The Perfect Dandelion

by Adelina Fabiano, Anthony Erazo Santos (Illustrator)

Overview

Have you ever felt like a pest, like you didn't quite fit in? The Perfect Dandelion is about a dandelion who feels anything but perfect and struggles to see her worth and value among the beautiful flowers around her. It isn't until she realizes her place in nature that the dandelion begins to understand that her imperfection is actually what makes her perfect.

A story about self-esteem, self-worth, acceptance, courage, and inner beauty, The Perfect Dandelion is a must-read for all young children who are starting to wonder where exactly they fit in.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781525568879
Publisher:	FriesenPress
Publication date:	07/14/2020
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.09(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

About the Author:
Adelina Fabiano is a first generation Italian-Canadian. She has been a teacher for fifteen years, teaching children from kindergarten to high school. Throughout her time in the classroom, she has witnessed children struggle with low self-esteem and self-worth, which inspired her to write this book. She hopes her book will encourage empathy and acceptance and help build self-esteem from an early age.

Adelina loves writing poetry, acting, dancing, doing yoga, meditating, travelling, and surfing. She divides her time between Canada and Italy. The Perfect Dandelion is her first children's book.

About the Illustrator:
Anthony Erazo Santos is a full time professional graphic designer and illustrator who specializes in children's book illustrations. He was born in the Philippines and became interested in art at a very young age. His style showcases his flexibility with both traditional and digital art. He strives to continue innovating his art for every project.

Editorial Reviews

2020-11-27
A young dandelion discovers her true value in this illustrated children’s book.

With all the flowers preparing to compete at the Spring Concert, Dandelion feels she can’t measure up. While other blooms offer an array of hues and scents and are treasured in gardens, dandelions aren’t prized at all; no one picks them for bouquets or love tokens. “Let’s face it, Mama, no one likes a weed,” says Dandelion, crying. Although her mother reassures her that good looks aren’t everything and she’ll find her place in life, Dandelion isn’t so sure, seeing nothing but facing a weed killer or getting dug up in her future. Sitting down to sob, Dandelion gets some sympathy from a blade of grass who’s always getting stepped on, but she doesn’t listen, too caught up in her unhappiness. Then an array of insects seeking nectar, some to sustain them on long journeys (like Beatrice the butterfly), visits Dandelion and pollinates her. The insects are grateful, and Dandelion is pleased she can make them happy. She also notices that a gardener prizes her leaves for dandelion tea. In the end, Dandelion happily attends the concert, with a new understanding of how special she really is. In her book, Fabiano encourages self-acceptance and appreciation of differences. While acknowledging that Dandelion doesn’t have the glamour of other flowers, the author provides good examples of her actual strengths. Vivid writing keeps the story from becoming overly didactic, as in “The lavender spread their scent, bringing calm to all, while the daisies, with their golden petals growing from chocolate-coloured centres, spread like fire.” Discussion points also provide adults an opening to explore concepts further with kids. In his second children’s book, Santos provides sunny digital illustrations with amusing anthropomorphic features and details; Dandelion, for example, wears tennis shoes.

A pleasing and realistic approach to self-esteem.

Kirkus Reviews