Wildflower

PreS-Gr 2–Daisy has only just bloomed and is enjoying the garden when Rose tells her “You’re just a weed.” As Daisy confers with other plants, they tell her all about how awesome they are, but make Daisy feel bad in comparison for being just a weed; then Daisy meets wildflowers who speak to their own unique qualities that they share in the garden. Brown has created a lovely story for children about self-worth, via flowers and a simple vocabulary, with some longer names mentioned. The ideas are simple enough for younger children, while older readers will pick up on the notions of being true to one’s self and the need for inclusion. An end note takes on the differences between flowers and weeds, and how the latter do not deserve their sorry reputation. Gillingham’s adorable illustrations also help visualize the feelings of Daisy and other flowers, focusing on only one or two flowers at a time for the most part. This story makes its points in a pretty way, without ever creeping into the sentimental.