Behind the Book
Learn more about Alice Hoang-La and the inspiration behind
The Wishing Flower
About the Author
Alice Hoang-La graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and English Literature. She later pursued her passion for teaching and received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ottawa. Alice now works as an elementary school teacher in Australia. She has also travelled abroad to teach in the United Kingdom and has connected with students across the world by teaching online ESL classes to children in China. As an advocate for a holistic and healthy way of living, Alice uses mindfulness-based approaches for students to improve their overall well-being, including their mental, emotional, and physical health. She believes in empowering children to become free-thinking, independent individuals by supporting them to use creative inquiry and critical thinking. She is a firm believer of life-long learning and is continuously inspired by kids, who keep her young at heart and always ready for an adventure.
Notes from the Author
What inspires you to be present and how do you find happiness in the little things in life? I wanted to write a book that educators, parents, and people alike could use to approach the topics of mindfulness, creativity, resourcefulness, and sustainability. With an interest in food and nutrition, I believe in the importance of food literacy—knowing where your food comes from and what is in it—and there is no better way than to adopt a green thumb and grow your own! Moreover, I wanted this book to guide children to be conscious consumers, and for it to serve as a stepping-stone for teaching about the importance of self-sufficiency, self-awareness, and how our actions impact the environment. I find that there is value in simplicity and have always liked the concept of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” My goal is also to encourage children to appreciate and connect with nature with an instilled sense of gratitude, all the while using their imaginations. I hope for people of all ages to be inspired to explore and think outside the box, as well as learn through creating and experimenting with new things. Each of us is unique, with different perspectives of the world around us, and it’s a matter of finding what resonates with you and what brings you a sense of joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Growing up with books as a means of education as well as a form of escapism, I decided to pursue my passion for storytelling to share my messages. I consider this book a semi-autobiography as I have always had an affinity for being one with nature and was particularly drawn to dandelions since childhood (I suspect that this is in part due to one of my favourite Disney movies of all time—Beauty and the Beast—if you know, you know). I would also spend days outside with my mother, who had an extensive garden of flowers and plants, some of which she would incorporate into her cooking. I still find magic in those brightly-coloured wildflowers that turn into cotton-like balls of fluff with the changing of the seasons.