DANDI MCLION HAS HER SAY

A young dandelion activist makes the case for valuing the common flower at a human town hall meeting in this illustrated children’s book.

Dandi Ade’ McLion is proud of her dandelion heritage. While Dandi is generally happy, she becomes sad thinking about how humans have a prejudice against dandelions. Dandi’s mama encourages her to use her voice, and though at first the flower isn’t sure how to speak to humans, she soon comes up with an idea. The tiny plant decides to present her case at a town hall meeting, explaining the virtues of dandelions. She asserts: “I’m sure if you knew more about us you’d treat us much nicer!” Dandi shares how humans used to value dandelions, how their roots help lawns and prevent erosion, and how their puffball seeds bring joy. She extols the dandelions’ powers of pollination and even notes that they are edible and healthy for humans. Her impassioned speech (tempered by a deep breath to keep her anger out of her words) causes members of the human community to become dandelion allies. McLaurin mixes science and advocacy in a kid-friendly story. The author uses challenging vocabulary words for emergent readers, many of which are defined in the glossary at the end, but couches them in a way that makes them understandable from the context. Unfortunately, a shift from past tense to present in the middle of the tale may puzzle newly independent readers. Still, Dandi’s speech and actions—supporting better treatment of dandelions—double as a way to discuss human issues, including facing prejudice or simply encountering adults who fail to listen to children unless the kids speak up for themselves. Dandi’s intriguing perspective as a talking plant, with roots that can grow up to 15 feet deep but who can also walk to a meeting, requires a healthy suspension of disbelief. Hider’s soft-edged cartoon illustrations help, giving Dandi leaf arms that allow movement. The pictures capture Dandi’s enthusiasm and efforts, creating a hero whom young readers will identify with.

A strong story for dandelion lovers—and readers seeking ways to discuss discrimination.