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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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.
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.