Wallflowers

Many shy children hear labels such as wallflower, timid, hushed, or even frightened. These words are usually offered as if they name a flaw, and it does not help that the same children can be loud when the moment calls for it. This picture book argues that a quiet temperament needs no fixing. Instead, the grown-ups and friends around these children may be the ones who need to practice listening.

Brief text runs alongside the illustrations. Rather than merely acknowledging shy children, the book celebrates them and affirms that each one deserves room to develop at their own pace.