Author: Madison Alexander
Illustrator: Victoria Mikki
Publisher: Little Succulent Press
Publication Date: September 9, 2025
ISBN-13: 979-8218802936
Reading Level: Ages 4–8
Main Character: Sutton, a little succulent with a big heart.
Plot: Sutton longs to find where she belongs. Along her journey, she discovers that being different doesn’t mean she doesn’t fit in; it means she has her own special place to grow.
Settings: The different places Sutton tries to grow before discovering the perfect home.
Genre/Theme/Style: Picture book / Themes of resilience, confidence, patience, and self-acceptance.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 5 Roars?
The message is timeless yet especially fitting for September, when children are navigating new classrooms and friendships. Sutton’s story provides comfort and courage, reminding readers that their uniqueness is their strength. It also speaks to us about learning to grow wherever you are at in life.
Critical Analysis:
Alexander’s narrative gently affirms the struggles kids feel when they don’t quite fit in. Using a succulent as the central figure is a brilliant metaphor: a plant known for resilience and thriving in surprising conditions. Victoria Mikki’s art enriches the text with expressive illustrations that make Sutton feel alive, tender, and hopeful. The balance of text and imagery ensures accessibility for read-alouds or independent reading.
Excerpt:
"On a warm, golden morning, the wind whisked a lonely leaf through the air and dropped it right into Ruth, the gardener’s blooming flower bed. The leaf wasn’t just any leaf. It was thick and smooth, with a dewy green surface that glistened in the sunlight."
Connections:
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Perfect back-to-school read to foster discussions about differences and belonging.
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Can tie into science lessons about plant diversity and adaptation.
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Pairs well with other picture books on self-acceptance, such as The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson or Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell.
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