may be full of surprise and even better! Bought extras to give it to friends. This is definitely one book for people going through transition.

Amazing book full of wisdom and explained in a very easy way to understand the lessons it holds. Good purchase.