Release Date: 1st Oct 2015
Illustrated by: Kirrili Lonergan
Published by: EK Books
For Ages: 4 - 8 year olds
ISBN: 9781921966828
ISBN-10: 1921966823
Format: Hardcover
Dandelions beautifully explores the father - daughter bond. A little girl notices her father mowing the lawn - in the process destroying her favourite flowers: the dandelions. She rushes out to stop him, but she’s too late, they’re all gone. There’s nothing for it: she’s just going to have to sit outside and wait until they grow back! But fortunately, Dad has another idea.
Taking her hand, he leads her to the verandah, and there, nestled against a post, are two tiny dandelion puffballs. Father and daughter each blow as hard as they can, and the tiny dandelion parachutes spiral and spin, up, up and away, spreading their seeds to create new generations of dandelions far and wide. Father and daughter lie down together on the grass, watching as they whirl and twirl through the air. Perfect for readers aged 4–9, this is a book that will be cherished by families and recommended by teachers and librarians.
What a delightful book! I must admit that I had tears in my eyes as I finished this story. There was so much that I adored about this book I do not know where to begin. This seems to be Katrina McKelvey’s first picture book but she nailed it! ∼ Sue Webster, Educating Young Children, Vol 21, No 3, 2015.
A sweet father-daughter duet. ∼ Kirkus Reviews (USA)
This is a book that will be cherished by families and recommended by teachers and librarians, exploring as it does the resilience of nature, the art of forgiveness, and the love between a parent and child. ∼ School Days Magazine
Dandelions is a must-read bedtime book for a father and daughter. ∼ Jeni O’Dowd, The Daily Telegraph
Filled with light and joyful scenes, the entire book reflects a sense of serenity, freedom and love. ∼ Anastasia Gonis, Kids’ Book Review
I found this simple story touched a part in me that reminded me to be patient, listen to my children, and use every opportunity as a time to expand their world. Definitely a must have for your book case or library. ∼ Kirsty O’Callaghan, Unity Qld Blog
To read this book out loud with my daughter was definitely a gentle reminder to get outdoors and spend time together – we’re going to look for dandelions puffballs to blow away together! ∼ Reena Bilen, The Mummy Project
Dandelions is a wonderful celebration of the relationship between a father and his daughter, about forgiveness, acceptance and love. It also reminds us about taking the time to enjoy nature's simple pleasures and let our imaginations float and fly, just like those little puff ball seeds. ∼ Melissa Squire, Honey Bee Books
Lyrically and visually stunning, ‘Dandelions’ will spread love, appreciation and curiosity far and wide, harvesting treasured bonds between the generations. Readers from age four will be blown away by its beauty! ∼ Romi Sharp, Boomerang Books
Understated and as delicate as a dandelion in full flight, Dandelions is sure to fill the soft pastel and fairy predilections of many a young miss and make you want to seek out a puffball to set in a flight of fantasy of your own. ∼ Dimity Powell, Boomerang Books
This is the most calming, peaceful story about enjoying being in the moment and taking time out to just be, imagine and wonder. A magical introduction to an investigation about how things grow! ∼ Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf
This book celebrates everyday life. ∼ The Independent (UK)
We haven’t looked at dandelions the same since reading this book! It’s such a beautiful story for inspiring wonder, magic, hope and relationships. Lyrically and visually stunning! ∼ Just Write for Kids
Dandelions is a book that will never get old, a book your children will want to read time and time again, a book that will get your child’s imagination going, a book that will have your child learning and asking questions, a book that a parent will enjoy, a book I know you will love! ∼ Kidz B Kool blog
We loved the gentle and caring tone of the story and the way that Katrina McKelvey has perfectly captured the relationship between a daughter and her dad. ∼ The Guardian
A wonderfully charming and original story by Katrina McKelvey, ‘Dandelions’ is perfectly enhanced by the colourful illustrations of Kirrili Lonergan. The result is an enthusiastic and very highly recommended addition to family, school, and community library picture book collections for children age 4-9. ∼ Midwest Book Review (USA)