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MARIGOLD & DAISY by Andrea Zuill

MARIGOLD & DAISY

by Andrea Zuill ; illustrated by Andrea Zuill

Pub Date: Feb. 6th, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4549-2293-3
Publisher: Sterling

Spring has sprung, and with it comes new beginnings and unexpected trials for two young snails.

New siblings can be an unfortunate tribulation, even in the buggy world of this brightly colored picture book. Life unfolds nicely for Marigold, a big-eyed young snail, until the birth of her sister, Daisy. No longer the center of attention, Marigold resents this little intrusion, who doesn’t seem nearly as cute as everyone thinks; instead, she ruins everything, even Marigold’s favorite toy. Disgusted and resentful, Marigold sets out to be alone…until she finds herself in a pickle. When Daisy turns up to help out her big sis, Marigold realizes maybe siblings aren’t so bad after all. Loose, watercolor-styled illustrations feature quirky yet lovable gastropods and insects, all endowed with big, expressive eyes, and a bug’s-eye view into a spring garden, complete with leafy green endpapers, which amplify the floral theme. While Marigold’s sophisticated vocabulary will prompt good discussions of words and their meanings, the lively speech balloons offer opportunities for humorous voice impressions for added read-aloud enjoyment. Good for new older siblings who will recognize Marigold’s frustration but not be too old to appreciate Daisy’s pluck.

Not your garden-variety sibling story despite a familiar theme.

(Picture book. 3-5)