Quincy Daisy is impossibly strong, incredibly large, and a seasoned substitute teacher. His closest friend is a cosmic entity that takes the form of a flower on his head. Together, they travel the world, teaching others to love themselves and one another.
He has arrived at Blue Diamond Elementary in the East Coast city of Almond Bay, where he will teach for an entire school year. In this city, he will be challenged by an odd assortment of colorful characters, including a trio of kindergarten students who aim to scare him away, a clumsy co-teacher who will unravel his emotions, and even a biker gang who seeks to take him down.
A whole year may be impossible, however. The longer he stays in one place, the worse his nightmares become. The death of his sister has hung over his neck like a guillotine since childhood. Because of this, he never has a home. If he wants to be free and truly happy, the teacher must become a student of those around him.
Meanwhile, Kari Hayes is a kindergartener with boundless energy known for pulling pranks and getting into mischief with her two closest friends. Her creativity is infinite, and her teachers are her greatest victims.
ife isn't easy at home. Since her parents' death, her brother, Kaleb, has been raising her independently. He works hard to make ends meet and to keep the two of them together. But it isn’t enough. With his inexperience and her headstrong attitude, they will be challenged by life and each other.
A book for all ages, Mr. Daisy shines in the distinct portrayal of children's unique qualities, offering the readers a delightful world with nothing short of wonder and boundless creativity through classroom activities, playful descriptions of the Three Terrors' pranks, and a background of the kids' lives outside school. Parallel to that is Vattic's remarkable ability to alter the tone as Mr. Daisy meets the grim hostility of his childhood. Elsewhere, Vattic's storytelling offers a glimpse into Mr. Daisy’s life when he joins the Republic army shortly after his sister's death, evoking the loneliness and grief that overshadows his openness to an enjoyable life.
These humane subplots are rooted more in character than high-stakes fantasy drama, a grounded approach that will prove alluring to readers seeking thoughtful, rooted storytelling. Mr. Daisy encounters a community filled with kindness and compassion, the necessary ingredients to counter false perceptions of oneself and to accept any leftover childhood trauma and regretful decisions made. "Everyone has scars from their past that helped shape who they are, but it never defines them," Mr. Daisy tells his love interest Leena White. Without fully knowing, he is the one who needs the most convincing.
Takeaway: A gentle giant's unexpected playful ride to healing the past.
Comparable Titles: Paul Zindel, Benjamin Alire Saenz.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
