ÂMÎ OSÂWÂPIKONES (DEAR DANDELION)

A playful, lyrical, and persuasive love letter to a dandelion.

Okemow (Nêhiyaw/Plains Cree) weaves an important message throughout this picture book that follows a dandelion through each of the four seasons: Every living thing has value and brings “joy to others.” Each season begins with the same greeting: “Dear Osâwâpikones,” Plains Cree for dandelion. Over the course of a year, a cheerful tan-skinned child, cued as Indigenous, watches as Dandelion sprouts, spreads its seeds, lies dormant in the winter, and then grows anew come spring. Referring to the flower as a “bouquet of light,” the child narrator makes clear that Dandelion is no pesky weed. As the child draws, cuddles with an adult, dances, and plays in the snow, Dandelion is always there, offering life lessons: persevere when faced with challenges; kindness connects all living things; rest and be silent while pursuing hopes and dreams. Okemow presents resilience last: “You remind me, always, we are more than just one thing. / Even when things are hard, / you still bloom.” Alliterative phrasing (“cracks in concrete,” “season of strawberries”) heightens the vivid imagery of the verse. Bright, flat colors bring the story to life; a buzzing bee that appears on various spreads helps pull the tale together. Cree terms are used throughout; a glossary is appended. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

This tribute to a precious flowering plant will capture readers’ hearts.