Review by Booklist Review
As Spencer and his mother move their belongings into their new home in a new town, he wonders why she's so concerned about whether he'll make new friends. After all, Spencer has brought his old friends (all potted plants) with him. They might not be as talkative as Spencer, but they're great listeners. He's pleased to find a new houseplant in a box labeled "Free plants" outside their new house. Everywhere he goes, he meets another amiable plant and takes it home. He's collected more than 20 when he meets an interesting girl named Daisy at the park, where she's talking with her friend Raymond, a tiny caterpillar. With so much in common, Spencer and Daisy quickly become friends. This engaging picture book quietly celebrates Spencer's independence and resourcefulness as he takes a firm stand on befriending plants, which return his affection in their own, easygoing way. His watchful, patient mother lets him find his own path to friendship. Detailed and richly colorful, digital art illustrates the narrative, which flows well and comes to a satisfying conclusion.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A plant-loving loner learns to branch out and make new friends. Spencer is happiest with his plants. Though quiet, they're good listeners, and he loves caring for them. When he moves to a new town, his family members urge him to try to make human friends, but Spencer's not interested. One day, after pulling a wagon full of his planted friends to the large tree he often visits, he meets Daisy. She, too, has unusual, nonhuman friends, and the two quickly realize that Spencer's passion for plants and Daisy's love of insects make them a natural match. This sweet story is about more than just making friends; it's a reminder that love and care take many forms--a message that will resonate with children who need a little time and patience as they attempt to forge connections with others. Spencer's world is a colorful one, full of greenery, unfurling leaves, and bright flowers. His plants, a crucial part of the narrative, are as varied and full of life as the people in the book. Spencer and his mother are light-skinned; Daisy has brown skin and dark curly hair. Background characters vary in skin tone and hair color. A tenderly told, touching friendship tale.(Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
