The book tells the story of Marguerite, a young girl who, growing up within rigid rules and imposed expectations, gradually loses touch with who she truly is. In trying to adapt, she lets go of her essence, her petals, until she finds herself disconnected from what makes her unique. The narrative follows her journey of reconnection, as she learns to accept herself and reclaim her identity.

The story unfolds as a reflection on the relationship between the individual and society. For children, it becomes an invitation to recognise and protect their own personality, without conforming to imposed standards; for adults, it offers a more conscious perspective on the role of education and the dynamics that often tend to standardise rather than celebrate differences. Marguerite’s journey, as she learns to bloom again, brings a sense of possibility and transformation.

The illustrations are created through a combination of pencil and digital techniques. Colour plays a central role in the storytelling: bright, warm tones accompany moments in which the protagonist is connected to herself, while muted tones mark her loss of identity.
This visual contrast builds an immediate emotional rhythm, allowing the transformation to be felt without the need for explicit explanation.

Patrick Gilmour
Junco Books
English versions