"Daisy turned up toward Sunflower.
"What about you?"
"I tower over the garden and
my seeds are good to eat."
Sunflower threw back his petals."
Daisy is so blooming happy to be in this beautiful new place. But, Rose is quick to pass on her mother's opinion that Daisy is nothing but a weed. Daisy doesn't know the meaning of that word, and Rose is happy to explain that Daisy has no purpose, and only gets in the way.
Daisy wonders why it should matter what she is when there is lots of space in the garden for all. Rose brags about her scent. Sage is quick to assure her place as a helper to the chef. Poor drooping Daisy. Sunflower explains his importance, and Chamomile explains her role in making tea that helps people sleep. By now, Daisy is fully drooped and looking miserable. Strawberry Flower offers reassurance that Daisy must have some purpose, while explaining that she feeds hungry people.
Meeting Sweet Pea is a revelation!
"Daisy said, " I can guess why you were
planted. You smell lovely, like Rose.
"I wasn't planted," said Sweet Pea.
"I just blew in on the wind, like you.
I get called a weed sometimes too."
Daisy's spirit brightens. Meeting other plants that are often considered weeds - Blackberry Vine, Clover, and Dandelion - helps Daisy realize she also has a place in the garden, as does every other flower that puts down roots there. Informative and thoughtful, this is a book that young readers will enjoy hearing.
In back matter a gardeners' glossary gives meaning to the weed, and an author's note makes a case for their presence in the natural world. Digital artwork gives life to all plants in the garden, and endpapers offer sketches of some common weeds (front) and some common wildflowers (back).
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