Daisy blooms, grateful for her garden surroundings, but her cheery mood is quickly ruined by neighbouring Rose, who calls her a weed and tells her she doesn’t belong. Despondent, Daisy talks with other purposefully planted flowers, seeking to understand why she is not valued. As each flower shares their purpose, justifying their presence, Daisy becomes increasingly sad. Then she meets other garden weeds, who show that they too have value. Emboldened, Daisy comes to the defence of a new weed being criticized, declaring that all the plants belong and are special. A Gardener’s Glossary explains the differences between weeds and other plants. The benefits of weeds are described in an author’s note. Award-winning illustrator Gillingham uses bright, bold colours in full-page illustrations of each flower, several of which occur as a double-page spread. The flower illustrations are simple yet capture defining features. Endpapers are decorated with labelled illustrations of common weeds and wildflowers.

Other End Matter: Author’s Note, Glossary
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Melanie Brown's profile page

Sara Gillingham is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, art director, and designer who has helped publish many bestselling books. Gillingham has written and illustrated more than 25 titles for children, including Snuggle the Baby, All Better Baby!, Love Is a Truck, Love Is a Tutu, Love Is a Ball, and the Empowerment series. She lives in Vancouver with her family.

Sara Gillingham's profile page

"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