The interesting part of the book Dandy is, while it has Ame Dyckman’s signature style all over it, at the same time it does not feel like her other books. That, I think, is due to Charles Santos’s illustrations. They “tame down” her quirkiness.
The main part of the story is a “daddy/daughter” story. This modern take on how a little girl makes a dandelion her beloved best friend, will have most people cheering on her imagination. However, I’m with the original feeling of Daddy and the other dads of the neighborhood about dandelions and this one in particular: Charlotte…. I mean the dandelion…. must go (With that said, yes, I played with them, too, as a child, but my family was less than supportive about it…. Nobody wanted their lawns yellow).
With that said, 99.9% of the reading population will most likely love Dandy. After all, what child has not had a bit of an imagination and was less than thrilled when an imaginary friend was sat on, or the blanket was not there, or the favorite toy goes missing? What child would not be heartbroken when something happened to that special piece of them? And yet, most daddies do try and fix it.
Charles Santoso illustrations are hilarious. You feel the glares of the other dads as they inform the daddy in question that dandelions are unacceptable. You hear daddy’s frustration when every time he tries to get rid of Charlotte his daughter foils him. And you feel the pain of this daughter when trouble finds Charlotte.
The great part is if you like this book find other Dyckman books. Or if you did not enjoy, still find other Dyckman books. She has a little something for everyone. Personal favorite of mine is You Don’t Want a Unicorn (in hardcover and board book). Another new one is Touchy the Octopus Touches Everything of the Wee Beasties series. And a new Misunderstood Shark with Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends.
