Dandelion Magic: a “Sunday Spotlight” Children’s Book Review

For today’s Sunday Spotlight, I’m resharing one of our all-time favorite reads, one that never fails to bring giggles and a gentle reset.

If you’ve ever tried to teach a child calming breaths, you already know how it goes: either peaceful, zen-like serenity…or a full-on spit shower. 

At the end of each post, I include a link to purchase the book if you’re interested. These are affiliate links, but there is never any pressure to purchase. Clicking and buying through them does not add any extra cost for you and does not impact the author; it’s simply one optional way to support this blog.

This Week’s Pick: Dandelion Magic

This week, I’m sharing Dandelion Magic, written by Darren Farrell and illustrated by Maya Tatsukawa.

When we opened our mailbox this month and found Dandelion Magic, we were in for a delightful surprise. This book was part of our free monthly delivery from the Imagination Library, one of my absolute favorite resources for families. Founded by Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age five at no cost to families.

Reading together early builds far more than literacy. It supports language development, empathy, emotional awareness, and lifelong learning. As children’s author Emilie Buchwald beautifully said, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”

Those cozy moments, pointing at pictures, noticing details, sharing laughs, lay the groundwork for connection and curiosity. Programs like the Imagination Library help ensure every child gets access to those moments.

Why We Love This Story

Dandelion Magic is whimsical, imaginative, and quietly powerful. It follows a young boy who discovers that blowing dandelion seeds can spark incredible adventures, pirates, sea monsters, and even super grandmas. But when things go awry, and the boy is in trouble, he has to slow down and focus before making his final wish on the dandelion seeds.

The book gently invites children to pause, take a breath, and “make the magic happen.” Of course, in our house, this turned into pure comedy. My son decided faster breaths meant stronger magic, resulting in rapid-fire puffs that sounded more like an overexcited guinea pig than mindful breathing. By the time we reached the “blow it all away” moment, he took one very enthusiastic deep breath…and my coffee table received a fine misting. Parenting perks.

From a Counselor’s Chair

This book is a wonderful example of SEL done right, no lectures, no pressure.

Through play and imagination, children are practicing:

• Emotional regulation through controlled breathing

• Mindfulness by slowing down and noticing the moment

• Self-awareness by tuning into their bodies

• Coping skills they can use when feelings feel big

Breathing exercises are a proven tool for calming the nervous system, but what makes this book special is how approachable it feels. Kids aren’t told to “sit still and calm down.” They’re invited to play. As Maria Montessori wisely reminded us, “Play is the work of the child.”

Ways to Expand Learning with Dandelion Magic

Here are several simple, effective ways to extend learning and support social-emotional development using this book:

• Dandelion Breathing Practice

  Have your child pretend they’re holding a dandelion. Inhale slowly through the nose, then blow gently through the mouth. Talk about how their body feels before and after.

• Feelings Check-In

  Ask: “How did your body feel when we blew slowly? How did it feel when we blew fast?” Help them notice the difference.

• Wish & Wonder Time

  Invite your child to share a wish or imagine where their dandelion seeds might travel. This supports emotional expression and creative thinking.

  
  

• Calm-Down Tool

  Remind them they can use “dandelion breaths” anytime they feel mad, worried, or overwhelmed, at school, before bed, or during a tough moment.

If you need more ideas, reach out to me!

Age Range & Kid Appeal

This book shines for preschool through early elementary ages (roughly 2–7), but honestly? Anyone who enjoys being silly with their kids will love it. Even my two-year-old is a huge fan.

Kids love that it’s interactive and playful. Parents love that it sneaks in real calming strategies while still being fun.

Final Thoughts

In our home, Dandelion Magic has become a go-to reset book. When the day feels too loud, or emotions start piling up, we sit together, blow the magic into the air, and let the giggles carry some of the weight away, like seeds on the wind.

Want to See a Book Featured?

For “Sunday Spotlight”, my goal is to review 1–3 children’s books each week. If you have a book you’d love to see featured, are a children’s book author yourself, or know an author who might enjoy having their story reviewed, I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out anytime at guidedbygiggles@gmail.com 💛

Let’s keep celebrating stories that help kids grow, one giggle (and page) at a time.

Click the picture to grab your copy of Dandelion Magic.