This was a really fun and quirky story with a great eco-loving heart. I've never read a story quite like this - about a young girl who feels compelled to plant magical seeds on her own head and the heads of her friends, resulting in them all growing plants from their heads. It was silly but so much fun, and I loved how the author drew in the media impact of such a thing, and explored issues around body image, identity, and pride. The characters were all well drawn too, with a diverse range of kids and adults, well-written dialogue, and dynamic relationships. I especially liked the gardening shop owner! I think this would make a great read-aloud book for Y3+

Don’t let the slightly dull title and meh cover put you off. This is a brilliant, quirky, book - loveable characters, great plot and oh so beautifully written.

Sorrell is a good person. She tries her hardest to be good, she's head girl - second year running and wants everyone to be okay. Her Mum is a single Mum who work hard in a job that Sorrell thinks she likes. Sorrell lives in a town that is built of concrete, in a tired old cottage that moans ALL the time, with a hideous willow tree in the back garden. One day when Sorrell is home alone the roots of the willow tree crack open the concrete patio and reveal Surprising Seeds to Sorrell. Herself and her super science-y best friend, Neena plant these seeds. Surprisingly, these Surprising Seeds don't grow like regular plants, they sprout plants from people's heads and they're surprisingly quick at spreading with unusual and comedic consequences.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were completely relate-able, the message was strong and clear - stop building over land! I loved the ending and it made me cry. The illustrations throughout the book were gorgeous - infact I could have done with more!

This was such a unique, entertaining, short but sweet read aimed at kids 10+. I found the messages the book conveyed throughout to be really encouraging, especially for young people. The importance of having green space, looking after nature, learning to love who you are and building strong relationships with family and friends just to name a few. This is all important stuff for children to be learning about and I think if they read Bloom, they would get and understand the messages a lot quicker. The writing style within Bloom was so vivid and my imagination was running wild! Everything was described in such detail and I loved being able to picture the town and the characters so strongly in my head when reading. Overall, this was such a fun read, that somewhat reminded me of a Roald Dahl novel. Children and adults alike will love reading about Sorrell and her magical discovery.

Absolutely beautiful, charming and moving. Warm and original - with important messages about the importance of green spaces and the value of being different.

Bloom is a sweet and heartfelt middle grade novel that combines real life issues with quirky magical excitement. There are multiple messages, from the importance of trusting your friends, to environmental issues, to the tension between being good at things and being a good person. It's fast-paced and fun, with a (mad) scientific bent that balances the magical elements nicely, but it also has a lot of depth. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to kids, and think it would work equally well as a book to read alone, or as a class text to look at enviromental issues and more.

I thoroughly enjoyed Bloom. We watch as Sorrel, all round perfect schoolgirl and caring daughter, gives in to the urge to sow Surprising Seeds and starts to behave recklessly and grow flowers from her head! Themes of belonging, right vs wrong, the balance between good behaviour and letting go enough to have fun, and the dangers of forgetting our connection to the land are all there but conveyed with a light touch and lots of laughs. I particularly enjoyed the headmaster's obsession with rules, exams and order. Great fun!

An entertaining, environmentally orientated story aimed at children from ten years onwards, the important themes it explores come across effectively, resonating with the reader.

The plot is complex, filled with messages about the importance of green spaces, not building on the green belt land we have, the power of corporations, and the damage they can do. On a more individual level, there is an exploration of friendship, and its importance, and how it has to be nurtured to survive. Diversity is also a theme, as is the importance of family, however, it exists.

The need to be different and speak out, rather than saying nothing just to fit in, is perhaps the most dominant theme of this story, and in a world where the young often feel powerless this is a theme worth promoting.

The beauty of this book is that it delivers its messages in the guise of a magical story, with complex characters who demand a reaction from the reader. Sorrel is easy to empathise and admire, whilst the controlling, blinkered headmaster has little to recommend him. Full of vivid imagery, you can easily imagine the setting and action, which is vital in any book.

Perfectly pitched for the age group, and also enjoyable as an adult read, this is a must-read.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins Children's Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A great quirky read for Y5-6 with a strong environmental theme. Contemporary with a twist of magic, Bloom echoes Dahl's child's-eye perception of authority (that adults are rather stupid - the headteacher is in the finest tradition of Miss Trunchbull!) and gives Sorrel a magical way to right wrongs. I think this will appeal to kids with a strong sense of justice.

The old adage, “you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover” was broken with this request. I saw the cover and knew immediately I needed to read it. The cover, nor the story, disappoint!
I highly recommend this book for all aged 9 and older.

It is a fascinating story about a girl in Year 6, who transforms her world and the people living around her. The town has turned into a concrete jungle, and the love of gardening and plants has been erased from the lives of the townspeople. In order to seek revenge for a promise broken, a woman placed a curse on a package of seeds about a hundred years before. Sorrel, named for the herb, finds the seeds and so begins the trouble. The seeds bring a voice from the past promising “what you need will come to you”. The self-seeding seeds sound too good to be true, especially for a girl desperate to win an contest and holiday for her and her mum. The seeds grow, with hilarious results, and the entire town are caught up in the chaos that ensues.

I became lost in the story and couldn’t put the book down. I thought Sorrel was a brilliant character, full of doubt but also brave, kind but driven by the need to be the best. This drive is what truly gets her into trouble with her best friend, Mum, school and the entire town. She had made mistakes and caused havoc but ultimately she is good and there is a happiness to the ending, although not all returns to normal!

Brilliantly written and a joy to read! Pick this one up, you will not regret it!