Wildflower

A charming story about finding self-love and defying the labels others often place on us, Wildflower offers a wonderful childhood introduction to garden plants as well as an important reminder that we all deserve to define ourselves on our own terms.

Daisy is new to the garden. As she begins to open her petals to the sun, neighbouring flower Rose assertively proclaims Daisy doesn’t belong as she’s “just a weed”. Not knowing the term, Daisy inquires about the name-calling and is promptly told that weeds aren’t planted on purpose and only get in the way. Such begins a saddening journey of comparing herself to others as Daisy’s petals begin to hang low, bearing the emotional weight of feeling othered and ostracized. She isn’t tall like Sunflower, nor sweet like Strawberry, nor fragrant like Rose. However, after meeting Sweet Pea, who shares that she, too, is sometimes called a weed as sweet peas aren’t intentionally planted but instead blew in by the wind, Daisy’s stem begins to stand a little straighter. Thanks to her new group of flower friends, including the misunderstood trio of Blackberry Vine, Dandelion, and Clover, all members of the garden realize “there is more than enough sunshine for everyone”, no matter what others may call them.

The simple yet endearingly effective message of inner-strength and empowerment is a testament to debut author Melanie Brown’s skill as a children’s book author and makes her one to watch. Young readers will fall in love with this heartwarming garden story without feeling its important moral tale pressed upon them. Positive peer relationships, bullying and self-awareness are all key themes that are delicately woven into the story’s structure. The inclusion of a “Gardener’s Glossary” and an “Author’s Note” making a case for weeds by addressing their “bad reputation” takes this picture book to a whole new level, offering up the addition of nonfiction informative details about plant adaptations and local ecologies.

Illustrator Sara Gillingham has created an array of truly delightful images to accompany this sweet story. With minimalist yet impactful graphics of flowers and gardens, Gillingham uses colour theory expertly to help make her cartoon wildflowers and plants pop on each page and impart distinct personality on each garden character. The beautifully illustrated endpapers offer a joyful vintage feel and are certain to make readers smile with their playful flower faces and labels for identification.

An absolute must-have for educators, librarians, and families, Wildflower is a colourful and charming new addition to the shelves of beloved picture books with high circulation and easy readability. Kids who love gardening will pick this title up again and again, but so will those of us who need a reminder every now and then that we are each inherently beautiful and deserve to have our place amongst the many different flowers and plants in the garden of life.