Tom Boyce's work discusses two different kinds of children: the "dandelion" child (hardy, resilient, healthy), able to survive and flourish under most circumstances, and the "orchid" child (sensitive, susceptible, fragile) who, given the right support, can thrive as much, if not more, than other children. Orchid children, Boyce makes clear, are not failed dandelions; they are a different category of child, with special sensitivities and strengths, and need to be nurtured and taught in special ways. Boyce outlines how to value these children for their unique sensibilities, their considerable challenges, and their remarkable gifts.