Daisy Rewilds by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Kerascoët (9780593125670)

Daisy has always been a conservationist, composting her baby food and sleeping on a bed of leaves as a toddler. Now she is doing a very important experiment by skipping her baths for five weeks. Soon she is growing all sorts of plants on her body. Happily, she has an Auntie Betsy who is a gardener and knows just what to teach Daisy, when to water her, when to flip her upside down. Soon a glorious collection of native plants starts to rewild on Daisy’s body. She lives out on the lawn even in hot August. When September comes, the neighborhood takes notice of Daisy’s amazing plants and wonder how they can do something like it. This is all part of Daisy’s plan.

McNamara writes a story about conservation that is filled with joy and possibility. Rather than having a didactic tone, it shows how one child can make an impact on their neighborhood, even if they don’t do it quite like the rather magical Daisy. The illustrations add to the playful tone and the wonder of the rewilding process happening on a human body.

Plant this one on display or even better use it in a story time to watch it grow. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Random House Studio.