Alfred Blooms by Carrie Kruck

Alfred Blooms 

by Carrie Kruck

Illustrated by Carmen Mok

Published March 25, 2025

Random House

Hardcover

Fiction

40 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Summary (from Goodreads)

When Alfred sees Lulu’s magical yard filled with flowers and friends, he’s sure that if he can cultivate a beautiful garden, friends will flock to join him. Alfred tries but nothing grows in his brown patch of dirt. Determined to make one last attempt, Alfred heads to the store to buy fresh flower seeds. As he hurries home, he sneezes—and the seeds fly everywhere! And this time they begin to grow wherever they land—in his pockets, in his hair, even in his ears! A very discouraged Alfred gets stuck in the mud. But the aroma of warm blueberry muffins coming from a nearby bakery reminds him of Lulu’s favorite treat and, tucking the flowers under his hat, he heads there. Alfred shares muffins with Lulu and finds out that he doesn’t need a garden; time spent together is the best way to make a friend.

This charming friendship story is sensitive and delightful with just a touch of whimsy.

This book takes a different spin on the typical "friendship" book. Alfred's flowery condition opens the door to a conversation with Lulu, whom he wants to befriend. He thinks he needs to bring her gifts and needs to have a nice garden, but he really just needs to be himself. 

The illustrations, created with gouache, colored pencil, and graphite pencil have a whimsical feel. The characters have different skin tones and appear to be from different cultural backgrounds. 

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