Müller's (Felipa and the Day of the Dead
) breezy story centers on an independent-minded young rabbit who refuses her mother's help when it's time to get dressed. “No, thanks. I'll dress myself,” Daisy insists, adding, “Rootie will help me.” In a somewhat bizarre sequence, Rootie, her toy carrot, springs to life and rejects Daisy's choice of a purple dress, saying that she hates purple and asking if Daisy has any orange clothes instead. Alas, the youngster's orange sweatshirt is wet and hanging on the clothesline, and other clothing hurdles follow: her green checked pants are too small, her striped pants too big and her blue sweater is at Grandma's for mending. As Daisy resolutely puts the kibosh on each wardrobe option, her parent's patience wanes. In a wry if predictable conclusion, Daisy dons the very outfit her mother had attempted to hand her at the start. Daisy proves to be a less flexible parent than her own mother, as she firmly tells Rootie that she cannot come with them to the playground unless the carrot dons her green pants. Müller adds playful and appealing flourishes to her brightly hued, childlike art, including wall and floor coverings that mimic the colors and patterns of Daisy's apparel. A kid-pleasing extra enables readers to help Daisy get dressed: two sheets of sturdy stock offer a Daisy paper doll along with the clothing featured in the tale. Ages 3-up. (May)
