Published by Neal Porter Books

Summary:  Daisy is a warthog named for her mother’s favorite flower. “They seem plain, but when you look closer you see their beauty,” Mom tells her.  Unfortunately, Daisy’s classmates don’t bother to look closely, laughing at her instead and calling her “Thistle”.  Consequently, Daisy keeps her head down a lot.  She discovers there are treasures to be found that way, though, and keeps her broken cups, abandoned birdhouses, and old pots and pans in a secret tree fort.  One day she discovers a broken crystal candy dish at the fort’s entrance, and before long, treasures are popping up in other familiar places.  Then she makes a discovery that leads to the greatest treasure of all–a new friend and kindred spirit.  40 pages; ages 3-8.

Pros:  A tender ode to the introverts of the world, as well as a celebration of friendship and finding a soulmate.  This would pair nicely with Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes in a girls-named-for-flowers-who-come-to-embrace-their-identities story hour.

Cons:  The mean girls never get their comeuppance.