A Honey of a Day

Marshall (Banana Moon) plants the names of 28 wildflowers in this tale of a forest wedding, while her dynamic cut-paper collages imply the relationship between specific flowers and the objects for which they are named. Thus, as the story begins, ""Trumpets blared, bluebells rang, and blue flags waved."" Robins hold trumpets, a squirrel waves blue pennants and blue bells peal; while below, these three types of wildflowers, clearly labeled, flourish. The narrative feels fluid even with so many allusions: ""At four-o'clock Jack-in-the-pulpit, the preacher, looking smart in his bishop's cap, raised his goldenrod to welcome [the guests]."" Wisely, the illustrations don't force the resemblance between wildflower and namesake; instead, children will be intrigued to find the similarities for themselves. Not all the naming devices become apparent (e.g., the casting of the brown bear groom as Sweet William sheds no light on why a flower would have this name). However, kids lucky enough to know their wildflowers will enjoy the wordplay; kids less bent toward horticulture will be tickled to learn of flowers called four-o'clock, marsh mallow and butter-and-eggs. On the whole, this exercise comes up roses. Ages 4-up. (Mar.)