A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Raschka, C. (2015). A ball for Daisy (1st ed.). New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN: 978-0-375-85861-1

  

PLOT SUMMARY

The story begins with a scruffy brown dog named Daisy and her favorite red toy ball. Throughout the story one can see how fond Daisy is of her toy. She does not go anywhere without it that she even sleeps with it. When one day daisy’s owner decides to take her to the park, everything seems to be going well until a brown dog appears and accidentally pops Daisy’s red toy ball. Daisy can be seen to slowly understand that her toy has been destroyed and becomes sad. Daisy misses her toy, but when her owner decides to take her to the park once again Daisy finds herself a new favorite toy along with a new friend. The brown dog’s owner had brought daisy a blue toy ball that Daisy was quick to love just as much as her previous one. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Raschka’s wonderful wordless picture book is great for small children understanding the emotions that come with the loss of objects. Even though, the book is for children of young ages I know other age groups could relate to loosing something they cherished. He uses Daisy, a brown-white scruffy dog and her beloved red ball to relate to situations that one can encounter. 

His vibrant water colors give illustrations a certain pizazz. The illustrations are easy to comprehend in understanding the plot of the story. Small details that Raschka changes in Daisy help the reader understand the emotions that are occurring within the story. His pictures narrate the story and leaves room for children to create their own story. It is a beautiful kid friendly book. Simple yet has a teachable lesson for children. Raschka’s illustrations are unlike other picture books and it captures the attention of youngsters.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A Caldecott Medal Winner

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Rarely, perhaps never, has so steep an emotional been drawn with such utter winning simplicity.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations…”

Starred review in THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: “Noteworthy for both its artistry and its child appeal.”

CONNECTIONS 

This book is about the feelings that come with loosing something that is special to oneself. Raschka’s A Ball for Daisy leaves room for interpretation among children on how one would feel after something is taken and accidentally ruined by someone else. It also demonstrates the making of new friendships is important. 

Other books with similar messages:

Philip C. Stead. A Sick Day for Amos McGee ISBN 9781596434028

Lita Judge. Red Sled ISBN: 9781442420076