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Greenwild #1
Greenwild
Open the door to a spellbinding world where the wilderness is alive and a deep magic rises from the earth itself…
Eleven-year-old Daisy Thistledown is on the run. Her mother has been keeping big, glittering secrets, and now she has vanished. Daisy knows it’s up to her to find Ma—but someone is hunting her across London. Someone determined to stop her from discovering the truth.
So when Daisy flees to safety through a mysterious hidden doorway, she can barely believe her eyes—she has stepped out of the city and into another world.
This is the Greenwild. Bursting with magic and full of amazing natural wonders, it seems too astonishing to be true. But not only is this land of green magic real, it holds the key to finding Daisy’s mother.
And someone wants to destroy it.
Daisy must band together with a botanical genius, a boy who can talk with animals, and a cat with an attitude to uncover the truth about who she really is. Only then can she channel the power that will change her whole world . . . and save the Greenwild itself.
Eleven-year-old Daisy Thistledown is on the run. Her mother has been keeping big, glittering secrets, and now she has vanished. Daisy knows it’s up to her to find Ma—but someone is hunting her across London. Someone determined to stop her from discovering the truth.
So when Daisy flees to safety through a mysterious hidden doorway, she can barely believe her eyes—she has stepped out of the city and into another world.
This is the Greenwild. Bursting with magic and full of amazing natural wonders, it seems too astonishing to be true. But not only is this land of green magic real, it holds the key to finding Daisy’s mother.
And someone wants to destroy it.
Daisy must band together with a botanical genius, a boy who can talk with animals, and a cat with an attitude to uncover the truth about who she really is. Only then can she channel the power that will change her whole world . . . and save the Greenwild itself.
9 pages, Audiobook
First published June 6, 2023
408 people are currently reading
20763 people want to read
About the author
Pari Thomson
11 books177 followersPari Thomson is Editorial Director for picture books at Bloomsbury Children’s Books. Half Persian, half English, she lived in many places while she was growing up, including India, Pakistan, the USA, the UK and Belgium. She studied at Oxford University and now lives near the river in London, not far from Kew Gardens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 636 reviews
June 5, 2023
children’s literature is the most important thing to ever exist ever ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
March 12, 2023
I'm honestly blown away by how good this book is. Might well be my top read of the year so far, and it's going to be hard to beat.
Greenwild is about a little girl called Daisy who travels the world with her famous journalist mother. When her mother takes a dangerous job she leaves Daisy behind in the care of a boarding school and it's when she's left alone that, through means I shan't spoil, that Daisy finds her way into a magical other-world called the Greenwild.
It's tempting to liken Greenwild to Alice in Wonderland, or in general the Isekai genre, and I would say it falls into that category as one of the best examples of the trope I've come across. The world building is fantastical, botanical and hugely satisfying, drawing on the author's obvious knowledge of plantlife (and their definite love of botanic gardens!) to create an achingly beautiful and endlessly fascinating setting you'd give anything to visit.
The story also has some strong messages, both about caring for our environment and about what it's like to feel 'othered'; how small Daisy is made to feel when she the people in the Greenwild insult or alienate her because she is from the 'Greyside' (our world), and how it runs parallel to her experiences as an Iranian-English girl and as someone who has spent their life uprooted without any real sense of home.
The most satisfying thing about the story is how so much comes together at the climax of the book. Some of it I saw coming and other parts I didn't, but what matters isn't whether you 'call' a plot twist so much as how the author handles the delivery, and Pari absolutely nails it.
My only thing I didn't like so much was that whilst Pari Thompson has an incredible talent for similes, and comes up with the most amazing comparisons that read so beautifully, I did feel like there was an excess of them (oftentimes like 3 a page) and so, especially towards the climax when I was utterly enthralled by the story itself, I kind of wished that a few had been cut for the sake of keeping up the pacing.
All in all, Greenwild fully deserves to be a worldwide acclaimed children's novel, and frankly not being animated one day by studio ghibli or something with a similar eye for beauty and detail would be an injustice. PLEASE tell me there's going to be a sequel?
Greenwild is about a little girl called Daisy who travels the world with her famous journalist mother. When her mother takes a dangerous job she leaves Daisy behind in the care of a boarding school and it's when she's left alone that, through means I shan't spoil, that Daisy finds her way into a magical other-world called the Greenwild.
It's tempting to liken Greenwild to Alice in Wonderland, or in general the Isekai genre, and I would say it falls into that category as one of the best examples of the trope I've come across. The world building is fantastical, botanical and hugely satisfying, drawing on the author's obvious knowledge of plantlife (and their definite love of botanic gardens!) to create an achingly beautiful and endlessly fascinating setting you'd give anything to visit.
The story also has some strong messages, both about caring for our environment and about what it's like to feel 'othered'; how small Daisy is made to feel when she the people in the Greenwild insult or alienate her because she is from the 'Greyside' (our world), and how it runs parallel to her experiences as an Iranian-English girl and as someone who has spent their life uprooted without any real sense of home.
The most satisfying thing about the story is how so much comes together at the climax of the book. Some of it I saw coming and other parts I didn't, but what matters isn't whether you 'call' a plot twist so much as how the author handles the delivery, and Pari absolutely nails it.
My only thing I didn't like so much was that whilst Pari Thompson has an incredible talent for similes, and comes up with the most amazing comparisons that read so beautifully, I did feel like there was an excess of them (oftentimes like 3 a page) and so, especially towards the climax when I was utterly enthralled by the story itself, I kind of wished that a few had been cut for the sake of keeping up the pacing.
All in all, Greenwild fully deserves to be a worldwide acclaimed children's novel, and frankly not being animated one day by studio ghibli or something with a similar eye for beauty and detail would be an injustice. PLEASE tell me there's going to be a sequel?
December 3, 2023
5/5 stars
“Planting a seed is an act of hope” said Brightly’s voice in her ear. “It means you have faith in the future. Think of that hope, and don’t let go.”
Magical school, botanical magic, found family and a cast of delightful characters, including a cute animal companion. Has Pari Thomson penned my perfect middle-grade comfort-read...? I think so!
“Planting a seed is an act of hope” said Brightly’s voice in her ear. “It means you have faith in the future. Think of that hope, and don’t let go.”
Magical school, botanical magic, found family and a cast of delightful characters, including a cute animal companion. Has Pari Thomson penned my perfect middle-grade comfort-read...? I think so!
December 24, 2023
Ehhh....three stars. This middle reader fantasy was *fine*, but I don't feel any desire to read the sequel, and I almost DNFed a few times because I was bored with the story.
Ok, now as much as I hate referring to books as a Such-and-Such Wannabe...I have to. I have to. This book, to me, feels like a plant-based Harry Potter wannabe. There were SO many parallels, that once I noticed a couple of things, it was hard not to pick apart everything that followed.
Orphaned(ish) 11 year old discovers that they belong to a hidden magical world where everyone has ridiculous names. They're enrolled in a magical school, and quickly make new friends (including a really brainy girl and a boy who feels overshadowed by his older siblings). There is another kid who's really pointy-faced, really mean, and really xenophobic. The adults are kind, except for a dark brooding suspicious man who's disgruntled about not getting the promotion he wanted....Our protagonist does a lot of sneaking around, spies on this dark brooding guy, gets caught, gets in trouble (the brainy girl is horrified at getting school punishments), and in the end . Oh, also, mail is delivered by bird. Oh, also there's a magical stone that the ultimate baddie wants, as well as another magical object that grants extended life. Oh, also there's a sort of portal that allows the main character to see their father, whom they'd never met. Oh, also, in the end the main character is arbitrarily awarded all kinds of points so that they basically win, even though they didn't follow the rules.
Honestly, the primary difference between Daisy and Harry Potter is that Daisy isn't immediately good at magic, and doesn't become, like, the youngest Seeker in a hundred years. Yeah, she turns out to be so she's still special, but it's less Chosen One feeling.
Basically, if you wished Hogwarts was just Herbology class all the time, this book's for you.
I will say that the audiobook narrator was good. She really gave it her all.
Ok, now as much as I hate referring to books as a Such-and-Such Wannabe...I have to. I have to. This book, to me, feels like a plant-based Harry Potter wannabe. There were SO many parallels, that once I noticed a couple of things, it was hard not to pick apart everything that followed.
Orphaned(ish) 11 year old discovers that they belong to a hidden magical world where everyone has ridiculous names. They're enrolled in a magical school, and quickly make new friends (including a really brainy girl and a boy who feels overshadowed by his older siblings). There is another kid who's really pointy-faced, really mean, and really xenophobic. The adults are kind, except for a dark brooding suspicious man who's disgruntled about not getting the promotion he wanted....Our protagonist does a lot of sneaking around, spies on this dark brooding guy, gets caught, gets in trouble (the brainy girl is horrified at getting school punishments), and in the end . Oh, also, mail is delivered by bird. Oh, also there's a magical stone that the ultimate baddie wants, as well as another magical object that grants extended life. Oh, also there's a sort of portal that allows the main character to see their father, whom they'd never met. Oh, also, in the end the main character is arbitrarily awarded all kinds of points so that they basically win, even though they didn't follow the rules.
Honestly, the primary difference between Daisy and Harry Potter is that Daisy isn't immediately good at magic, and doesn't become, like, the youngest Seeker in a hundred years. Yeah, she turns out to be so she's still special, but it's less Chosen One feeling.
Basically, if you wished Hogwarts was just Herbology class all the time, this book's for you.
I will say that the audiobook narrator was good. She really gave it her all.
October 13, 2023
Let me tell you - this is THE book that should follow Harry Potter to the top of children’s publishing. It is that good! A strong, somewhat quirky female heroine. Fun, whimsical animal characters that make you smile. Evil characters and eccentric characters that make you question which is which. Mystery and intrigue keeping you guessing. Science and magic intertwined in beautiful writing. Give this to every kid, big and little, that loves to read!
June 10, 2023
An absolutely timeless magical adventure story. I felt like I was reading a book from my childhood - a mixture of Narnia and Journey to the Riversea but with botanical magic.
Great, lovable characters, action filled plot with twists, an epic amount of danger. Loved it!
Great, lovable characters, action filled plot with twists, an epic amount of danger. Loved it!
July 29, 2023
I wanted so much to like this book! But too much telling rather than showing, combined with too-long descriptions of the magical world & too little plot or dialogue...maybe I'll revisit it someday when I'm feeling more patient.
February 2, 2024
Page 79, a young boy says “neither of my dads are great cooks”, implying homosexual fathers, not something my middle grader needs to be told about at the age of 11. I don’t recommend this book for children.
March 28, 2024
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
Is there anything more delightful than finding a magical new story that can be loved by readers of any age? The last such book I found was Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, and the series that follows it. While created for middle grade readers, the writing and the story being told are well-crafted enough to appeal to any adult reader. I would put Greenwild in the same category. As an added bonus, the book itself is gorgeous, chock-full of illustrations, large and small. There’s even a full-colored map serving as the endpapers!
Daisy Thistledown has lived life on the road. Her mom, Leila, is a famous investigative journalist specializing in environmental politics. The globetrotting nature of Daisy’s childhood has been charming but lonely, and she regrets that she’s never been able to put down roots. But when Leila goes missing and Daisy is being chased through London, she finds her way into a world within our world: Greenwild, the home of a botanical magic that Daisy never knew existed. While Daisy is terribly worried about her mother, she also finds her place in the world for the first time. In Greenwild, she finds not only magical plants, but friends and a sense of belonging and, for the first time in her life, a home.
Greenwild was billed as The Secret Garden meets A Wrinkle in Time. I absolutely agree with that first comparison. The second is a bit more of a stretch; the only real commonality is the fact that the Greenwild, the magical world of this book, exists in pocket dimensions within our own world. The pockets are entered through various botanical gardens, which I thought was a really fun decision. I’ve also seen some Harry Potter comparisons that I think are fair. The magical school here feels very much life a Hogwarts that is completely focussed on Herbology. There’s a Snape character, a bit of a Draco and a somewhat Hermione. There were things about the story that felt very reminiscent of Harry Potter. However, I didn’t find it derivative. I thought it was unique enough to feel in part inspired by these stories while still being very much its own thing.
There is going to be at least one more book in this series, and I can’t wait to see what happens never with Daisy and her friends. I really enjoyed my time with this story, and it’s one that I think my niece is going to love in a few years. I would recommend this to readers of any age who are looking for something fantastical and whimsical with plenty of plot. And if you happen to be a plant person, I think you’re really going to love Greenwild.
Is there anything more delightful than finding a magical new story that can be loved by readers of any age? The last such book I found was Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, and the series that follows it. While created for middle grade readers, the writing and the story being told are well-crafted enough to appeal to any adult reader. I would put Greenwild in the same category. As an added bonus, the book itself is gorgeous, chock-full of illustrations, large and small. There’s even a full-colored map serving as the endpapers!
Daisy Thistledown has lived life on the road. Her mom, Leila, is a famous investigative journalist specializing in environmental politics. The globetrotting nature of Daisy’s childhood has been charming but lonely, and she regrets that she’s never been able to put down roots. But when Leila goes missing and Daisy is being chased through London, she finds her way into a world within our world: Greenwild, the home of a botanical magic that Daisy never knew existed. While Daisy is terribly worried about her mother, she also finds her place in the world for the first time. In Greenwild, she finds not only magical plants, but friends and a sense of belonging and, for the first time in her life, a home.
Greenwild was billed as The Secret Garden meets A Wrinkle in Time. I absolutely agree with that first comparison. The second is a bit more of a stretch; the only real commonality is the fact that the Greenwild, the magical world of this book, exists in pocket dimensions within our own world. The pockets are entered through various botanical gardens, which I thought was a really fun decision. I’ve also seen some Harry Potter comparisons that I think are fair. The magical school here feels very much life a Hogwarts that is completely focussed on Herbology. There’s a Snape character, a bit of a Draco and a somewhat Hermione. There were things about the story that felt very reminiscent of Harry Potter. However, I didn’t find it derivative. I thought it was unique enough to feel in part inspired by these stories while still being very much its own thing.
There is going to be at least one more book in this series, and I can’t wait to see what happens never with Daisy and her friends. I really enjoyed my time with this story, and it’s one that I think my niece is going to love in a few years. I would recommend this to readers of any age who are looking for something fantastical and whimsical with plenty of plot. And if you happen to be a plant person, I think you’re really going to love Greenwild.
June 3, 2023
I unfortunately kill most plants I come into contact with, but I loved this world so, so much and I hope we get more of it!
August 23, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. It started out well, and Daisy is a likable character. But it's too much of a Harry Potter clone.
November 3, 2024
Viele nette Ideen. Einige Elemente in dem Buch erschienen mir etwas unausgereift. Im Großen und Ganzen aber recht unterhaltsam.
July 1, 2025
1. Magical world our main character discovers at 11
2. An old grumpy guy who failed to get a promotion that turns out to be not that bad
3. A head 'wizard' that is extremely powerful
4. A smart, brainy girl that would rather die than flunk a class
5. A funny comedic relief character in the shadow of older siblings
6. A snarky mean character who doesn't want change
7. Parents die/go missing
8. A forbidden forest
9. A guy that our MC becomes friends with and talks to in the dark only to find out he's dead and has been for a while
10. A shack where they talk about problems and go to often
11. Abusive/neglectful caretakers
12. Beloved pet bird death protecting their owner
You know this sorta sounds familiar. Oh wait, Harry Potter. These are just some of the similarities, not to mention the Luna from Wish.
I'm assuming most of you leaving five stars either have never read the books or even watched the movies. Not a single four or five star review has a reason for it to be that high. If theres so many good things about it, say the good things if theres so many!
Now I'm not against inspiration and coinsidences happening, but over ten times? The plot is nearly the same, just with a living parent and plants.
There are so many other good children fantasy books out there, Skander and the Unicorn Theif, The Unwanteds, Wings of Fire, Song of the Wonderer, and Harry Potter for gosh sakes. Heck, I'd even put Percy Jackon and Magnus Chase on fantasy.
If you don't like J.K Rowling for what she said and done, let your children read second-hand Harry Potter or get them from a library. If you can't do either of those things borrowed from a friend, you will most definitely know someone who has a copy.
Sure, you might be thinking, but Harry Potter was a long time ago. It's time for a new fantasy series to get popular. Yes, maybe it is time, but not this one. There is so much dang telling and not showing. "Daisy felt." "Daisy comforted." Daisy this, Daisy that.
There's barely any character development, there isn't any internal conflict, most of the characters are flat, and Daisy just isn't likable.
This book has made me so fustrated on many occasions. I was closer to DNFing this book than I was Bud not Buddy.
This book might be for you, sure, but give Harry Potter a chance. If theres too many books for you, I have a feeling there will be more in this series than just two.
This book could've been great had it not pulled so much from Harry Potter. As I've stated before, inspiration is great and amazing. It should be praised. But if 80% of your book is so close to another that when describing parts of the book, it falls under tons of different books, then you have a problem.
I wouldn't waste your time on this Harry Potter knockoff. The best part about it is the cat and the plants. Everything else is a waste of time. Feel free to reply if you have any issues, in my opinion, and what many others are probably feeling.
2. An old grumpy guy who failed to get a promotion that turns out to be not that bad
3. A head 'wizard' that is extremely powerful
4. A smart, brainy girl that would rather die than flunk a class
5. A funny comedic relief character in the shadow of older siblings
6. A snarky mean character who doesn't want change
7. Parents die/go missing
8. A forbidden forest
9. A guy that our MC becomes friends with and talks to in the dark only to find out he's dead and has been for a while
10. A shack where they talk about problems and go to often
11. Abusive/neglectful caretakers
12. Beloved pet bird death protecting their owner
You know this sorta sounds familiar. Oh wait, Harry Potter. These are just some of the similarities, not to mention the Luna from Wish.
I'm assuming most of you leaving five stars either have never read the books or even watched the movies. Not a single four or five star review has a reason for it to be that high. If theres so many good things about it, say the good things if theres so many!
Now I'm not against inspiration and coinsidences happening, but over ten times? The plot is nearly the same, just with a living parent and plants.
There are so many other good children fantasy books out there, Skander and the Unicorn Theif, The Unwanteds, Wings of Fire, Song of the Wonderer, and Harry Potter for gosh sakes. Heck, I'd even put Percy Jackon and Magnus Chase on fantasy.
If you don't like J.K Rowling for what she said and done, let your children read second-hand Harry Potter or get them from a library. If you can't do either of those things borrowed from a friend, you will most definitely know someone who has a copy.
Sure, you might be thinking, but Harry Potter was a long time ago. It's time for a new fantasy series to get popular. Yes, maybe it is time, but not this one. There is so much dang telling and not showing. "Daisy felt." "Daisy comforted." Daisy this, Daisy that.
There's barely any character development, there isn't any internal conflict, most of the characters are flat, and Daisy just isn't likable.
This book has made me so fustrated on many occasions. I was closer to DNFing this book than I was Bud not Buddy.
This book might be for you, sure, but give Harry Potter a chance. If theres too many books for you, I have a feeling there will be more in this series than just two.
This book could've been great had it not pulled so much from Harry Potter. As I've stated before, inspiration is great and amazing. It should be praised. But if 80% of your book is so close to another that when describing parts of the book, it falls under tons of different books, then you have a problem.
I wouldn't waste your time on this Harry Potter knockoff. The best part about it is the cat and the plants. Everything else is a waste of time. Feel free to reply if you have any issues, in my opinion, and what many others are probably feeling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
Recensie voor het eerst gepubliceerd op: https://bazarow.com/recensie/recensie...
De wereld achter de deur is het eerste deel van de Groenwoud-trilogie geschreven door Pari Thomson. De boeken, geschikt voor kinderen van tien jaar en ouder, gaan over een fantasiewereld vol geheimen en avonturen, waar planten en bloemen een magische betekenis hebben.
Hoofdpersonage Daisy is niet anders gewend dan de wereld rondreizen met haar moeder, die een beroemde journalist is. Haar moeder moet voor een volgende opdracht het Amazonewoud in en van te voren wordt ze al gewaarschuwd dat het een gevaarlijke reis gaat zijn. Daisy mag daarom niet mee.
Al snel krijgt Daisy bericht dat haar moeder tijdens de opdracht vermist is geraakt. Daisy’s moeder is enorm belangrijk voor haar, dus uiteraard doet ze er alles aan om antwoorden te krijgen op vragen en haar moeder terug te vinden. In haar zoektocht stuit Daisy op een bijzondere doorgang, een magische deur naar een groene wereld.
Magische groene wereld
Achter deze deur ontdekt Daisy een magisch groene wereld. Achter de deur leven ook mensen, zoals magische botanisten, die in het diepste geheim voor de bijzonderste en zeldzaamste planten ter wereld zorgen. In deze wereld sluit Daisy vriendschappen met een aantal mensen, die haar helpen om de waarheid over haar verdwenen moeder boven water te halen. Uiteraard gaat dit niet zonder slag of stoot.
Jeugdboek, magie en avontuur. Meer woorden heb ik niet nodig om geïnteresseerd te raken in een jeugdboek, maar dan is het altijd nog de vraag hoe goed het uitgewerkt is. De wereld achter de deur is een prettig eerste deel! Er wordt een probleem geschetst, waardoor de lezer door wil lezen. Tegelijkertijd ga je samen met het hoofdpersonage de onbekende wereld en al haar magische aspecten ontdekken, waardoor je langzaam kan wennen aan de nieuwe termen en mogelijkheden. Thomson heeft dit op een fijne manier opgebouwd, met een bloemrijke schrijfstijl, waardoor je in combinatie met de prachtige zwart-wit illustraties van Elisa Paganelli gemakkelijk de wereld kan inbeelden.
Pari Thomson is naast auteur ook senior acquirerend redacteur bij Bloombury Children’s Books. Tijdens haar jeugd woonde ze op verschillende plekken, waaronder in India, België en Engeland. Ze studeerde aan Oxford University en woont nu in Londen.
De wereld achter de deur is een origineel eerste deel en een aanrader voor kinderen die graag avontuurlijke en magische verhalen lezen. Het vervolg, De stad voorbij de zee, verschijnt in oktober dit jaar.
De wereld achter de deur is het eerste deel van de Groenwoud-trilogie geschreven door Pari Thomson. De boeken, geschikt voor kinderen van tien jaar en ouder, gaan over een fantasiewereld vol geheimen en avonturen, waar planten en bloemen een magische betekenis hebben.
Hoofdpersonage Daisy is niet anders gewend dan de wereld rondreizen met haar moeder, die een beroemde journalist is. Haar moeder moet voor een volgende opdracht het Amazonewoud in en van te voren wordt ze al gewaarschuwd dat het een gevaarlijke reis gaat zijn. Daisy mag daarom niet mee.
Al snel krijgt Daisy bericht dat haar moeder tijdens de opdracht vermist is geraakt. Daisy’s moeder is enorm belangrijk voor haar, dus uiteraard doet ze er alles aan om antwoorden te krijgen op vragen en haar moeder terug te vinden. In haar zoektocht stuit Daisy op een bijzondere doorgang, een magische deur naar een groene wereld.
Magische groene wereld
Achter deze deur ontdekt Daisy een magisch groene wereld. Achter de deur leven ook mensen, zoals magische botanisten, die in het diepste geheim voor de bijzonderste en zeldzaamste planten ter wereld zorgen. In deze wereld sluit Daisy vriendschappen met een aantal mensen, die haar helpen om de waarheid over haar verdwenen moeder boven water te halen. Uiteraard gaat dit niet zonder slag of stoot.
Jeugdboek, magie en avontuur. Meer woorden heb ik niet nodig om geïnteresseerd te raken in een jeugdboek, maar dan is het altijd nog de vraag hoe goed het uitgewerkt is. De wereld achter de deur is een prettig eerste deel! Er wordt een probleem geschetst, waardoor de lezer door wil lezen. Tegelijkertijd ga je samen met het hoofdpersonage de onbekende wereld en al haar magische aspecten ontdekken, waardoor je langzaam kan wennen aan de nieuwe termen en mogelijkheden. Thomson heeft dit op een fijne manier opgebouwd, met een bloemrijke schrijfstijl, waardoor je in combinatie met de prachtige zwart-wit illustraties van Elisa Paganelli gemakkelijk de wereld kan inbeelden.
Pari Thomson is naast auteur ook senior acquirerend redacteur bij Bloombury Children’s Books. Tijdens haar jeugd woonde ze op verschillende plekken, waaronder in India, België en Engeland. Ze studeerde aan Oxford University en woont nu in Londen.
De wereld achter de deur is een origineel eerste deel en een aanrader voor kinderen die graag avontuurlijke en magische verhalen lezen. Het vervolg, De stad voorbij de zee, verschijnt in oktober dit jaar.
June 13, 2023
Ever since the death of her father, twelve-year-old Daisy Thistledown has spent each day with her mother, Leila, as she is home schooled, and is already an experienced traveller because her Ma is a famous political journalist. Her latest assignment, investigating a spate of missing scientists, is deemed too dangerous for Daisy however and she is sent to a boarding school where she will wait for Leila to return.
When the school tells Daisy her mother has disappeared she gathers all the special things Ma had left with her and heads to Kew Gardens, one of their happy places. Without meaning to Daisy finds her way through into an amazing world known as the Greenwild, where she witnesses things beyond her imagination. Still worried sick about Ma, Daisy enlists her new friends and the commander of her new home to try and discover what happened but it's soon clear everything in Greenwild is under threat and that threat is getting ever closer.
I just loved this book so much! Daisy and her friends are very likeable and everything that happens has a reason behind it, all of which comes together in an amazing final few chapters to provide the most satisfying of endings. The book is beautifully written with many special moments and is an outstanding series starter. I read a lot of Middle Grade fiction and this is one of the best yet. Book two is already on my shopping list.
Highly recommended.
When the school tells Daisy her mother has disappeared she gathers all the special things Ma had left with her and heads to Kew Gardens, one of their happy places. Without meaning to Daisy finds her way through into an amazing world known as the Greenwild, where she witnesses things beyond her imagination. Still worried sick about Ma, Daisy enlists her new friends and the commander of her new home to try and discover what happened but it's soon clear everything in Greenwild is under threat and that threat is getting ever closer.
I just loved this book so much! Daisy and her friends are very likeable and everything that happens has a reason behind it, all of which comes together in an amazing final few chapters to provide the most satisfying of endings. The book is beautifully written with many special moments and is an outstanding series starter. I read a lot of Middle Grade fiction and this is one of the best yet. Book two is already on my shopping list.
Highly recommended.
June 11, 2023
The first book in an eco-fantasy middle grade series.
The book combines adventure and exploration with vibrant green magic, the love for nature in all its wild and animate forms and fantastic worldbuilding along with beautiful illustrations. If you are interested in portal fantasy, botany and diverse and quirky characters (human and non-human alike), feel free to dive in. It's a wild ride.
Do not hesitate to pick up this book regardless of your age. It is stunning and you won't regret every hour you spend immersed in this story. Embedded in this, is a highly important message about the importance of caring after our environment and planet. Love it. Cannot wait for its sequel. Stunning.
I love stories where humans and nature are working together, their gifts combined, the reciprocity and being in relation with.
The book combines adventure and exploration with vibrant green magic, the love for nature in all its wild and animate forms and fantastic worldbuilding along with beautiful illustrations. If you are interested in portal fantasy, botany and diverse and quirky characters (human and non-human alike), feel free to dive in. It's a wild ride.
Do not hesitate to pick up this book regardless of your age. It is stunning and you won't regret every hour you spend immersed in this story. Embedded in this, is a highly important message about the importance of caring after our environment and planet. Love it. Cannot wait for its sequel. Stunning.
I love stories where humans and nature are working together, their gifts combined, the reciprocity and being in relation with.
October 3, 2023
A super cute story for all the crazy plant parents!
January 6, 2026
Ik zie dat veel lezers zich ergeren aan de zogenaamde Harry Potter-ripoff die dit boek zou zijn, maar behalve een huis vol gezellige wirwar die tevens Het Nest heet, planten die onder meer bijten en een elfjarige die tot dusver van magie is weggehouden, vind ik het allemaal wel meevallen. Haast elke middle grade fantasy heeft inmiddels immers ongeveer dezelfde elementen in een wereld achter de ‘echte’.
Ik kan persoonlijk de vrij obvious verwijzingen naar een klasssieker als ‘De Geheime Tuin’ met de aanvankelijk wat calimero-achtige Hal, een verloren sleutel en het tot leven wekken van een tuin ook wel weer waarderen.
De toon van dit boek zit behoorlijk hoog in de energie qua gevatheid en bloemrijke beeldspraak, wat me enigszins tegenstond maar anderzijds ook wat doet denken aan ‘Eden Smid’ (dat ik juist vanwege de schrijfstijl en het avontuur uitermate fijn vond omdat het wel veel vaardiger was geschreven).
Het duurt wat lang voor het avontuur losbarst, en de aanloop ernaar toe zit vol onwaarschijnlijkheden die je als lezer maar moet aannemen. Toch ademt het onder meer door de fijne representatie van de Engelse vader en Iraanse moeder, en de manier waarop Daisy als kind van hen beiden zelfstandig en rebels wordt opgevoed, toch ook iets van het eerder genoemde ‘Eden Smid’.
Maar het is allemaal wel erg zelfstandig en rebels, en ik moest wat om de incongruenties heen lezen. Het tempo is wisselend, als lezer word je vooral wat beziggehouden met steeds nieuwe eigenaardigheden van Groenwoud, voordat Daisy gaat doen wat ze wilde toen ze wegliep: haar verdwenen moeder zoeken.
Zodra dat eindelijk gebeurt, is het avontuur goed los en gebeurt alles tegelijk. Ik had het als kind waarschijnlijk een fantastisch lekker avontuur gevonden.
Al met al niet slecht, maar ook geen nieuwe favoriet. Stukken beter dan de draak van een serie ‘De Magische Apotheek’ en voor liefhebbers van magische werelden en eigenzinnige meisjes vol onvermoede eigenschappen. Een soort van afgesloten, bevredigend einde, maar met duidelijke opening naar het volgende avontuur.
—-
Tijdens het lezen
De eerste indruk is wel dat dit boek net als veel titels voor deze leeftijd wel erg vlotjes wil zijn - maar niet iedereen is van nature een James Ponti.
De representatie en hoofdpersoon zijn fijn en het avontuur voel je op pagina 20 al op je klompen met dikke geitenwollen sokken aankomen, maar dat drukt tot dusver de pret niet.
34
Daisy’s moeder vibes for life <3
Hoofdstuk 4
De toon van dit boek zit behoorlijk hoog in de energie qua gevatheid en beeldspraak, wat me enigszins ergert maar ook wat doet denken aan ‘Eden Smid’ (dat ik juist uitermate fijn vond). Ik geniet van de representatie van de Engelse vader en Iraanse moeder, de manier waarop Daisy als kind van hen beiden zelfstandig en rebels wordt opgevoed. Maar het is allemaal wel erg zelfstandig en rebels - ik ben benieuwd waar het avontuur heengaat.
43
Woordgebruik als ‘een ongeplengde traan’ en eerder ‘een verschil van heb ik jou daar’ doen nogal ouderwets aan.
141
Daisy pakt ineens haar tas met spullen, terwijl ze die in alle tekst en op alle illustraties sinds haar vlucht naar Kew Gardens helemaal niet bij zich heeft (dit zijn van die dingen waar een jonge lezer zich echt aan ergert en ikzelf ook - een eindredacteur had hier oog voor moeten hebben).
—-
Voor het lezen
De premisse doet me steeds iets teveel denken aan het eveneens bestaande ‘Fabulant’ van de Nederlandse auteur Marloes Kemming, en ik denk dat dat is wat me tot dusver tegenhield.
Maar ik blijf op zoek naar een frisse middlegrade serie die niet lijkt op iets anders, dus met dank aan de uitgever: let’s go!
Ik kan persoonlijk de vrij obvious verwijzingen naar een klasssieker als ‘De Geheime Tuin’ met de aanvankelijk wat calimero-achtige Hal, een verloren sleutel en het tot leven wekken van een tuin ook wel weer waarderen.
De toon van dit boek zit behoorlijk hoog in de energie qua gevatheid en bloemrijke beeldspraak, wat me enigszins tegenstond maar anderzijds ook wat doet denken aan ‘Eden Smid’ (dat ik juist vanwege de schrijfstijl en het avontuur uitermate fijn vond omdat het wel veel vaardiger was geschreven).
Het duurt wat lang voor het avontuur losbarst, en de aanloop ernaar toe zit vol onwaarschijnlijkheden die je als lezer maar moet aannemen. Toch ademt het onder meer door de fijne representatie van de Engelse vader en Iraanse moeder, en de manier waarop Daisy als kind van hen beiden zelfstandig en rebels wordt opgevoed, toch ook iets van het eerder genoemde ‘Eden Smid’.
Maar het is allemaal wel erg zelfstandig en rebels, en ik moest wat om de incongruenties heen lezen. Het tempo is wisselend, als lezer word je vooral wat beziggehouden met steeds nieuwe eigenaardigheden van Groenwoud, voordat Daisy gaat doen wat ze wilde toen ze wegliep: haar verdwenen moeder zoeken.
Zodra dat eindelijk gebeurt, is het avontuur goed los en gebeurt alles tegelijk. Ik had het als kind waarschijnlijk een fantastisch lekker avontuur gevonden.
Al met al niet slecht, maar ook geen nieuwe favoriet. Stukken beter dan de draak van een serie ‘De Magische Apotheek’ en voor liefhebbers van magische werelden en eigenzinnige meisjes vol onvermoede eigenschappen. Een soort van afgesloten, bevredigend einde, maar met duidelijke opening naar het volgende avontuur.
—-
Tijdens het lezen
De eerste indruk is wel dat dit boek net als veel titels voor deze leeftijd wel erg vlotjes wil zijn - maar niet iedereen is van nature een James Ponti.
De representatie en hoofdpersoon zijn fijn en het avontuur voel je op pagina 20 al op je klompen met dikke geitenwollen sokken aankomen, maar dat drukt tot dusver de pret niet.
34
Daisy’s moeder vibes for life <3
Hoofdstuk 4
De toon van dit boek zit behoorlijk hoog in de energie qua gevatheid en beeldspraak, wat me enigszins ergert maar ook wat doet denken aan ‘Eden Smid’ (dat ik juist uitermate fijn vond). Ik geniet van de representatie van de Engelse vader en Iraanse moeder, de manier waarop Daisy als kind van hen beiden zelfstandig en rebels wordt opgevoed. Maar het is allemaal wel erg zelfstandig en rebels - ik ben benieuwd waar het avontuur heengaat.
43
Woordgebruik als ‘een ongeplengde traan’ en eerder ‘een verschil van heb ik jou daar’ doen nogal ouderwets aan.
141
Daisy pakt ineens haar tas met spullen, terwijl ze die in alle tekst en op alle illustraties sinds haar vlucht naar Kew Gardens helemaal niet bij zich heeft (dit zijn van die dingen waar een jonge lezer zich echt aan ergert en ikzelf ook - een eindredacteur had hier oog voor moeten hebben).
—-
Voor het lezen
De premisse doet me steeds iets teveel denken aan het eveneens bestaande ‘Fabulant’ van de Nederlandse auteur Marloes Kemming, en ik denk dat dat is wat me tot dusver tegenhield.
Maar ik blijf op zoek naar een frisse middlegrade serie die niet lijkt op iets anders, dus met dank aan de uitgever: let’s go!
June 11, 2024
Really interesting. I liked the main character, Daisy, a lot. I think she was the perfect combination of childish innocence and intelligence. When she made mistakes, they felt like reasonable mistakes a kid would make. But she would also come up with really intelligent schemes at the same time.
There were also a couple of twists that i truly didn't see coming. They threw off predictions that I had, which always excites me. I will say that I do see some typical tropes going forward, but like this book, they could throw me off.
Some of the side characters really got on my nerves, even if I was suppose to be on their side. But many of the other characters were great and quirky.
There were also a couple of twists that i truly didn't see coming. They threw off predictions that I had, which always excites me. I will say that I do see some typical tropes going forward, but like this book, they could throw me off.
Some of the side characters really got on my nerves, even if I was suppose to be on their side. But many of the other characters were great and quirky.
June 24, 2024
4.5/5⭐
I really enjoyed this one. I think that it was a great start to what I'm hoping is an amazing series. (I've already bought the sequel)
I really liked the magic system in this one and was lucky enough to have an addition that included full color pages from "The Complete Botanist" and it added to the immersion.
Also the plot twists at the ending were crazy and I can't wait to see how they play out in the upcoming books!
I really enjoyed this one. I think that it was a great start to what I'm hoping is an amazing series. (I've already bought the sequel)
I really liked the magic system in this one and was lucky enough to have an addition that included full color pages from "The Complete Botanist" and it added to the immersion.
Also the plot twists at the ending were crazy and I can't wait to see how they play out in the upcoming books!
August 3, 2023
Good. Started off really strong and exciting. But around the halfway point I started to lose interest. It was a lot of filler and was taking too long to get to the meat of the story. Ended up skimming much of the latter part of the book. Not sure if I'll continue this.
September 11, 2025
Reading this book felt like watching one of those 80/90s fairytale-esque adventure films I grew up on; it felt like being a kid again.
"Who says what's magic and what's not? There's only what is. You wouldnt call it magic when a sunflower turns its head to follow the sun because there's an explaination for it. In a way, everything is magic. It's in the trees and the grass and in the dandellions, and the parakeets and eartworms. Even in" he wrinkled his nose "Brussel sprouts. It's in me and you and Napoleon too... in all of us.""
Ngl I was never a Harry Potter fan growing up (the first few movies were fun to watch but I never really got into it like other kids around me did) but I think this book woudl've been MY Harry Potter if I read it when I was younger. Well, it still wouldn't measure up to Howl but you get the point.
Anyway, this was deliciously adventureous - I was especially delighted by the fact the story put the children in ACTUAL danger, that people ACTUALLY died... that no matter how fun and dashingly magical our character's quests may be, there were still consequences. I loved how magic wasn't just beautiful, but also scary and dangerous. I loved how something as harmless as a seed could be turned into a lethal weapon in a matter of seconds. And I loved, LOVED just how big and wonderous the Greenwild is - all those different pockets of it all over the world! I am so curious to find out more of it! (it makes me think about how a greenwild pocket in my part of the world would look like... what plants would there be? would there be a forest of giant lavenders? or perhaps olive trees whose leaves can cut through steel? magical spalathos bushes with their numerous yellow flowersthat can make you as warm as the midday's sun? so many possibilites...)
The Five o clock gang was great - each character felt distinguished and unique, they felt like real and genuine friends to one another. Indigo is my fave, ngl. Actually, Sheldrake is my favourite character. The old grump with a soft heart and shaggy dog 🫶
Of course, all the plot twists and mysteries were seen from a mile away but it didn't bother me at all - it was well excecuted and packed an emotional pumch every damn time. Hal will be missed 🥺
"Who says what's magic and what's not? There's only what is. You wouldnt call it magic when a sunflower turns its head to follow the sun because there's an explaination for it. In a way, everything is magic. It's in the trees and the grass and in the dandellions, and the parakeets and eartworms. Even in" he wrinkled his nose "Brussel sprouts. It's in me and you and Napoleon too... in all of us.""
Ngl I was never a Harry Potter fan growing up (the first few movies were fun to watch but I never really got into it like other kids around me did) but I think this book woudl've been MY Harry Potter if I read it when I was younger. Well, it still wouldn't measure up to Howl but you get the point.
Anyway, this was deliciously adventureous - I was especially delighted by the fact the story put the children in ACTUAL danger, that people ACTUALLY died... that no matter how fun and dashingly magical our character's quests may be, there were still consequences. I loved how magic wasn't just beautiful, but also scary and dangerous. I loved how something as harmless as a seed could be turned into a lethal weapon in a matter of seconds. And I loved, LOVED just how big and wonderous the Greenwild is - all those different pockets of it all over the world! I am so curious to find out more of it! (it makes me think about how a greenwild pocket in my part of the world would look like... what plants would there be? would there be a forest of giant lavenders? or perhaps olive trees whose leaves can cut through steel? magical spalathos bushes with their numerous yellow flowersthat can make you as warm as the midday's sun? so many possibilites...)
The Five o clock gang was great - each character felt distinguished and unique, they felt like real and genuine friends to one another. Indigo is my fave, ngl. Actually, Sheldrake is my favourite character. The old grump with a soft heart and shaggy dog 🫶
Of course, all the plot twists and mysteries were seen from a mile away but it didn't bother me at all - it was well excecuted and packed an emotional pumch every damn time. Hal will be missed 🥺
May 21, 2024
Daisy Thistledown and her widowed mother, a newspaper journalist, have been traveling to many places around the world together since she was little and she enjoys it so much. However, she has to stay and attend a prestigious school in London with a harsh matron while her mom’s on a supposedly dangerous assignment. Daisy later learns that her mom is presumed dead following a plane accident during her assignment. Now with a special companion with her, Daisy attempts to find out the truth but also finds another surprise in the form of a magical “green” world.
“Greenwild” is such a whimsical and incredible fantasy that has many surprises and characters. Daisy’s story has so many different elements that definitely bare many similarities to other stories I’ve read like “Harry Potter”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “His Dark Materials” and “Narnia”. While the story brings plenty of charm and discovery, it also gets a bit serious and even bittersweet. Thomson’s green fantasy grows into a captivating read that any fantasy lover will be in awe from every page as it’s just beginning to be something as glowing as a bouquet of flowers. A (100%/Outstanding)
“Greenwild” is such a whimsical and incredible fantasy that has many surprises and characters. Daisy’s story has so many different elements that definitely bare many similarities to other stories I’ve read like “Harry Potter”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “His Dark Materials” and “Narnia”. While the story brings plenty of charm and discovery, it also gets a bit serious and even bittersweet. Thomson’s green fantasy grows into a captivating read that any fantasy lover will be in awe from every page as it’s just beginning to be something as glowing as a bouquet of flowers. A (100%/Outstanding)
July 21, 2024
If you love Harry Potter, Greenwild is your next must-read book. Greenwild is a botanical magic land; it’s basically like an Herbology class but make it a whole world and with a female main character. Daisy finds herself in the lush land of Greenwild, and there is a battle between good and evil and an element of found family; all things I love about Harry Potter.
The author builds the world in a fantastic way; the illustrations peppered throughout blew me away with their details. There is great commentary in the book about the environment and feeling different; both are topics discussed frequently in my home.
The way this story came together at the end had me literally gasping in my bed at 10 PM. I even said, “NO,” out loud. The second I finished, I immediately needed book no. 2. And I told my daughter she absolutely has to read this book next. I’m enthralled, I’m consumed, I’m obsessed.
The author builds the world in a fantastic way; the illustrations peppered throughout blew me away with their details. There is great commentary in the book about the environment and feeling different; both are topics discussed frequently in my home.
The way this story came together at the end had me literally gasping in my bed at 10 PM. I even said, “NO,” out loud. The second I finished, I immediately needed book no. 2. And I told my daughter she absolutely has to read this book next. I’m enthralled, I’m consumed, I’m obsessed.
March 13, 2023
This book is written wonderfully and will appeal to younger readers. Unfortunately, some things didn't work for me.
The start of this book thrilled me and it almost felt like it was going the way of The Secret Garden (which I adore) but took a slight detour. After her mother's disappearance, Daisy is stuck at a boarding school with no idea how to find her. The story goes awry for me when she discovers a magical world and is promptly enrolled in a magic school. I felt like the urgency blew out like a deflating balloon by that point and my attention began to wane.
Granted, I did enjoy the found family aspects and the friendships. The magic is also refreshing.
Thank you Edelweiss for the arc.
The start of this book thrilled me and it almost felt like it was going the way of The Secret Garden (which I adore) but took a slight detour. After her mother's disappearance, Daisy is stuck at a boarding school with no idea how to find her. The story goes awry for me when she discovers a magical world and is promptly enrolled in a magic school. I felt like the urgency blew out like a deflating balloon by that point and my attention began to wane.
Granted, I did enjoy the found family aspects and the friendships. The magic is also refreshing.
Thank you Edelweiss for the arc.
July 19, 2023
I want to say my rating is a harsh one and mostly because of the writing. The story and the plot are great. But I don’t know a single middle grade reader who would know what the word coruscating or susurration mean. Those are only two examples of the extreme vocabulary that are in this book. I’m pretty sure there were times Pari Thomson and her editors just wanted to use fancy words because they could, not remembering they are writing for 8-13 year olds in the middle grade genre. My daughter on the other hand loved the book (I read this book to her) and can’t wait for the next one. I agree when it comes to the story but I’m not looking forward to Thomson’s writing.
March 15, 2024
Yet another attempt to recreate Harry Potter. I don't see what this book has to offer modern kids. I found the whole thing was frightfully posh, I felt alienated by it. Besides the odd mention of laptops this might as well have been set in the 1950's.
I know there's children out there who genuinely enjoy this series. On a positive note I would say it's perfect for Hufflepuffs, anyone who wants a version of Hogwarts all about Herbology. But I really didn't like it.
I know there's children out there who genuinely enjoy this series. On a positive note I would say it's perfect for Hufflepuffs, anyone who wants a version of Hogwarts all about Herbology. But I really didn't like it.
September 5, 2023
4.5 stars, what a magical adventure into nature and friendship! I loved it!
June 20, 2024
Narnia Meets Harry Potter in this unique story based on a common premise.
I am charmed. When I opened this book, it was like knocking on someone’s door and being instantly greeted by the hostess, like she had been waiting for me. The tone of the book is so frank and open-hearted, it’s refreshing. Daisy instantly reminded me of Rosie, the protagonist in Jodi Lynn Anderson’s The Memory Thief: Both girls don’t speak much, choosing to observe instead, and neither one of them is very courageous at the beginning of the story. Daisy is a quiet yet spunky eleven-year-old who enjoys books. She’s definitely my favorite character, and she reminds me somewhat of Harry Potter because she’s clueless about her heritage, her talents, and the ways of the Greenwild at first.
The other characters are intriguing and mostly likable as well. We have good-natured Indigo, who doesn’t think much of his green magic abilities (a bit like Ron) and the clever, kind-hearted “Prof” (COUGH* Hermione* COUGH). There’s also sweet little Acorn, mean Ivy Helix, wise Artemis, ancient Miss Tufton, and many more. And we have Daisy’s mother, who is fun-loving and kind, someone I would love to know in real life. These people all come together to add unique insight to the story and plot, surrounding Daisy with a mix of encouragement and disdain. Each character is well-developed, with their own distinctive aspects and backgrounds.
On the topic of characters, I almost forgot someone: the cat! Napoleon is hilarious, and the illustrations including him only add to my amusement (although the depictions of him are not quite what I imagined). His relationship with Daisy reminds me of Rylla and Moo in Alissa J. Zavalianos’ The Earth-Treader in that Napoleon is Daisy’s guide through a strange new world. The whimsical black-and-white illustrations are so well-done and created with such detail, and they complement the reader’s mental picture. They do portray Daisy as a very tall girl, which I find hard to imagine since she’s eleven. But who knows?
I love the plants in this book. The things they can do when influenced by green magic, the different magical varieties… The world is so creative, too, and it reminds me of the wizarding world in Harry Potter, where pockets of wizarding families would hide in various villages and cities across the country and even the world. I like that there’s a bit of mystery involved in the plot, too, what with Daisy’s missing mother and all. And there are some Secret Garden vibes that readers will probably recognize when they see them. I can’t say more without giving spoilers, though, so shhh!
Though there are some grammatical errors, the writing is good, and Pari Thomson made me feel things in this story that I’ve never felt before. It’s a very safe tale, and yet so real. The storyline is full of adventure, and the plot has twists and turns (I love a nuanced plot!).
To sum it up, this book is a lot like the first Harry Potter book, a bit like Narnia in the premise and plant magic, and yet something all its own at the same time. Daisy is a delightful protagonist who reminds me of other books’ main characters in circumstances and personality, yet she remains her own person. Read this book if you love Harry Potter, plant magic, or cozy mystery vibes—or just want a safe, fun fantasy read!
I am charmed. When I opened this book, it was like knocking on someone’s door and being instantly greeted by the hostess, like she had been waiting for me. The tone of the book is so frank and open-hearted, it’s refreshing. Daisy instantly reminded me of Rosie, the protagonist in Jodi Lynn Anderson’s The Memory Thief: Both girls don’t speak much, choosing to observe instead, and neither one of them is very courageous at the beginning of the story. Daisy is a quiet yet spunky eleven-year-old who enjoys books. She’s definitely my favorite character, and she reminds me somewhat of Harry Potter because she’s clueless about her heritage, her talents, and the ways of the Greenwild at first.
The other characters are intriguing and mostly likable as well. We have good-natured Indigo, who doesn’t think much of his green magic abilities (a bit like Ron) and the clever, kind-hearted “Prof” (COUGH* Hermione* COUGH). There’s also sweet little Acorn, mean Ivy Helix, wise Artemis, ancient Miss Tufton, and many more. And we have Daisy’s mother, who is fun-loving and kind, someone I would love to know in real life. These people all come together to add unique insight to the story and plot, surrounding Daisy with a mix of encouragement and disdain. Each character is well-developed, with their own distinctive aspects and backgrounds.
On the topic of characters, I almost forgot someone: the cat! Napoleon is hilarious, and the illustrations including him only add to my amusement (although the depictions of him are not quite what I imagined). His relationship with Daisy reminds me of Rylla and Moo in Alissa J. Zavalianos’ The Earth-Treader in that Napoleon is Daisy’s guide through a strange new world. The whimsical black-and-white illustrations are so well-done and created with such detail, and they complement the reader’s mental picture. They do portray Daisy as a very tall girl, which I find hard to imagine since she’s eleven. But who knows?
I love the plants in this book. The things they can do when influenced by green magic, the different magical varieties… The world is so creative, too, and it reminds me of the wizarding world in Harry Potter, where pockets of wizarding families would hide in various villages and cities across the country and even the world. I like that there’s a bit of mystery involved in the plot, too, what with Daisy’s missing mother and all. And there are some Secret Garden vibes that readers will probably recognize when they see them. I can’t say more without giving spoilers, though, so shhh!
Though there are some grammatical errors, the writing is good, and Pari Thomson made me feel things in this story that I’ve never felt before. It’s a very safe tale, and yet so real. The storyline is full of adventure, and the plot has twists and turns (I love a nuanced plot!).
To sum it up, this book is a lot like the first Harry Potter book, a bit like Narnia in the premise and plant magic, and yet something all its own at the same time. Daisy is a delightful protagonist who reminds me of other books’ main characters in circumstances and personality, yet she remains her own person. Read this book if you love Harry Potter, plant magic, or cozy mystery vibes—or just want a safe, fun fantasy read!
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