The One and Only Marigold

This is an illustrated picture book about a precocious young girl named Marigold. In the first story, Marigold buys a coat that is too small. In the second story, she makes lists and takes her friend Maxine off her friends list. In the third story, Marigold tricks her ex friend Maxine into buying garbage. In the fourth story, Marigold wears her old coat and hat to school. Maxine has new clothes, yet she goes home to change so she can wear old clothes too.

The book is well written and illustrated. I did not like this book. I don't think that Marigold is a likable person, and she seems to get her way through tantrums and bad behavior. She is mean to her friends and mother. The book even admits that Marigold and her mother find each other show more "unreasonable and stubborn." I know that children can be difficult, but usually books that show bad behavior counterbalances with a bit of loving or positive behavior at the end. The only person who acts positively is Maxine, who is ridiculed and tricked. I don't think I would use this book with children. I think it reinforces the "Queen Bees and Wanna Bees" mentality. show less

Marigold doesn't want to buy a new coat, she likes her old one. When her mom insists and takes her shopping the only coat she approves of is too small, but she gets it anyways. The next little tid bit is about Marigold's new hobby of making lists. She puts her friend second on the list, which her friend doesn't like, so they are at odds. In the next story Marigold is determined to bother her friend, and does so by setting up a surprise booth and getting her to spend her money there. The last story is about how difficult it is between moms and daughters concerning clothes. Marigold wears a big jacket and hat to school and tells her friend she is wearing beautiful clothing underneath. This is a very funny book. I am very tempted to have a show more stand selling surprises like Marigold has in this book. She embodies the contrary little girl I always was in my head, but never had the guts to be in real life. The topics in this book really ring true, such as the attachment to ratty clothing, the conflict of a mother/daughter over clothing, and petty conflicts between friends. show less

This is a cute book with clever writing. It contains two stories that are combined into one that shows the precocious and stubborn qualities that Marigold holds.

The One and Only Marigold is a book containing a series of short stories about a girl named Marigold. Marigold is a very strong willed and stubborn child ho has mo problem stand her ground when she thinks she is right. Much to the chagrin of her mother and her "best" friend.

Scale was the thing I noticed the most in the book. I think the choice of having Marigold’s best friend be a hippopotamus and Marigold being a monkey was great. Marigold is physically is smaller than all the other characters in the book but she has the biggest presence throughout the book. I think the stereotype of modern spoiled entitled child and the over indulgent parent are prevalent in the book In fact when looking at the critiques of the book online in show more certain comments people were really appalled about the popularity of the book for those reasons. Maybe because I am 17 I saw it more as as being independent than being spoiled. show less

Marigold is a precocious little monkey. Going along to the beat of her own drummer (often to the exasperation of her friends and family). The artwork is plenty adequate, but the writing steals the show. I enjoy the reoccurring themes carried over the different stories. Especially the delayed punch line on how she bugs Maxine.

Okay. I do have to say that I liked the art in this book. It was bold and colorful and interesting. But the story, however, was not my favorite. The book is about a little girl (monkey) Marigold who likes to have things her own way, who is defiant, and generally selfish. I am taking PSY311 now, and we learned about parenting styles and their effects on a child's development. This is a classic case of indulgent parenting, which is NOT good for a child's development.

The illustrations are fabulous. This would be great to use with elementary students to discuss the choices we make and the consequences. Can be used with all ages teaching about inner confidence.