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The One and Only Marigold
Meet Marigold! From renowned author Florence Parry Heide comes a picture book about one clever, complicated—and hilarious—little girl. Follow Marigold as she buys a new coat (don’t worry, she still wears the old one to bed. She’s a very loyal person), plays a great trick (involving a Special Surprise Treasure Stand and worms), and much more. Along the way you'll meet Marigold’s best friend—her purple coat—and her next best friend—Maxine.
Simply and with inimitable humor, a legendary picture book writer and inventive illustrator create an original character that all children will laugh over . . . and will love.
Simply and with inimitable humor, a legendary picture book writer and inventive illustrator create an original character that all children will laugh over . . . and will love.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 13, 2009
About the author
Florence Parry Heide
124 books39 followers"What do I like about writing for children? Everything," says Florence Parry Heide, the award-winning author of more than sixty children’s books, including the classic THE SHRINKING OF TREEHORN, illustrated by Edward Gorey. "I like the connection with children," the author says. "I like the connection with all kinds of book people. And I like the connection with my childhood self, which is the most of me. It is the most welcome and familiar of worlds. There miracles abound--indeed it is magical that something I might think of can be put into words, stories, ideas, and that those words end up in the heads of readers I will never meet."
Florence Parry Heide wrote SOME THINGS ARE SCARY, a humorous look at childhood bugaboos, more than thirty years ago. "I had finished another book and was in the mood to write something else," she says. "I decided to get some kindling from the garage, reached into the kindling box and--good grief!--grabbed something soft and mushy. I fled back to the house, scared to death." A brave return visit to the kindling box revealed the object of terror to be nothing more than a discarded wet sponge, but the thought remained: some things are scary. As she recalls, "What scared me as a child was that I’d never learn how to be a real grownup--and the fact is, I never did find out how it goes."
One thing Florence Parry Heide does have a good handle on is the concept of friendship, in all its humorous manifestations. THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR, a tongue-in-cheek tale cowritten with Sylvia Van Clief in 1967, pokes at the tendency of well-meaning friends to offer advice instead of help, and presents a valuable lesson about what true friendship means. "One of my many (true) sayings is ‘A new friend is around the corner of every single day,’ " the author declares. "Also true: Friendships last. And last."
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Florence Parry Heide worked in advertising and public relations in New York City before returning to Pittsburgh during World War II. After the war, she and her husband moved to Wisconsin, where they raised five children, two of whom have cowritten critically acclaimed books with their mother. Florence Parry Heide now lives in Wisconsin.
Florence Parry Heide wrote SOME THINGS ARE SCARY, a humorous look at childhood bugaboos, more than thirty years ago. "I had finished another book and was in the mood to write something else," she says. "I decided to get some kindling from the garage, reached into the kindling box and--good grief!--grabbed something soft and mushy. I fled back to the house, scared to death." A brave return visit to the kindling box revealed the object of terror to be nothing more than a discarded wet sponge, but the thought remained: some things are scary. As she recalls, "What scared me as a child was that I’d never learn how to be a real grownup--and the fact is, I never did find out how it goes."
One thing Florence Parry Heide does have a good handle on is the concept of friendship, in all its humorous manifestations. THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR, a tongue-in-cheek tale cowritten with Sylvia Van Clief in 1967, pokes at the tendency of well-meaning friends to offer advice instead of help, and presents a valuable lesson about what true friendship means. "One of my many (true) sayings is ‘A new friend is around the corner of every single day,’ " the author declares. "Also true: Friendships last. And last."
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Florence Parry Heide worked in advertising and public relations in New York City before returning to Pittsburgh during World War II. After the war, she and her husband moved to Wisconsin, where they raised five children, two of whom have cowritten critically acclaimed books with their mother. Florence Parry Heide now lives in Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 18, 2010
I’m a grumpy reader right now. I should have skipped this one, and I was warned by Goodreads’ friend Kathryn’s wonderful review and comments on that review. I’m so behind in my reading so I’m resentful when I read something I don’t enjoy.
The main protagonist in this book is a narcissistic brat and a lousy friend, and she behaves in some very nasty ways. Then, she seems to learn nothing from her experiences or misbehavior. And her friend is a follower in a way that’s not at all healthy for anyone. There really is nothing redeeming here.
I thought that having a brat for a character might be good for kids with emotional or other problems, but Marigold isn’t really good for anybody, in my opinion. I can certainly understand the need for transitional objects, in Marigold’s case a purple coat, but that was about all I understood from Marigold’s viewpoint. This is actually a very sad book, I think, but I don’t think it was meant to be as sad as I see it.
I can’t imagine kids or anybody truly liking Marigold. Some kids might think parts of this story are funny, some might get a kick out of Marigold’s stubbornness and her “winning” out over her friend and her mother. But, I wouldn’t put this book in any child’s hand. I’d actually like to read some reviews with differing opinions as I can’t help but wonder if I missed something here. I can enjoy unlikable characters but I didn’t at all enjoy Marigold.
I don’t like the depiction of Marigold or her mother or (second best, then not) friend, but the illustrations of objects, terrain, and setting, and cat and pictures on other pages were pictures that I did enjoy. They slightly bumped up my rating.
There are thousands of better children’s picture books out there. I wish I had read one of those books. Next time I think I’ll listen better to my trustworthy Goodreads friends.
The main protagonist in this book is a narcissistic brat and a lousy friend, and she behaves in some very nasty ways. Then, she seems to learn nothing from her experiences or misbehavior. And her friend is a follower in a way that’s not at all healthy for anyone. There really is nothing redeeming here.
I thought that having a brat for a character might be good for kids with emotional or other problems, but Marigold isn’t really good for anybody, in my opinion. I can certainly understand the need for transitional objects, in Marigold’s case a purple coat, but that was about all I understood from Marigold’s viewpoint. This is actually a very sad book, I think, but I don’t think it was meant to be as sad as I see it.
I can’t imagine kids or anybody truly liking Marigold. Some kids might think parts of this story are funny, some might get a kick out of Marigold’s stubbornness and her “winning” out over her friend and her mother. But, I wouldn’t put this book in any child’s hand. I’d actually like to read some reviews with differing opinions as I can’t help but wonder if I missed something here. I can enjoy unlikable characters but I didn’t at all enjoy Marigold.
I don’t like the depiction of Marigold or her mother or (second best, then not) friend, but the illustrations of objects, terrain, and setting, and cat and pictures on other pages were pictures that I did enjoy. They slightly bumped up my rating.
There are thousands of better children’s picture books out there. I wish I had read one of those books. Next time I think I’ll listen better to my trustworthy Goodreads friends.
August 12, 2010
I really wanted to like this book. I love picture books with stand-out characters, and this was recommended as one that is really character-oriented. But, I ended up not wanting to hang out with Marigold! She is, for lack of a better word, a brat. And not even an endearing, amusing, somewhat forgivable brat like Eloise. I think we are meant to gather that her brat-nature has developed from a sense of insecurity or something. She doesn't want to get a new coat, because she is so attached to her old coat. Which is fine, that's cute, I get it--kids get attached to stuff, sometimes the oddest stuff, and I think it's insensitive for adults to rip it away. But, her solution is impractical and she does not seem thankful for getting something new. Later in the book, though (this is divided into very short "chapters"), she is upset because she doesn't have any new clothes. She feels bad because she wants to look pretty on the first day of school and she doesn't have any new clothes. There is a cute resolution to this, and it helps her mend the riff in her friendship, but, again, she seems so unaware of anything else going on and upsetting her mom in the process. The part that bothered me most was her dealings with her best friend. She is so rude and purposely vindictive and I don't feel that she ever fully apologizes for it or considers her friend's side of things. Of course, this could serve as a springboard for discussion with parents/teachers regarding how one OUGHT to behave to friends. I admit the story is told in an engaging way, and, yeah, Marigold made a strong impression as a character--but I just can't give this more than three stars.
March 19, 2009
Please take note, picture book authors. For the most part, brats are NOT cute. Those of us who deal with the real life variety know that, and I'd appreciate fewer books encouraging their parents to egg them on!
And if Marigold is a monkey and Maxine is a hippo, why are there suddenly all kinds of human figures (ranging from a pirate to an Inuit at the end of the first part?
Marigold is a bit "Frances" like. Her "surprise treasure" stand is a funny sequence, and her squabbles with Maxine are funny and real. But I found her a lot less likable than Frances, and wondered why Maxine wants to go back to being friends with her.
Take note that this is a LONG picture book, divided into several chapters. NOT quick bedtime reading for a toddler.
And if Marigold is a monkey and Maxine is a hippo, why are there suddenly all kinds of human figures (ranging from a pirate to an Inuit at the end of the first part?
Marigold is a bit "Frances" like. Her "surprise treasure" stand is a funny sequence, and her squabbles with Maxine are funny and real. But I found her a lot less likable than Frances, and wondered why Maxine wants to go back to being friends with her.
Take note that this is a LONG picture book, divided into several chapters. NOT quick bedtime reading for a toddler.
October 22, 2008
Four stories about an irrepressible monkey child and her hippo best friend, Maxine. The illustrations by Jill McElmurry are delightful, and Marigold herself is in the tradition of Junie B, Ramona, and other feisty young heroines.
March 10, 2021
Heide is always philosophical. This book introduces us to Marigold, a young female monkey with a huge streak of stubborn independence she calls being loyal (to herself?). But her stubbornness and self-regard cause her to temporarily lose her best friend--Maxine, a young female hippo--and Marigold then thinks of ways to annoy Maxine. In the end, it’s Maxine who thinks of a way to mend the friendship, so it’s not clear Marigold has really learned anything. Nevertheless the story raises PLENTY of philosophical questions about the nature of loyalty, friendship, and hobbies!
September 27, 2016
my 5 year old DD loved each short story/chapter. nice bedtime... although Marigold is quite the sassy one. i called her donald trump's granddaughter. very witty
August 30, 2018
"Marigold did not agree with her mother, or her father, or her friend Maxine. But she agreed with herself, and that was the important thing."
And so begin the adventures of Marigold the monkey. When her mother takes her shopping for a new coat Marigold doesn't like any of them until they stumble upon a purple coat that looks exactly like her old coat, which happens to be her best friend. But the coat is too small. Marigold says that she will wear long gloves, socks and a scarf to cover the uncovered parts and everyone will ask "who is that?" And she does, and they do.
Marigold's new hobby is to make lists. Her newest list consists of her friends: 1) old coat, 2) Maxine. When Maxine complains about not being first Marigold removes her from the list completely. Then Maxine decides to have a lemonade stand and Marigold comes up with having a "surprise treasure" stand because she thinks lemonade is stupid. When Maxine gives her the 20 cents she makes from her lemonade stand Marigold gives her 4 different boxes. In those boxes Maxine discovers a pile of dirt with worms, empty gum wrappers and a broken crayon, grass and paper clips and thumbtacks. Maxine is not happy and she walks away.
In the end Maxine is the bigger person by playing along with Marigolds game of imaginary new clothes when her mother won't buy her a new dress.
Cute stories but it drives me crazy when authors try to make picture books "chapter books," thereby rendering them basically useless for storytime. Very few children will actually sit still for a one-on-one read aloud when a picture book turns into chapters.
And so begin the adventures of Marigold the monkey. When her mother takes her shopping for a new coat Marigold doesn't like any of them until they stumble upon a purple coat that looks exactly like her old coat, which happens to be her best friend. But the coat is too small. Marigold says that she will wear long gloves, socks and a scarf to cover the uncovered parts and everyone will ask "who is that?" And she does, and they do.
Marigold's new hobby is to make lists. Her newest list consists of her friends: 1) old coat, 2) Maxine. When Maxine complains about not being first Marigold removes her from the list completely. Then Maxine decides to have a lemonade stand and Marigold comes up with having a "surprise treasure" stand because she thinks lemonade is stupid. When Maxine gives her the 20 cents she makes from her lemonade stand Marigold gives her 4 different boxes. In those boxes Maxine discovers a pile of dirt with worms, empty gum wrappers and a broken crayon, grass and paper clips and thumbtacks. Maxine is not happy and she walks away.
In the end Maxine is the bigger person by playing along with Marigolds game of imaginary new clothes when her mother won't buy her a new dress.
Cute stories but it drives me crazy when authors try to make picture books "chapter books," thereby rendering them basically useless for storytime. Very few children will actually sit still for a one-on-one read aloud when a picture book turns into chapters.
January 19, 2009
Marigold is a little monkey with her own way of doing things. She has a favorite purple coat that she wears all the time, even in the shower and to bed. But now her coat is wearing out and she has to face replacing her beloved coat. Marigold is a loyal monkey and refuses to give up her best friend, her purple coat for anyone. This includes her other close friend, Maxine who gets upset when Marigold lists the coat before her on her friend list. Maxine storms out and Marigold plots revenge which she achieves in an interesting and subtle way.
I love picture books that are not saccharine and sweet, but instead show children characters who have complicated feelings and relationships just like they have in real life. Marigold is a protagonist with firm ideas and a strong sense of self. Through skillful writing, the author manages to avoid making her whiny or annoying. Instead she is surprising, fun and unique. McElmurry's illustrations match the story well, filled with little touches that are just as fascinating as the main character.
This is a longer picture book, making it appropriate for slightly older children. Recommended for ages 5-7.
I love picture books that are not saccharine and sweet, but instead show children characters who have complicated feelings and relationships just like they have in real life. Marigold is a protagonist with firm ideas and a strong sense of self. Through skillful writing, the author manages to avoid making her whiny or annoying. Instead she is surprising, fun and unique. McElmurry's illustrations match the story well, filled with little touches that are just as fascinating as the main character.
This is a longer picture book, making it appropriate for slightly older children. Recommended for ages 5-7.
August 6, 2009
I enjoyed the illustrations very much. The argument and relationship problem between the two friends bothered me. I see this as being a real life issue, but a book should teach how to effectively handling fixing the problem rather than making it worse. The bribe that the mother makes to get the daughter to buy a new coat was worrisome. Too often, sweet treats are used as a bargaining tool for children. I would prefer to see conversation and explanation, or perhaps parental decision making taking center stage here. If I could have not looked in to it so deeply, it would have been a very enjoyable book to read. I was very excited to see that the author lives in our own City of Kenosha.
February 17, 2010
In these four short stories, we learn a lot about Marigold: she loves her old coat; she likes to make lists; Maxine is her second best friend, after her coat; she is good at getting on Maxine's nerves; and she has a wonderful imagination.
Honestly, I didn't like Marigold. I found her obnoxious and irritating. And her hair really bothers me for some reason. That being said, I appreciated her great imagination. I also liked the ending of the book, although I think that Maxine deserves a better friend than Marigold. (Really, the ending just made me like Maxine even more.) I also enjoyed the illustrations, which are colorful and fun.
Honestly, I didn't like Marigold. I found her obnoxious and irritating. And her hair really bothers me for some reason. That being said, I appreciated her great imagination. I also liked the ending of the book, although I think that Maxine deserves a better friend than Marigold. (Really, the ending just made me like Maxine even more.) I also enjoyed the illustrations, which are colorful and fun.
August 9, 2011
I read this book to my daughter in the library today, and we both CRACKED up!
What a cute little book. From the first lines: "Marigold did not agree with her mother, or her father, or her friend Maxine. But she agreed with herself, and that was the important thing..." I knew I would enjoy this book thoroughly.
I suggest reading this book aloud to a group of kids, and you will all enjoy the stories (the book is cleverly broken into little short vignettes)!
The animation is delightful and I hope Marigold turns into a series. She's quite a stubbornly charming litle monkey!
What a cute little book. From the first lines: "Marigold did not agree with her mother, or her father, or her friend Maxine. But she agreed with herself, and that was the important thing..." I knew I would enjoy this book thoroughly.
I suggest reading this book aloud to a group of kids, and you will all enjoy the stories (the book is cleverly broken into little short vignettes)!
The animation is delightful and I hope Marigold turns into a series. She's quite a stubbornly charming litle monkey!
June 8, 2010
Marigold is a very particular little monkey. She likes what she likes (her old coat, herself) with no qualms. Marigold is also thoughtful. She makes lists and plots how to annoy her friend Maxine.
What I thought: A delightful story with lovely illustrations. The author captures the hilarity and audacity of one little monkey. Marigold's adventures could be any girl's adventures--from her love affair with her favorite coat to her uneasy friendship with Maxine.
What I thought: A delightful story with lovely illustrations. The author captures the hilarity and audacity of one little monkey. Marigold's adventures could be any girl's adventures--from her love affair with her favorite coat to her uneasy friendship with Maxine.
November 5, 2010
I did not like this book much--I thought Marigold was mean to her best friend (and to everyone around her) in a way that was not enjoyable or excusable. The book was supposed to be about individuality (at least, that's the impression I got), but Marigold took individuality as a license to be rude and disrespectful to adults and mean to friends. As a librarian, I see no need to remove her from the shelves, but as a parent, I see no inducement to check her out again.
March 6, 2009
This was a fun read. Marigold is quite the character in both writing and illustration. I enjoyed the short 'chapters' done in the same way that Zelda and Ivy is written. I am sure there will be more about Marigold in the future as she is a cheeky little monkey.
Also, the relationship between the frenemies rings true.
Also, the relationship between the frenemies rings true.
March 12, 2009
This book as three parts. The first part is the best and is great for "be yourself" "you're special" storytimes. Marigold loves her coat but it is old and worn out and her mother makes her go coat shopping. She finds the exact same coat but it is too small. She goes to great lengths to "make it work"
June 6, 2010
Author: Florence Parry Heide
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Genre: Picture Book
Summary: A book of mini stories about Marigold’s new coat, new hobby, surprise stand, and new outfit.
Response: This book was simply adorable. I love how the mini stories are all connected with one another.
Theme/Concept/Connection: Coats, Lemonade Stand, Friends, Surprise
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Genre: Picture Book
Summary: A book of mini stories about Marigold’s new coat, new hobby, surprise stand, and new outfit.
Response: This book was simply adorable. I love how the mini stories are all connected with one another.
Theme/Concept/Connection: Coats, Lemonade Stand, Friends, Surprise
May 6, 2014
Great illustrations, but Marigold is bratty. She is defiant and her mother gives into it. I am all for independence and for a child (in this case a monkey) to express themselves, but being disrespectful and bratty does not need to be encouraged. Some might see it as funny, I don't. My six year old even spoke up and said that she seems bratty and mean.
June 17, 2009
Book of four charming stories about Marigold. She is definitely her own person! She is attached her her purple coat, and it cracks me up. All the stories are short and simple and subtley woven together.
July 26, 2015
Several stories within one book just didn't do it for me, but I don't think this book would have done it anyway. There was nothing really "inviting" or that stood out about the stories. I really think this would be a "one and done" book for kids.
May 8, 2010
Part of me says 1 star, part of me says 5. Split the difference.
September 5, 2009
Cute story ... would work well for K-1, although both boys seemed to enjoy it.
February 25, 2009
Marigold is headstrong and creative, but the book is amusing. It is divided into a 3 stories, which makes it a bit disjointed for a straight through read. Too much for Story Time, but fun.
February 26, 2009
Though Marigold is a little bit of a brat, I like her. I love her trying to pick out a new coat and wanting what she will want and she is a creative problem solver. Ages 5+
May 7, 2009
I guess I relate to obnoxious brats. 5 stars.
October 6, 2009
Another great one! This one is told in short episodes all put together in one book. Marigold has a great way of seeing the world and a great hair cut!!
December 10, 2009
"monkeys, hippos, friendship, favorite object"
December 1, 2011
I was entertained! Marigold...you be you! Bravo!
July 6, 2014
The illustrations were good, and I like that Marigold is spunky. But her stories didn't really come together and the turning points weren't always clear.
March 24, 2015
This is 4 short stories, some stronger than others. I think kids will connect with them.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews