Starchild: Why Malaysian children are attracted to colourful flowers

Naomi Cheah, 11

Don't you just love how flowers come in all sorts of colours, shapes, and sizes? They’re like nature’s beautiful artwork!

Today, let’s share about our favourite flowers.

Nuri Marlena Fernandez, 5

In Malaysia, we are lucky to have a wide variety of flowers blooming all around us. Some flowers are big and bold, like the hibiscus, our national flower. Its petals come in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white.

Actually, don’t you think the hibiscus looks like it’s smiling at us?

The Rafflesia flower, found in our country, is a natural wonder, is known as the largest flower in the world. This rare beauty can grow up to one metre in diameter and emits a strong odour like rotting flesh to attract insects. Its captivating presence makes it a symbol of Malaysia’s rich biodiversity.

Another popular flower is the orchid. Have you seen one before? Orchids are elegant and come in many colours too, like purple, white, and even green. People love orchids so much that they keep them in their homes as decorations.

If you’re a fan of sweet-smelling flowers, you might like jasmine. Its tiny white flowers release a lovely fragrance, especially in the evening. Some people even use jasmine flowers to make perfume and tea.

Dani Karina Fernandez, 10

But let’s not forget about the cheerful sunflower. It’s like a burst of sunshine in a flower. Sunflowers are tall and bright yellow, and they always turn their heads towards the sun. They make everyone feel happy just by looking at them.

Of course, there are many other amazing flowers out there, like roses, daisies, and tulips. Each one is special in its own way, just like how we are all unique and special too.

So, what’s your favourite flower? Maybe it’s one we mentioned above, or maybe it’s something else entirely.

Take a moment to think about the flowers you love, and maybe even draw a picture of them. Let’s celebrate the beauty of flowers together!

Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Flowers.

“One of my favourite flowers is the waterlily. I like it because of its sweet colour. Pansy flowers are pretty too. A bouquet of waterlily and pansies would be my choice to brighten up my house,” writes Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, nine.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 9

“I love tulips because they come in so many colours, just like a rainbow! My favourite is the pink tulip because it reminds me of love and happiness,” writes Dani Karina Fernandez, 10.

Younger sibling Nuri Marlena Fernandez, five, says: “The hibiscus is my favourite flower because it’s so big and pretty, like a tropical princess. When I see it, I feel proud to be Malaysian.”

“Poppy flowers are like tiny pieces of art to me. I love their bright red colour and how they dance in the wind. They make me feel like I’m in a fairytale,” says Naomi Cheah, 10.

ITEM: Earth Day is extra important this year because we’re focusing on something called “Planet vs Plastics.” Plastics are everywhere, but they can be harmful to our planet and the animals that live here. Let’s hear your ideas on how we can reduce plastic waste and help our planet on Earth Day. How can you use less plastic in your daily life? Do you have any creative ideas for recycling or reusing plastic items? Share your thoughts on alternative options to plastic, like using reusable water bottles or cloth bags. Together, we can make a big difference in protecting our planet from plastic pollution. Don’t forget to send in a drawing too.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by April 16. Please put “STARCHILD: Earth Day” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.