Wildflower - by Melanie Brown (Hardcover)

About the Book

"When little Daisy finds herself blooming in a garden she is happy to stretch her petals to the sky. How lovely it feels to be a flower in bloom! Until, Rose tells her that she doesn't belong in the garden. Daisy is a weed, and just gets in the way. Other flowering plants and herbs in the garden agree with Rose, but some of the other garden inhabitants don't. They suggest that Daisy is actually a wildflower, that can grow within or outside of gardens and has a purpose all of her own. Is Daisy a weed or a wildflower? Who decides? This is a story about finding the inner strength to define ourselves on our own terms."--

Book Synopsis

The Rainbow Fish for kids who love the garden.

A moving picture book for ages 3 to 8 about a daisy who is told she's "just a weed"--and embarks on a journey to find her place in the garden.

Daisy is new to the garden and just opening her petals to the sun when Rose tells her that she's just a weed. What's a weed? Daisy asks. Weeds aren't planted on purpose, Rose explains, and they only get in the way. Soon Daisy compares herself to other plants in the garden: she isn't tall like Sunflower, nor sweet like Strawberry, nor fragrant like Rose. Daisy worries that Rose might be right--that she is a weed after all--until a strange and beautiful plant offers Daisy a different perspective. Maybe Daisy can choose her own purpose! And why do others get to decide who she is?

This sweet and empowering story is the perfect gift for teaching young children about:

• Self-compassion and confidence. Daisy learns that she is so much more than "just a weed" and that it's up to her to define who she is, not others.
• Everyone has something special about them, and supporting one another can help us grow.
• The importance of loving yourself exactly as you are.

Review Quotes

"Truly a special story beautifully illustrated with a powerful message to love yourself exactly as you are."
--STARRED Youth Services Book Review

"Gillingham's bold illustrations... clearly emphasize the emotional turns of the narrative... in this picture book simultaneously about plant biodiversity and accepting difference."
--Booklist

"With benign lessons of self-worth and inclusion, this endearing story is easy to love."
--School Library Journal

About the Author

Melanie Brown has worked as both an elementary school teacher and an interior designer, who lives in Vancouver with her family and sweet silver labrador retriever named Rosie. Wildflower is her first book.

Sara Gillingham is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator, art director, and designer who has helped publish many bestselling books. Sara has written and illustrated more than 25 titles for children, including How to Grow a Friend, Snuggle the Baby, the Empowerment series, and the bestselling In My series. She lives in Vancouver with her family.