DANDELION CHILD

A picture book with compassionate words of encouragement for those who feel alone and lost.

Mehlman-Orozco and Lowery-Keith’s book introduces readers to three categories of children: Orchids, who are highly sensitive and only flourish in a specific environment; Tulips, who require only a basic level of attention; and Dandelions, who grow with no one to care for them. This book focuses on Dandelion children’s experiences and explores difficulties they must overcome to thrive. Readers are reminded that children in every society experience harassment, homelessness, and neglect; some go to bed and school hungry and aren’t taught to read, and when they’re sick, no one cares for them. Fortunately, the Dandelion children in the book are encouraged by someone who tells them they’re resilient, courageous, and strong. Overall, this is a valuable, if often sad, work; however, it ends on an upbeat note that Dandelions can indeed flourish. Rodic’s scruffy, full-color illustrations are a wonderful match for the text, showing the beauty in things that may outwardly seem broken, worn, and patched. The book’s beginning is slightly confusing, as the narrator introduces themselves and “Dr. Kim” with an image that features five characters. However, the book later makes clear that the narrator is a grown-up Dandelion child who can empathize and understand such children’s struggles.

An earnest, well-illustrated work about troubled children and caring adults.