Doe's Dandelions

by Laura Renauld, Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

The beloved Woodland Friends are back! Join Doe and company in this optimistic springtime story about finding value in all things--even pesky dandelions.

Every year, Doe grows daffodils for the Spring Petal Parade, but despite all her diligent weeding, dandelions have taken over her garden! She travels through the woods to warn her friends, but to Doe's surprise, Porcupine eats dandelion leaves, Squirrel thinks the blooms make a beautiful bouquet, and Bear cultivates a wishing garden. Perhaps dandelions are much more than weeds after all?

The lovable gang from the Woodland Friends series returns in a colorful celebration of springtime, teaching Doe that all things--even dandelions--have worth. A final spread features instructions and inspiration for readers to plan their very own Petal Parade.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Doe’s Dandelions
AUTHOR: Laura Renault
PUB DATE: 03.07.2023
THOUGHTS: This was such a beautiful read that teaches how to appreciate nature, friends, and working with the community. I love the springtime vibe of the illustrations that helps me welcome the spring time. So fun to read aloud and enjoy!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doe is dismayed when she finds dandelions in her daffodils, but after meeting up with her friends, she discovers that dandelions can be much more than just weeds. In this last installment of the Woodland Friends books, Doe prepares for a springtime petal parade and learns that everything has worth. As Squirrel reminds her, “One squirrel’s weed is another squirrel’s wonder.” The charming illustrations support the text and add personality to the characters. This is a heartfelt friendship story about the importance of appreciating and valuing all things and finding the wonder in nature. Includes a plan for creating a petal parade that will delight young art enthusiasts and budding gardeners.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doe the deer (complete with her fetching deerstalker hat) is aghast at her entry in the local flower parade, for the daffodils have been invaded by dandelions. Hotfooting it to warn the others, she finds one critter nibbling at the dandelions and enjoying their taste, one finding them gorgeous to look at, and another appreciating them for something else. Is Doe barking up the wrong tree, then, or is it just a case of us all having our own tastes, and when we find something unsightly or unwanted that might not be the universal opinion? This then is a cry for inclusivity and the validity of everyone's thoughts, and it's my thoughts that this book is about that more than it is its plot, for the story conveys its moral perfectly well while remaining something you'd not really choose to read and re-read til the deer come home. Not perfect then, but still welcome.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so adorable and sweet with an important message. Doe is upset when dandelions invade her daffodil garden -- those weeds need to go and she's got to warn her friends so their gardens don't get overrun, too! Yet, she soon realizes that each friend sees something positive in the "weed" -- Porcupine loves to eat them ("Nourishment? Not a nuisance?" Doe muses); Squirrel loves to decorate with them ("A bouquet? Not a bother?" Doe ponders); and Bear loves to make wishes on dandelion puffs ("Wishes? Not weeds?" Doe muses). Doe realizes that dandelions can mean different things to different people and that she can find the good in them, too. Also, I love the idea of a "Petal Parade" that showcases the beauty and importance of flowers!!! The back matter encourages young readers to make a petal parade of their own and offers some inspiration (with a gentle reminder not to pick flowers from gardens, parks or woodlands unless receiving permission first). I really enjoyed this and realized that it's part of a series I will now seek out :-)

[Karen S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this warm, springtime story! Doe's garden conundrum centers a dandelion invasion. After removing them from her beautiful daffodils, she begins to warn other animals to look out for these in their gardens. However, each animal shares with Doe important qualities of dandelions that causes Doe to rethink dandelions. I enjoyed the sincerity of the characters to look for the good in what others would think of as weeds. The illustrations are light and delicate giving the reader more feelings of the ambience of spring.

I read this book to some of the early elementary age students and they all loved it. Some comments were "I know that plant too!", "I love how the bear showed Doe how to blow wishes", "Can we have a petal parade?", and the most telling "read it again!" Students definitely want me to add the other 3 titles in this season series to our collection.

[Cynthia Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doe's Dandelions acknowledges the invasive nature of the weedy dandelion and celebrates the joy of the dandelion in the most kid friendly way. Doe and her friends are charming. The book is filled with beautiful moments from the 'tiny suns' spotted by squirrel to the snacking delights shared by porcupine. It is a joyful celebration of friendship and finding ways to appreciate something that might otherwise be unappreciated. The textures and patterns in Jennie Poh's illustrations are gorgeous. The final petal parade celebration makes for a delightful ending to this spring time story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all the books in this series. The text is simple enough for my students to understand and the illustrations are sweet and colorful. In this book Doe is dismayed to find dandelions growing among her prized daffodils. As she ventures off the warn her friends she learns that to others dandelions are not seen as a nuisance but a welcome addition to their gardens. The simple message of learning that not everyone looks at things the same way is an important one for our children to learn.

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely addition to the Woodland Friends series! It's spring, and Doe is excited to carry her daffodils in the Petal Parade. But when she discovers dandelions sprinkled among her daffodils, Doe is dismayed. As she tries to tell her friends about the problem with dandelions, she finds out that not everyone considers them weeds. A charming story about appreciating imperfection and varying perspectives. Lively text and adorable art. Don't miss this book.

[Papae Wymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was loved by my granddaughter who is 4! Springtime is a favorite of mine, and this story is perfect for spring.

Even dandelions can be beautiful! at first, Doe is upset that dandelions are growing in her daffodil garden. Her friends convince her that dandelions can be beautiful too! Read the book aloud to a child today and enjoy a fun spring time story together!

[Susan Schipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Renauld adds to the delightful Woodland Friends books with this gem, Doe's Dandelions.
The story engages the reader from the very beginning. Doe's friends help her learn that Dandelions are much more than weeds!
Laura includes a bonus and explains how to plan your own petal parade!

[Tamela J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doe's Dandelions is a charming story of friendship and acceptance. It's springtime and Doe is on a mission to save the gardens in the forest. She learns to find beauty and purpose in everything. When she sets out to warn her friends about dandelions invading their gardens, she discovers that everything has beauty and purpose. I recommend this book for its simplistic message of joy and acceptance. The book includes instructions for having your own petal parade to celebrate spring. It is a great culminating activity for children and adults to share.