More Than Fluff

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. [em](Mar.) [/em]