They looked closer and saw some colors peeking out from the plants
“The Almost True Story of Birds of Paradise” by Carolyn Gora is a delightful and imaginative tale designed to engage young readers, particularly the author’s grandchildren. This enchanting metamorphosis leads to the creation of colorful and exciting birds that embody the beauty of the plant. Proudly published by Citi of Books, this is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
Carolyn Gora was a Florida public school art teacher. During her career she taught elementary, middle, and high school students. She also taught elementary education university students how to incorporate art into their classroom lessons. She has been painting animal characters for over fifty years. The Birds of Paradise Hike in a Mushroom Woods is her third book.
She has introduced her two other books, The Birds of Paradise Hike in a Mushroom Forest and The Birds of Paradise Visit a Fern Forest, to children in schools, summer camps by reading the books and art activities. The first book was written so her grandchildren would be able to read the story by themselves. She got the idea for her three books from her own Bird of Paradise Plants, which when in bloom, resemble birds.
If you love picture books that feel calm, creative, and full of wonder, “The Almost True Story of Birds of Paradise” is a hidden gem worth discovering. Carolyn Gora tells a simple but magical story that blends nature and imagination in a way that feels both soothing and inspiring. What starts as a boring green plant quietly turns
into a world bursting with color, birds, and playful plant “characters” that kids will love spotting on every page.
The target audience of the book is young children, especially preschool and early elementary readers, but it’s also perfect for parents, grandparents, and teachers who enjoy reading stories with deeper meaning aloud. Kids will be drawn to the bright imagery and animal-like plants, while adults will appreciate the gentle message about growth and self-worth. It’s the kind of book that invites curiosity and sparks conversations about nature, change, and creativity.
One of the central moral lessons connects closely to a real-life experience many of us share: feeling ordinary or overlooked while waiting for our moment to shine. Just like the green plant, people often grow and change in their own time. The story reminds readers that being patient with yourself—and believing you can become more than you are right now—can lead to something beautiful. Even better, your growth might inspire others around you.
What makes this book especially enticing is its peaceful optimism. There’s no conflict, no rush—just a gentle unfolding of color, confidence, and community. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, visually engaging story that encourages kids to embrace who they are and imagine who they can become, “The Almost True Story of Birds of Paradise” is a lovely addition to any bookshelf
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1 Comment
Carolyn Gora’s book seems like a fascinating read, especially with such a provocative title! It’s great to see so many services offered by Citi of Books to support authors, from publishing to marketing. It’s always encouraging to see a company investing in author success!