Daisy Rewilds, written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Kerascoet. Penguin Random House, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"In June, Daisy attracted a lot of attention, 
especially among the pollinators. Hummingbirds
thrummed by her bee balm. Bees buzzed about 
her harebells. Monarchs feasted on her blazing 
stars. 
"Should we introduce more worms?" asked 
Auntie Betsy. 
"I'm good," said Daisy."

Daisy has been interested in the natural world and conservation forever. It is said she composted her own baby food when she was but one year old. Later, she liked to sleep on a bed of leaves and was constantly experimenting with plants and foods to grow new and wonderful things. 

Spring brought a new kind of experiment. Daisy decided to skip her bath and see what happened. Her body began to grow plants behind her ears, on her toes, and around her ankles. Nobody but Daisy paid any attention, until her mom asked and Daisy explained she was rewilding. Daisy loved what she was doing; her mother was worried about what the neighbors might think. 

Aunt Betsy approved and agreed to homeschool her niece. Daisy loved it all. As Daisy grew more and more like the plants she so loved, Aunt Betsy encouraged her and recognized the vegetables that Daisy was now growing on her person. Summer brought pollinators, who buzzed around and feasted on her plants. Birds were next. The warmth of August had her drooping, but she was not ready to put a stop to the growth. 

Finally in September, the neighbors expressed awe at all that Daisy had done in her own yard. Many wished the entire community could look similar. Daisy is now satisfied she made the difference she wanted to make in calling attention to what everyone had been missing. She picked herself up, and began the work of replanting and rewilding the many creatures now flourishing in her yard to the surrounding neighborhood. 

""Daisy!" said Pa. "You rewilded!"
"How did you do it?" asked the neighbors. 
"I encouraged sustainable biodiversity and ecosystem
health," said Daisy. 
"What on earth does that mean?" asked a little kid. 
"I helped the land heal," replied Daisy,
"by leaving it alone.""

This is a captivating story about a young girl with a big heart and a love of all things natural. Ink and watercolor are used to create a gorgeous  backdrop for the storytelling. Filled with details and wonder, they will have your readers checking out every spread to see what they might discover there. 

Daisy's magic may not be possible. What can you do with what you know and have to make your neighborhood a healed place?