GHOST ORCHID

A family of explorers goes on a hunt for the rare ghost orchid.

Ava must hurry and pack because Mom and Dad are anxious to set off on their trip—“The ghost orchids will soon be in bloom!” Scarcely viewed or photographed, these flowers bloom for only about a week and grow in “special, secret places where the sunlight and the water are just right.” Using the map on the endpapers, readers can trace the family’s journey from Great Britain, through North America, down to Mexico and South America and up to Florida. The parents rush, focused on their goal, but the real explorer is Ava, who observes everything as they pass through different natural environments. Inspiring watercolor-and-ink paintings highlight Ava’s discoveries, from bears and owls in the woods to butterflies in the desert and friendly monkeys and flamingos in a rainforest, while bouncy, rhyming text conveys the child’s enchantment: “The lights and stars, the rocks that kiss, the animals, treasures and new friends they miss.” But Mom and Dad are disappointed when they finally spot their long-searched-for orchid: “Oh no, it’s withered and gone.” Ava, though, is delighted, having accumulated pictures chronicling the journey. On the reverse trip, all will “explore the Ava way,” culminating with a wonderful final surprise. Mom presents Asian; Dad and Ava are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A notable story about taking the time to appreciate all the wonders around us.