The Best Flower Ever!

PreS-Gr 2–This story of learning to be content with what one has is told entirely through dialogue and images. It begins with a dog lovingly observing a flower as it grows and then showing it off to others. But as other dogs display flowers that are bigger, have a fancier pot, or can survive in the desert, the protagonist becomes more and more frustrated. It is only when the flower is gone that the owner realizes what has been lost. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations capture the initial pride in the soft white petals and small brown pot. Then a giant sunflower (owned by a tiny chihuahua) causes the protagonist’s ears to droop. Smelling the lavender in another pot has the chihuahua’s tail wagging in joy as soft purple wisps of color show the scent spreading out. And all the dogs present pile in for a group hug when the lovely white flower is ruined. From competition and jealousy to care and cooperation, this story covers the range of reactions involved in ownership and loss.