The witching black camellia japonica is a rare and mysterious flower that has captivated people's imagination for centuries. With its dark, velvety petals and striking contrast against its green foliage, this flower exudes an air of mystique and intrigue. Native to Japan, the black camellia japonica is known for its unique color, which is often described as black but is actually a very dark shade of red. Its name "witching black" is derived from its association with witchcraft and magic. Legend has it that witches would use the petals of this flower in their potions and spells. In addition to its mystical reputation, the witching black camellia japonica is also highly prized for its beauty and symbolism.
In addition to its mystical reputation, the witching black camellia japonica is also highly prized for its beauty and symbolism. In Japanese culture, camellias are considered symbols of love and beauty, and the black variety adds an element of mystery and enchantment. Growing this rare flower can be a challenge, as it requires specific conditions to thrive.
Candid Cocoa
Lily's birthday gift from Mum is just a fancy wide-toothed comb. But when she uses it to detangle her brown curls she, suddenly, imagines herself transported to outer space, dancing on planets, racing against rockets, and whizzing down slides made of rainbows.
There are, already, a few picture books celebrating Black hair, but this latest beautifully finished debut from musician VV Brown adds a fun, fresh, and magical element to everyday haircare stories.
Brown wrote the book due to concerns about the lack of diverse literature for her dual-heritage children. And what she achieves, here, is a sense of playfulness, freedom, and imagination less often attributed to young Black characters, with a nod to an Afro hair-combing tradition steeped in Black history.
Reading about Lily and her empowering comb will undoubtedly boost children's self-esteem and encourage them to follow their dreams whatever their ethnicity or gender. I enjoyed the spread where Lily imagines various careers including the traditionally male-dominated fields of weightlifting, flying planes, and science. Lily's whirlwind space adventure could have, perhaps, been afforded a few more pages as it seemed to end as quickly as it began.
With its highly irregular rhyme and meter, this text is most suited to shared reading at home. Young children could predict Lily's birthday gift and where she will travel to with her comb. Afterwards, they could draw and talk about made-up magical adventures, using their imaginations to extend the original story. If you had Lily's magic comb, which amazing place would you travel to next? How will you get there? What would you see there? What would you do there?
The text also provides opportunities for hands-on activities. Children might enjoy comb painting, making rainbows or 'slimy cakes' with home-made 'slime'. The home corner could be kitted out with different types/sizes of hair grooming equipment: Afro picks, twist sponge brushes, empty and clean hair-grease containers, hairnets/nightcaps, and headwraps so children can explore and create their own narratives.
I adored illustrator Kate Hazell's powerful central spread with Lily's brown-skinned face taking up the entire space from edge and edge. Hazell's eye-catching kaleidoscopic scenes are full of energy, and evoke that feeling of being in the middle of a quirky dream. Her attention to detail over the variation in Lily's hair-curl pattern is also fabulous.
This engaging, positive story encourages children, especially Black girls, to be proud of their natural hair, and of who they are. And in an age where discrimination against Black British schoolchildren with Afro hair is still prevalent, the more books we have like this, the better!
Note for parents: Read about the Halo Code, a set of guidelines drawn up by a collective of 30 Black students to guard against Afro hair discrimination in the UK ( halocollective.co.uk).
The witching black camellia japonica prefers acidic soil, partial shade, and protection from strong winds. It is also susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which makes it even more valuable and sought after. Due to its rarity, the witching black camellia japonica is often associated with exclusivity and luxury. It is a popular choice for ornamental gardens and floral arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and intrigue. Its dark and alluring beauty has inspired artists and writers throughout history, and it continues to captivate and enchant people today. In conclusion, the witching black camellia japonica is a rare and enigmatic flower that has a long history of capturing people's imagination. Its mesmerizing beauty, combined with its association with witchcraft and magic, makes it a highly prized and coveted plant. Whether grown in a garden or showcased in a floral arrangement, this captivating flower never fails to leave a lasting impression..
Reviews for "witching black camellia japonica"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witching black camellia japonica". The story seemed promising with its supernatural elements, but it ended up being confusing and disjointed. The characters were underdeveloped and their actions didn't make sense. The pacing was also off, with slow moments dragging on and exciting scenes being rushed. Overall, I found it hard to engage with the story and it left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Jacob - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Witching black camellia japonica". The writing was convoluted and pretentious, making it hard to follow the plot. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their vocabulary than creating a coherent and enjoyable story. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it was a complete letdown.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - While "Witching black camellia japonica" had its moments, overall, it failed to deliver a captivating storyline. The concept of a magical black camellia had potential, but it wasn't explored enough. The world-building felt lacking, leaving me with unanswered questions. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with parts of the book dragging on and others feeling rushed. It had its intriguing moments, but it fell short of my expectations.