FLOWER CHILDREN
by Amy Ella Blanchard · from The wonderful fan
Adapted Version
Tina wakes up in her soft bed. The morning sun shines through her window. She looks at her fan on the table. Oh! Her fan has a face! A small child with bright eyes smiles at her. "Hello, Tina!" says the child. Her name is Four-o'-clock. "Come down and play!"
Tina follows Four-o'-clock down the stairs. They go into a big, sunny room. Many children are sitting on the floor. They all have flower names. "You are Eglantine," they say to Tina. Tina smiles. She likes her new name.
Daffodil stands up. She tells a short story. "I found Snow-drop in the cold snow," she says. "She was so tiny. I put her in the warm sun. Now she is happy."
A bell rings. It is time for school. The children walk to a bright schoolroom. They meet their teachers. Miss Sunshine is warm and kind. Miss Wind is breezy and fun. Miss Rain is soft and gentle.
Tina learns new things. Snow-drop is very small and delicate. She likes to stay with Eolus. Eolus is Miss Wind's brother. He plays beautiful music.
Tina walks with the children through the garden. They go into a cozy room. Eolus is there. He plays a big violin. Snow-drop sits and listens quietly.
Eolus plays a special song. The music sounds like the wind in the trees. Tina likes the happy sound. It makes her feel free.
Snow-drop feels tired. Tina holds her hand. They go outside to find Miss Sunshine. The warm sun helps Snow-drop feel better.
The other children play a fun game. "Let's play The Wreath!" they say. They all hold hands. They make a big, round circle. It looks like a beautiful flower wreath.
Then they all stand close together. They gather around Lily. Now they look like one big, colorful bunch of flowers.
"We are going to hide!" the children shout. They run into the garden. Then, poof! They turn into real flowers. They bloom in the green grass.
Tina looks for her friends. She looks behind trees and bushes. She feels hot and tired from searching.
Tina sits down by some pretty roses. She picks up a big, green leaf. She uses the leaf to fan her face. It feels so cool. Then, something magical happens. The leaf in her hand turns back into her familiar fan. Tina smiles. She wonders if it was all a dream.
Original Story
FLOWER CHILDREN.
“Wake up! wake up!” was the first thing she heard. She raised herself on one elbow, and looked about her.
On the floor lay the fan, and staring up at her from one of the slats was a face.
“Well, I declare!” said Tina.
“Come, wake up! They are waiting for you,” 59said the child, who now stood by the bed. “They are all down stairs.”
Tina did not have time to say anything, but picked up the fan and followed the child downstairs.
They went into a room full of children; most of them were sitting around the floor, and one seemed to be telling the others a story.
As Tina came in they made room for her.
“Begin the story over again, Daffodil,” said they, “so Eglantine can hear it.”
“My name isn’t Eglantine,” said Tina.
“Oh, yes, it is,” said they. “That’s why you are called Tina.”
“But I don’t know your names,” said Tina.
“Well, we’ll tell you,” said they, “before we begin the story. Here are Violet, and Rose, and Lily; Hyacinth, Johnny-jump-up, and Sweet William; and Daffodil is going to tell us about little Snow-drop.”
Daffodil had lovely long, yellow hair. Violet 60was dressed in blue, Rose in pink, and Lily in white. Hyacinth’s clothes were of different colors. Johnny-jump-up was a pretty little fellow in purple velvet jacket, and Sweet William wore dark red.
“And what is your name?” said Tina to the child who had awaked her.
“Four-o’-clock,” said she, spreading out her red and white striped frock. “That is why they sent me up to call you.”
Shy little Violet nestled up to Daffodil, Rose stood near her, tall Lily sat opposite, and Four-o’-clock sat down by Hyacinth. Tina knelt down between Rose and Sweet William, and Johnny-jump-up stood behind Daffodil.
“One day,” began Daffodil, “very early in the spring, I chanced to be out for the first time. It was quite cold; the snow was on the ground, and I began to wish I had stayed in a while longer. I looked about for some one to speak to, for I felt lonely. I thought perhaps Hyacinth might be out, but he wasn’t; and I knew it was too soon for little Violet. I sat for some time looking about, then I jumped down, and thought I would take a walk.
62“I went along through the snow. Oh, it was so cold! I was really glad that every one was indoors. Pretty soon I saw a little heap over in the corner where the snow-drops live. I went over there and brushed aside the snow, and there was a dear little baby snow-drop. She was asleep, and I was sorry I had brushed off her cover, for I knew the frost would nip her, she was so young.
“I couldn’t cover her up again very well, so I picked her up in my arms and brought her to a sunny spot. As soon as she was warmed through, she opened her eyes and smiled.
“She stayed near me all that day, and was so much company. But it was so cold that night that she couldn’t stand it; so she was taken home before I was, and when I got here she was waiting for me.
“How glad I was to see her, for none of you 63had come there, you know. But there is Bluebell ringing for us. We must run to the school-room.”
They all got up and ran out, taking Tina with them.
64“We only have to go to look over our lessons for to-morrow,” said Four-o’-clock, putting her arm around Tina. “It will only be for half an hour.”
Tina went with them into a large school-room, and saw that there were different classes for them all, though they all seemed to learn pretty much the same thing.
After a while Bluebell rang again, and they all stood up waiting for their teachers, and in they came.
There was Miss Sunshine, Miss Wind, and Miss Rain. They all gathered around Miss Sunshine, and some of them went out with her; but two or three stayed behind to have their lessons explained by Miss Wind and Miss Rain.
“Where is Snow-drop?” said Tina. “I have not seen her.”
“She is so little and delicate she doesn’t often come to school. She is with Eolus, Miss Wind’s brother; he is so fond of music, and Snow-drop loves to hear him play.”
65They passed along through the garden, and everywhere Miss Sunshine went it looked brighter. She smiled down on Tina, and Tina blushed with pleasure.
They went on into the house, and came to a curtained doorway. As they drew near, Tina heard music that sounded like the wind blowing over harp-strings. It had a wild, sweet, wailing sound, that almost made Tina cry. She pushed aside the curtain and went into the room. A boy was playing on a violoncello, and on the floor sat the dearest little child, all in white.
“That must be Snow-drop,” thought Tina, “and she does look like one.”
“What are you playing?” she asked the boy.
“Don’t you hear?” he replied. “It is the Wind’s Song.”
“I knew it sounded like the wind,” said Tina.
“Sit down and listen,” said he.
Tina sat down, and it seemed to her that the wind was speaking, and this was what it said:
66“Up and away, where the leaves are at play,
Or where on the rocks the waves dash their spray;
Sending wild clouds scudding fast through the sky,
Sweeping along o’er the whole earth go I.
Whe-e-e-e-ew!
“Up and away; ever on, ever on,
Strewing my tokens wherever I’ve gone;
Whirling, and driving, and hurrying by,
O’er hill-top, through valley, forever go I.
Whe-e-e-e-ew!
“Up and away, with a blast and a swoop,
All round the house, with a howl and a whoop;
Singing my wild song, now low, now high,
Through key-holes, down chimneys, round corners go I.
Whe-e-e-e-ew!”
“How do you like it?” said Eolus.
68“Very much,” Tina replied. “Won’t you please play something else?”
He did so; and all the time he was playing Tina thought of trickling water, lovely flowers, and moonlight.
“That was lovely,” she said, sighing, when he had finished.
“I think so, too,” said Snow-drop. “Come, take me to the dear Sunshine. I am tired.”
“You look pale,” said Tina; and taking her by the hand, she led her out doors. The others were running hither and thither, their bright dresses making them look like bunches of flowers at a little distance.
“Come play,” they called to Tina; and she ran to join them, leaving Snow-drop with Miss Sunshine.
“Let us play the ‘Wreath,’” they said.
“What is that?” said Tina.
“Oh, you will see;” and in another moment they were formed into a long chain.
69“Now, go see how we look,” they said to Tina.
She ran off a little way, and saw that they looked like a wreath of flowers.
While she was looking, they all gathered around Lily, and there was a big bouquet, with Lily in the middle.
“I don’t see how they do it,” thought Tina.
“Now we are going to hide,” said they, “and you must find us;” and in another moment they were gone.
Tina looked all around for them, but not one was to be seen. Instead, the garden was full of blooming flowers.
As she passed by the different ones, they all seemed to look knowingly at her.
She ran about till she was quite warm and tired. She stopped by a rosebush, and began to fan herself with a big leaf; and what was her surprise to find, while she was fanning, it turned into the same fan she had used so often before.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Tina wakes to a child's face on her fan, leading her into a magical world where children are personified flowers. She joins them for stories, lessons with Miss Sunshine, Wind, and Rain, and meets delicate Snow-drop and musical Eolus. Tina participates in their games, watching them transform into flower formations and then disappear into a garden of blooming flowers. As she searches for them, she grows tired, and her leaf-fan transforms back into her original fan, leaving the magical encounter's reality ambiguous.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to wonder
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story reflects a common theme in children's literature of the late 19th/early 20th century, where nature is personified and children interact with a magical, idealized natural world.
Plot Beats (14)
- Tina wakes up to a child's face on her fan and is called by a child named Four-o'-clock.
- She follows Four-o'-clock downstairs to a room where children named after flowers are gathered.
- The children introduce themselves and tell Tina her name is Eglantine.
- Daffodil tells a story about finding a tiny Snow-drop in the cold and bringing her to a sunny spot.
- Bluebell rings, and the children, including Tina, go to a schoolroom for lessons with Miss Sunshine, Miss Wind, and Miss Rain.
- Tina learns that Snow-drop is delicate and often stays with Eolus, Miss Wind's brother, who plays music.
- Tina goes with the children through the garden and into a room where Eolus plays a violoncello, and Snow-drop listens.
- Eolus plays the 'Wind's Song,' which Tina enjoys, and then another piece that evokes nature.
- Snow-drop feels tired, and Tina takes her outside to Miss Sunshine, while the other children play.
- The children invite Tina to play 'The Wreath,' forming a long chain that looks like a flower wreath.
- They then gather around Lily, forming a large bouquet.
- The children announce they will hide, and then disappear, transforming into blooming flowers in the garden.
- Tina searches for them, becoming warm and tired.
- She stops by a rosebush and fans herself with a leaf, which transforms back into her familiar fan.
Characters
Tina ★ protagonist
A young girl, likely of average height and build for her age. Her specific features are not detailed, allowing for a general, relatable appearance.
Attire: Her initial clothing is not described, but she later wears a simple, unadorned dress suitable for a child playing in a garden, as she is able to run and play freely.
Wants: To understand her new surroundings and participate in the games and activities of the Flower Children.
Flaw: Initially confused and a bit overwhelmed by the magical world she finds herself in.
She transforms from a confused outsider to an active participant in the Flower Children's world, learning their customs and games, and ultimately finding joy in their company.
Curious, adaptable, friendly, observant.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a curious and slightly bewildered expression. Her hair is a medium brown, styled simply, perhaps in a bob or short braids. She wears a plain, light-colored cotton dress, possibly cream or light blue, suitable for play. She holds a simple, slatted fan in one hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Daffodil ◆ supporting
A child-like figure, embodying the essence of a daffodil flower. She is delicate and bright.
Attire: Her clothing is not explicitly described beyond her hair color, but it would be in shades of yellow and perhaps white or green, reflecting the colors of a daffodil.
Wants: To share stories and care for the younger, more delicate Flower Children like Snow-drop.
Flaw: Perhaps a bit naive or overly trusting, as she is a child.
Remains a consistent, nurturing presence, guiding Tina into their world.
Storyteller, nurturing, gentle, observant.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has very long, wavy, bright yellow hair that reaches her waist. Her eyes are a warm brown, and her face is round and cheerful. She wears a simple, flowing dress in shades of bright yellow and pale green, perhaps with a subtle petal-like texture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Four-o'-clock ◆ supporting
A child-like figure, embodying the essence of a four-o'clock flower. She is lively and distinctive.
Attire: A red and white striped frock, directly reflecting the colors of a four-o'clock flower.
Wants: To guide Tina and ensure she participates in the Flower Children's activities.
Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but perhaps a bit impulsive due to her energy.
Remains a consistent, friendly guide for Tina.
Energetic, friendly, welcoming, helpful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has short, curly brown hair and bright, curious eyes. She wears a vibrant red and white striped frock, with a simple, round neckline and short sleeves. Her posture is open and welcoming. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Snow-drop ◆ supporting
A very dear, little baby child, delicate and pale, embodying the essence of a snowdrop flower.
Attire: Dressed all in white, reflecting the pure white petals of a snowdrop.
Wants: To find warmth and comfort, and to enjoy music.
Flaw: Her extreme delicacy and vulnerability to cold; she tires easily.
Remains delicate throughout the story, highlighting the need for care and protection.
Delicate, gentle, appreciative of music, easily tired.
Image Prompt & Upload
A very small child, appearing like a toddler, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has very fair skin and delicate features, with light blonde, wispy hair. Her eyes are a soft blue. She wears a simple, flowing white gown made of a light, sheer fabric, perhaps with a subtle bell-like shape. Her expression is gentle and slightly sleepy. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Eolus ◆ supporting
A boy who plays the violoncello, embodying the spirit of the wind. His features are not explicitly detailed, but he would have an ethereal or artistic quality.
Attire: His clothing is not described, but it would be simple and unrestrictive, allowing for movement, perhaps in shades of grey, blue, or white, reflecting the sky or wind.
Wants: To create and share music, especially the 'Wind's Song'.
Flaw: Perhaps too absorbed in his art, making him seem distant.
Remains a consistent artistic presence, providing the musical backdrop to the story.
Artistic, passionate, somewhat aloof, connected to nature.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man, appearing as a teenager or young adult, sitting and playing a violoncello, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has dark, slightly disheveled hair and intense, focused eyes. He wears a simple, loose-fitting tunic in a muted blue or grey color, with plain trousers. His posture is absorbed in his playing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Miss Sunshine ◆ supporting
An ethereal figure who brings brightness wherever she goes. Her presence is warm and comforting.
Attire: Her clothing is not described, but it would be bright and flowing, perhaps in shades of yellow, gold, or white, evoking warmth and light.
Wants: To bring light, warmth, and joy to the Flower Children and the garden.
Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but perhaps unable to fully protect delicate creatures from all harsh elements.
Remains a consistent, benevolent force in the story.
Warm, nurturing, radiant, comforting.
Image Prompt & Upload
A graceful woman, appearing ageless, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, flowing golden hair that seems to shimmer, and a radiant, kind smile. Her eyes are bright and warm. She wears a flowing gown of golden-yellow and soft white fabric, appearing light and ethereal, perhaps with subtle sunray patterns. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Tina's Bedroom
A simple bedroom where Tina wakes up, with a fan lying on the floor. The room is likely modest and cozy, serving as a starting point for her magical journey.
Mood: awakening, curious, slightly disoriented
Tina's awakening into the world of the Flower Children and her first encounter with Four-o'-clock.
Image Prompt & Upload
A simple, sunlit bedroom with a narrow cot and a wooden floor. A small, intricately carved fan lies on the floorboards, catching a soft ray of morning light filtering through a window. The room feels quiet and still, with a sense of gentle awakening. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Gathering Room
A room filled with children, most sitting on the floor, listening to a story. It's a communal space where the Flower Children gather, characterized by their vibrant, flower-inspired clothing.
Mood: warm, welcoming, storytelling, lively
Tina meets the other Flower Children and learns their names, and Daffodil begins the story of Snow-drop.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy, sun-drenched common room with smooth, light wooden floors and walls. A group of children, dressed in vibrant, flowing garments reminiscent of flower petals (blues, pinks, yellows, purples), are seated informally on the floor, some leaning against each other. Soft, diffused light streams in from unseen windows, creating a gentle, inviting glow. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The School-room
A large school-room with different classes, though all children seem to learn similar things. It's a structured environment where the Flower Children receive lessons from teachers like Miss Sunshine, Miss Wind, and Miss Rain.
Mood: educational, organized, bright, sometimes serious
The Flower Children attend their lessons, and Tina learns about Snow-drop's absence and her connection to Eolus.
Image Prompt & Upload
A spacious, airy school-room with tall, arched windows letting in abundant natural light. Simple wooden benches and tables are arranged in small clusters, suggesting different learning groups. The walls are a pale, calming color, and the overall impression is one of quiet order and gentle learning. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Eolus's Music Room
A room accessed through a curtained doorway, filled with the wild, sweet, wailing music of a violoncello. It's a secluded, artistic space where Eolus plays and Snow-drop listens, evoking a sense of natural elements through sound.
Mood: melancholy, artistic, ethereal, intimate
Tina listens to Eolus play 'The Wind's Song' and meets Snow-drop, experiencing the evocative power of music.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dimly lit, intimate room with heavy, deep blue velvet curtains framing a doorway and possibly a window. The air is still, save for the resonant vibrations of a violoncello, played by a young boy seated on a simple wooden stool. On the polished wooden floor, a tiny figure in white sits, captivated by the music. The room feels hushed and filled with a profound, almost melancholic beauty. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Garden
A vibrant garden where Miss Sunshine's presence makes everything brighter. It transforms into a magical space where the Flower Children play, forming living wreaths and bouquets, and eventually becoming actual blooming flowers.
Mood: joyful, playful, magical, transformative
The Flower Children play 'The Wreath' and 'Hide and Seek,' ultimately transforming into actual flowers, and Tina finds her fan.
Image Prompt & Upload
A lush, sun-drenched garden bursting with vibrant spring blooms: roses, lilies, violets, and daffodils in full splendor. A winding, soft earth path meanders through beds of colorful blossoms, their petals glistening in the warm afternoon light. A prominent rosebush with deep green leaves and fragrant pink blooms stands near the path. The air is clear and bright, filled with the sense of playful magic. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
