Dandi McLion Has Her Say: A Children's Book that Teaches Anti-Discrimination through STEM, Social Emotional Learning and Civic Responsibility

by Patrice McLaurin, Stephanie Hider (Illustrator)

Overview

Dandi McLion is a beautiful and proud dandelion. Her golden florets burst into the sky like their own radiant rays of sunshine, and anyone can see that she is adorable! She discovers that people have given dandelions a bad reputation and she doesn't like it! To resolve this problem, she attends the people's town hall meeting, where she shares awesome facts about the importance of dandelions, and why they should be respected like other flowers. Will using her voice make a difference? Find out what happens when Dandi McLion finally has her say!

Dandi McLion Has Her Say is a fun and engaging mixture of STEM, Social Emotional Learning and Character Education! It comes complete with a glossary to enhance reading comprehension and increase vocabulary.

From this book, readers are sure to learn some pretty important facts about dandelions. (STEM) The book also touches on core components of Social Emotional Learning like empathy, compassion and how to handle big emotions. Furthermore, it demonstrates how one can exercise Civic Responsibility to make a change in their world, a key element of Character Education.

Dandi McLion Has Her Say encourages its reader to be courageous. It reminds us that our voice is powerful and that it deserves to be heard. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781736482032
Publisher:	Khemrah Publishing
Publication date:	09/06/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	44
File size:	7 MB
Age Range:	4 - 11 Years

About the Author

Patrice McLaurin is a Best Selling Author, Image Activist and Owner of Khemrah Publishing, LLC. She has worked to empower and enhance the lives of young people, in varying capacities, for the past two decades. Patrice served as Subject Matter Expert in the development of Everfi's online Black History Curriculum, 306- Continuing the Story and was asked to sit on the character education advisory council for the nonprofit, because I said I would. Her books have been used to supplement STEM and Social Emotional Learning Curriculum across the nation. The goal of each of her books is to encourage children to become creators, producers and emotionally intelligent human beings.Patrice McLaurin is a native of Bessemer, AL and a proud graduate of Alabama A&M University. She currently resides in Dacula, GA with her husband and two children.

Editorial Reviews

2022-08-02
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.

Kirkus Reviews