When I added my My First ABC Book of Houseplants to my list of books that will teach kids to love gardening, I asked the author, Priscille Joseph, to tell me a bit more about how the book came to be and what drove her in bringing this gorgeous creative project to life.
Little did I know that it would not be just a series of questions and answers, but an inspiring story about resilience, second chances and the joy of sharing a love for nature with the next generation.
Priscille is a fun and positive storyteller, both through words and illustrations. And you can tell that she is really passionate about blending all of her skills and interests.
With a background in interior design (backed by an Honours Bachelor of Interior Design), the author of My First ABC Book of Houseplants draws from her work on healthy building practices, holistic living and sustainability.
Priscille Joseph’s kids book shows us that nature-inspired design is not just something to aspire to, but something that we can plant the seeds of – and be a part of – from a very early age.
Here’s my conversation with Priscille.
Hi, Priscille! Can you please tell me about how you got the idea to write a houseplant book for kids?
My journey to creating My First ABC Book of Houseplants began during one of the most challenging seasons of my life.
While navigating the beautiful chaos of becoming a mother, I was also faced with the reality of a cancer diagnosis. It was during those long, quiet nights of nursing my baby—moments filled with equal parts exhaustion and love—that the seed for this book was planted.
Growing up, I was surrounded by the beauty of houseplants—my mother and grandmother filled their homes with vibrant greenery. Those plants were more than just decor; they symbolized care, resilience, and a connection to nature that became a cornerstone of my own mindful and holistic lifestyle.
Years later, as a mom, I watched my toddler’s curiosity blossom as she began asking about the houseplants in our home. She’d point to the leaves and ask their names, sparking conversations that inspired me to create something special for her.
I started with a simple guide, illustrating each plant to share with her. What began as a small project for my daughter quickly grew into something much bigger.
The book itself took shape during the night feeds with my second miracle baby—a child I never thought I’d have after cancer treatment.
Those quiet, precious hours became moments of creation, where I poured my heart into illustrating and writing.
Over the course of six months, the book came to life, letter by letter, leaf by leaf.
This is such an inspiring and moving story. Can you give us some insight into your creative process?
My creative process always begins with a hand-drawn sketch. I have so many little sketchbooks tucked away in my drawers, all filled with doodles, illustrations, urban sketches and drawings I’ve done over the past decade.
For this book, I started by drawing what I saw around me, one leaf at a time. For example, we have a monstera at home, and I began by sketching its distinctive leaves on paper.
Once the sketches were complete, I’d take a photo of them and upload them into Procreate on my iPad. That’s where the digital art process came to life. I used tools like the studio pen and watercolor brush to add detail, texture, and vibrancy to each illustration.
One of the most challenging parts was deciding on the color scheme for the book. I knew it had to be colorful to capture children’s attention, but I also wanted it to feel cohesive and intentional. Finding the right balance was a labor of love.
You go through a lot of houseplants in the book. Do you have a favorite houseplant?
If I had to pick a favorite, it would definitely be a tough choice because I have a deep love for so many types of houseplants, but I tend to gravitate toward trailing plants like philodendrons and monsteras.
There’s just something so special about watching them grow and cascade, especially as they add such a natural, lush vibe to any space. I love how they seem to thrive with minimal care, yet look so vibrant and full of life.
Philodendrons, in particular, are super easy to propagate, so it’s always exciting to see how quickly they spread and grow in different spots around the house.
More recently, I’ve found myself adapting my mother’s love for alocasias and anthuriums. My mom always had these stunning plants around the house when I was growing up, and now I’m doing the same.
Alocasias, with their bold, dramatic leaves, have such a unique beauty, and I’ve become fascinated by the way they need just the right amount of light and care to thrive.
Anthuriums, their glossy, vibrant flowers are a showstopper. The way they brighten up a room and bring a bit of tropical charm is something I can’t get enough of. It feels like carrying on a legacy of plant love that my mother started.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes directly from nature. I try to draw everything I see, from leaves and flowers to urban scenes. Nature has always been a grounding force in my life, and I wanted to share that connection through my art.
What drives my passion, though, is my family: my husband and my children. They are at the heart of everything I create. This book is a reflection of the love and curiosity we share as a family, and I hope it inspires others to find beauty in the natural world too.
Do you have any tips for parents who want to teach kids about taking care of houseplants?
The challenge with kids is keeping them interested in plants. But that’s fairly easy to overcome with the right tools.
The key is to keep things fun, visual and age-appropriate. Celebrate their efforts, use creative tools such as books and charts, and make plant care a part of their daily life.
When kids see the impact of their care, whether it’s a thriving plant or a new sprout, they’ll naturally stay engaged and excited about houseplants.
By teaching children to care for houseplants, you’re fostering responsibility, patience, and a lifelong appreciation for nature. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to create lasting memories together as a family.
What do you think are the benefits for kids when they take care of living houseplants?
Taking care of houseplants can do so much for kids. It’s a great way to boost their confidence and sense of responsibility because they get to see their care turn into something real, such as a new leaf or a healthier plant.
It’s also super calming and helps them slow down, which we all know is rare with little ones! Plus, plants are natural conversation starters. Kids will ask questions like, “Why does it need water?” or “How do the roots work?
Suddenly, you’re teaching them STEM without even trying.
But what I love most is how it brings the family together. Watering plants, cleaning the leaves or setting up a little indoor garden are all things you can do as a team. It’s such a simple way to connect and create something beautiful together.
Plus, it’s a subtle way to get them to care about nature and the environment which can foster a love for sustainability.
For me, it’s about sparking that curiosity and showing kids that plants aren’t just decor. They’re living, growing things that kids can learn from and connect with.
I know you also do in-person events with kids and plants. Can you tell us a bit more about how they’ve been received?
I’ve had the opportunity to host some really special in-person events with kids and plants, and it’s been such a rewarding experience!
One of the most memorable events was at the largest greenhouse and plant nursery in Ottawa, where I worked with young children to introduce them to the world of houseplants. The kids were thrilled to learn about different plants, what plants need to grow and how to take care of them.
We did hands-on activities such as planting succulents and making little plant terrariums. It was so exciting to see their faces light up when they got to plant their own green friends!
What I love most about these events is seeing the kids’ natural curiosity spark as they ask questions like, “How does the plant grow?” or “What does it need to be healthy?”
It’s not just about teaching them plant care—it’s about nurturing a love for nature and the environment, which ties back to the mission of my book, My First ABC Book of Houseplants. The activities are designed to be educational but also super fun, so kids get to play and learn at the same time.
The feedback from both parents and kids has been amazing. Parents love that the events are educational and provide a break from screen time, while kids leave with a newfound appreciation for plants.
It’s been so fulfilling to create an interactive space where children can explore their creativity, gain responsibility, and connect with nature in a hands-on way. Plus, there’s something magical about being in a greenhouse surrounded by plants—it’s the perfect environment to inspire young minds!
Where can our readers find you online?
The best way to reach me is through my website at www.priscillejoseph.com where you can find free resources, upcoming events and purchase a locally-printed copy of my book. You can also find me on Instagram and on Youtube @priscille.Joseph
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I will get a very small commission or referral fee at no additional cost to you. You can read more on my affiliate policy page.
