Welcome to the pond! Home of The Lotus and The Weeds, a heartwarming story about a little lotus named Lumo who learns that you don't have to fit in to belong.
Signed copies come with a free Bloom Like Lumo bookmark · written with love by Gigi
In a peaceful pond where a lotus, a wildflower, and a little frog grow side by side, a beautiful friendship begins. But not everything in the pond is kind.
When Lumo the lotus feels different from the weeds around him, he chooses kindness instead of following the crowd. With the gentle wisdom of Grandma Lotus, the friendship of Pip the frog, and the courage of Zinnia, Lumo discovers that what makes us different is often what makes us special.
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“A timeless and charming story that I love to read with my grandchildren. Colorful illustrations and heartfelt message, they love following Lumo. It’s a favorite in our house.”
“The Lotus and the Weeds is a heartwarming story that teaches children the importance of kindness, courage and being true to themselves. Through Lumo and Zinnia’s touching journey, young readers learn they don’t have to fit in to belong. Love, compassion and embracing who they are help them bloom!”
“My 2-year-old son adores this book! He loves the characters and remains engaged from front to back when we read it before bed! And as a mom, I love the message that this book reinforces about kindness and being yourself.”
“The Lotus and the Weeds is the kind of story I have found my two children reading together more than once. It is such a joy to watch them share the message of kindness together at such a young age. This book beautifully reflects the journey they will share as they grow and overcome challenges together. Watching them enjoy this story side by side makes it even more special to our family!”
“A phenomenal read for our little one. As a new reader, the story and the illustrations keep our one-year old’s attention drawn in. As a father, the message keeps me pulling this one off the shelf at bedtime.”
“Wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated, the author packages a timeless and important tale in a creative setting. In an age where every children’s book feels like it’s recycling the same types of characters, The Lotus and the Weeds stands out as patently unique.”
“A fantastic addition to any classroom library! Lumo, Zinnia & Pip share a life lesson that is valuable for students of all ages.”
“Watching my niece and nephew ask for this one again and again never gets old. Lumo has a way of making a big idea — that you are enough exactly as you are — feel simple enough for little hearts to hold onto. It has quietly become my go-to gift for every baby shower and birthday.”
The sweetest bloom on the pond, with a heart as open as his petals. Where Lumo goes, kindness grows.
Sparkly, bright, and full of surprises. Zinnia discovers that being yourself is the bravest thing of all.
A small frog with a big question and an even bigger heart. Every friendship starts with a hello.
The wise heart of the pond, gentle and patient. She always knows just what little hearts need to hear.
I’m Jeanne Kemperle, a mother, grandmother, and children’s author from Long Island, New York. I am the founder of Lotus Bloom Press, and The Lotus and the Weeds is my debut children’s book.
The idea for the story first found me more than fifteen years ago during a yoga class. As we rested in Savasana, the final relaxation pose, the teacher read us a story about a lotus growing in a murky pond. The lotus begins beneath the surface, pushes its way through the mud, reaches toward the sunlight, and opens into a beautiful flower. The pond represented the challenges, uncertainty, and difficult moments we may encounter in life, while the lotus symbolized hope, resilience, and the courage to keep growing. Its journey was a powerful reminder that even in life’s most difficult places, something beautiful and strong can still emerge. That image stayed with me, and over the years, its message continued to grow.
Children have always held a special place in my heart, and caring for them has been one of the deepest and most meaningful callings of my life. For more than twenty years, I volunteered with children’s organizations and hospitals. Some of my most meaningful hours were spent as a NICU cuddler, gently holding tiny babies and offering them comfort and care.
In 2011, Delta Air Lines and Children’s Miracle Network honored me with the Children’s Miracle Maker Award in recognition of my dedication to helping children and their families. I was selected from among approximately 80,000 Delta employees to receive this special honor. It was an incredibly humbling moment and remains one of the most meaningful recognitions of my life—not simply because of the award itself, but because it celebrated a cause and a community of children so close to my heart.
That lasting image of the lotus eventually inspired me to write my first book. Today, I write stories that encourage young readers to embrace who they are, recognize their own worth, and bloom with confidence.
The Lotus and the Weeds marks the beginning of my journey as a children’s author. Lumo and his friends have many more adventures—and lessons about kindness, courage, and belonging—still to come.
Kindness makes the world bloom.
Courage helps me shine.
I am special. I matter.
Eighteen pages of Lumo, Zinnia, Pip and Grandma Lotus, drawn by the book's illustrator Daryna Rudyk and free for anyone to print — at home, in a classroom, or at story time.
Download the coloring pages
the Bloom Like Lumo bookmark — free with every signed copy
Six original songs to bloom, hop, and drift off to sleep with. Press play and sing along with Lumo and his friends!
watch the pond come to life
The Lotus and The Weeds — Official Cover Reveal
The title track. Where our story begins.
2:14
A gentle anthem for growing hearts.
2:42
The sing-along for every little bloomer.
1:45
Clap, stomp, and bloom with the whole band.
2:13
Pip's song! Hop, hop, hop along.
2:07
A lullaby for the pond at bedtime.
3:59shhh… the pond is singing
coming soon — the pond is just waking up!
Follow @lotusbloompress to be first to hear when Jeanne is reading near you.
Author readings with affirmation activities that help little hearts grow. Teachers and librarians, let's plant some kindness together.