A BALL FOR DAISY by Chris Raschka

Bibliography: 

Raschka, Christopher. 2011. A BALL FOR DAISY.  Ill. by Christopher Raschka. Schwartz & Wade Books. New York, NY.  ISBN 9780375858611

Plot Summary: 

A Ball for Daisy by Christopher Raschka is perfect for any young child dealing with loss, especially those who are dog lovers.  With this wordless book, children will see a dog receive a new ball.  The dog loves his new toy and takes it everywhere until the ball pops.  The dog’s emotions change and are wonderfully illustrated by the author.  The book has a bright and happy ending as the dog finds a new friend.

Critical Analysis: 

This book can be used for many things with young children.  Great discussions can come from this wordless book using the beautiful illustrations.  Children can infer the dog’s feelings from the pictures that are very expressive.  This book would be great to use with young children being introduced to colors.  Children dealing with loss will find comfort in the dog’s journey from happiness, to dealing with sadness, to being inspired that there will be brighter days again.   

Reviews: 

• Winner of the 2012 Randolph Caldecott Metal
• New York Times Bestseller
• New York Times Best Illustrated Book
• Editorial Reviews:
• School Library Journal, August 2011:  “Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children.”
• Horn Book, September/October 2011:  “A story that is noteworthy for both its artistry and its child appeal.”
• Kirkus Review, December 2011:  “Rarely, perhaps never, has so steep an emotional arc been drawn with such utter, winning simplicity.” 

Connections:  Age Level:  3 and up

• Students can look at the pictures and brainstorm their ideas, inferring the meaning for each picture.
• Students can be inspired by the childlike pictures found in the book, and create their own pictures continuing the story.
• Sing “Daisy Has a Red Ball” to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
• Using another wordless book, compare and contrast the events children can infer from the pictures using various types of questioning. 
• Suggested wordless book:
• Goodnight Gorilla  by Peggy Rathman
• Rathman, Peggy. 2000. GOODNIGHT GORILLA. Puffin Books. New York, NY.  ISBN  0399224459