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Summary
Summary
A fresh, funny, and timely picture book about a fuzzy chick navigating autonomy and consent. The perfect conversation starter on the topic for young children.
Daisy happens to be fluffy--she's a young chick after all. Her friends can't help but want to pet her, squeeze her, and tell her how cute she is. But Daisy doesn't want to be hugged or kissed. She's not just fluff; Daisy has substance! But how can she tell everyone to give her some space without hurting their feelings?
A timely and funny book that encourages kids to establish and respect boundaries--perfect for reading aloud and shared story time!
Author Notes
Madeline Valentine is is the author-illustrator of I Want That Nut, George in the Dark, and the Bad Birthday Idea. She holds a BFA from Pratt, and is currently pursuing an MFA from Washington University in St. Louis. You can find her online at madelinevalentine.com and on instagram at @madeline_valentine.
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Valentine shares the importance of establishing and communicating physical boundaries in this picture book following Daisy, a yellow chick whose fluffiness is all anyone notices about her. With her animal friends' appreciation comes a flurry of unwanted contact: a goose pets her, a snake kisses her head, and a gopher pops out of the ground to give her a hug: "It ruffled Daisy's feathers." When the chick's attempt at changing her appearance ends in frustration (and a pecking incident), Daisy's mother talks to her about sharing her feelings and offering alternatives that she might be more comfortable with, such as a "wing bump" or "super-secret handshake." Digitally composed graphite and watercolor illustrations in a springtime color palette feature dynamic characters, and plentiful speech bubbles offer a comics-esque appeal. The idea that one should respond with kindness when violated chafes, but suggestions for mutable, individual-based alternatives should serve readers well. Ages 3--7. (Mar.)
Kirkus Review
Animals disregard, and then learn about, consent. Daisy, a yellow chick who "happen[s] to be very fluffy," endures attention familiar to anyone growing up little and cute. Other animals grin in her direction, squeezing: "Aren't you the cutest thing?" and "I could just eat you up" (that inherent threat is more pronounced in the animal kingdom). "They [squeeze] her" and "[kiss] her" and "[pop] up out of nowhere and [try] to hug her," and that "ruffle[s] Daisy's feathers." She tries avoiding the unwanted affection by covering herself in mud, running, and hiding, until she eventually loses her temper, pecks a turtle on the nose, and yells "I AM MORE THAN FLUFF!" This powerful beginning quickly pivots to a wooden emphasis on polite behavior, as Mom encourages Daisy to try "telling them how you feel…nicely." Daisy then starts saying things like "Actually, it's time for you to give me some personal space," and "I don't want a hug. But thanks for offering." And she apologizes for pecking the turtle (who, quite frankly, deserved it). The strong emotions evoked in the beginning of this story move aside in favor of the idea that it's important to be nice to people who are exerting power over you. Boundaries and consent are important for young readers, but the conclusion here disappoints. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 19.1% of actual size.) Potentially appropriate as bibliotherapy but otherwise unsatisfying. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
