Hope for the Flowers Paperback – Illustrated, January 1, 1973

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 :)

It is a great book for adults who want to reflect on who they are being and for children who want to grow up as butterflies rather than caterpillars. I love it and use it in my leadership programs

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.

"Hope For the Butterflies , i loved it so much and was so moved by it that im giving the book as gifts in hope that they love it too. Its actually a very simple message of being who we are . Who and what God meant for us to be. It is a simple story but it escapes a lot of us and never find it . Its a Book not just for children but adults.

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.

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 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.

I repurchased and read this book upon remembering the gist of it recently. I believe I have the original copy I bought last century, but it is buried in a "box in the garage" as so many things are these days. I am happy to reconnect with this story and recommend it highly!