Daisy Dawson and the Secret Pond

Daisy Dawson #2

by Steve Voake, Jessica Meserve (Illustrator)

In her second adventure, Daisy sets off to take pictures of a pair of shy otters for her school project.

Daisy Dawson has an amazing she can understand and talk to animals! In her second adventure, she is determined to fi nd a pair of shy otters and take their photo to show at school. With Boom the basset hound, Cyril the squirrel, and a pair of mischievous young squirrels in tow, it promises to be a perfect day with friends. But as they all set out, the birds are singing about rain clouds on the way. Will Daisy get the picture she needs before the weather gets her?

Genres: Fantasy, Chapter Books, Childrens, Novels, Animals, Juvenile

96 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 2008

About the author

Steve Voake is the author of all the Daisy Dawson books, as well as two novels for older readers. He lives in Somerset, England.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy is a sweet, gentle soul and I think her stories will appeal to children with a special place in their heart for animals. That said, some aspects in this book might be too intense for very young or sensitive readers. There's a scene in which one of the animals falls into "Darkwater Sump" (a hole in that sucks water beneath the riverbed) and Daisy jumps in to save the animal but also nearly gets sucked under. (No adults around so it's a dog that jumps in to save her.) Also a few scenes discussing destruction of native habitats, such as when the otters are weary of Daisy because "in the past, humans have destroyed their habitats. They've built houses, roads, and factories in the places where otters used to live. Sometimes, they've even hunted them." ("Why would anyone do that?" Daisy wonders. An animal friend replies, "I suppose it's because not everyone is as nice as you." Sigh. It's not as simple as that.) There's also foreshadowing of bulldozers coming to destroy the river one day.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book of Daisy's adventures is a gentle story featuring mischievous squirrels, save-the-day otters, and the ever-endearing farm hound Boom. Charming illustrations and a subtle lesson about urbanization and animal habitats add a layer of meaning to a sweet read for kids who are ready to ease into chapter books.

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle, if uneven, little adventure featuring a little girl who can talk to animals. A fair amount of punning and forced cuteness is saved by some moving desciptive language and expressive black and white illustrations.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think one of the reasons I like this series so much is it has some resemblance to the Winnie-the-Pooh books. A spunky girl has fine adventures with her animal friends. Both authors are also British and have similar senses of humor. And, the illustrations are fun and whimsical. Brilliant.

[Bethany Corkran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantasy chapter book is all about Daisy Dawson who has a special gift, she can talk to animals! In this adventure, she wants to go to the pond to take a photo of two shy otters, but bad weather is in the future! Will she be able to get the photo to take to her class, or will the rain wash them out? You'll have to read it to see! I liked this book because its an excellent book for transitioning to chapter books for young readers. In my classroom, I would use this book as a read-aloud and have students bring photos of the animals that live in their backyard as a nature study.

[Cair-Paravel De Loulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, so cute! I read this book aloud and it was so much fun! The story just sweeps you along, with splashes of comedy and sweet innocence. It was a joy to read and I definitely would love to read the rest of the series.

I love stories with talking animals and this one just stole the show effortlessly. It reminded me of a country girl version of Sofia the First.

I am volunteering an honest review for the benefit of others.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought a story about a girl who can talk to animals would be a home run for my daughter but there were multiple moments in the story (like talking about cameras and developing film) that we had to stop and talk about what was happening. Multiple times she would ask, who was Boom again? The dog and she would mix up the squirrels names with the otters' names etc...maybe we tried the story when she was too young?

[Andrea Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy and her adventures talking with animals are just the best thing and always too short! Love the interest in photography with this one too :)

[Gena · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet ending

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about... Daisy
One reason I love this book is because... it is funny!
Another reason I love this book is because... it is cool
My favorite character is Boom because... He is funny
One of my favorite parts in the story is when... Daisy is late for school

[Becky Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For this assignment, I considered titles from some popular series: The Buddy Files by Dori Hillestad Butler; Alvin Ho by Lenore Look; Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo; Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows; and Stink by Megan McDonald.

They were all just fine. In fact, some were more than fine; some I would have (and did) give very favorable reviews. But, I didn’t connect with them on a gut level.

So, I kept browsing. An unassuming turquoise book caught my eye: Daisy Dawson and the Secret Pond. I’d never heard of this series or this author. But, it had animals so I gave it a go.

By page 6, I was hooked! You see, Daisy talks to animals. And I love animals! Although I am a librarian by vocation, I am a wildlife rescuer/rehabilitator by passion and avocation! Yes, this was MY book!

The storyline is straightforward and simple: Daisy sets off with her animal friends (Boom the bloodhound and Cyril, Hazel, and Conkers the squirrels) to find a reclusive pair of otters for a photo shoot.

They do find the otters (mates Dampsy and Spray); they do have the photo shoot; and they do have a lovely picnic.

For conflict, there’s a very short part where one of the characters falls into danger when a thunderstorm appears out of nowhere. But, in the end, everyone is safe.

It’s an adventure story. It’s a nature story. But, at its heart, it’s a tender, gentle story of friendship.

When the adventurers are crossing the river and Daisy realizes that Boom is afraid of the water, she helps him safely across. “'Thanks for helping,' he whispered. Daisy pressed her cheek against his head. 'That’s what friends are for…'"

When invited to the otters’ den, little Hazel is afraid. Boom discreetly helps her save face: "'I wonder,' said Boom in a kind voice, 'if anyone will stay here and keep me company.'"

This is the perfect story for children ages 6 to 9 who love animals, or are tender-hearted, or who just love a good adventure. Meserve’s black and white thick-lined sketches are simple but strong: apparent is Boom’s wisdom and love, the squirrels’ joy during the picnic, the otters’ playfulness.
And the last two pages… well, this jaded woman teared up.

[Molly (Conan the Librarian) Crumbley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy Dawson has the ability to understand and talk to animals—a skill that brings her lots of fun and adventure! In this charming second installment of the series, Daisy is off on an expedition. Her mission: impress her teacher with pictures of two shy otters for her science project on animal habitats.

Together with her pals Boom the dog and a pack of chatty squirrels, Daisy has to keep her wits about her to brave the scary river and discover the secret pond where the otters live. Will the fivesome be able to make it there safely? Will the otters be too frightened of her to come out of hiding? Young readers will wish that they had Daisy’s amazing abilities too, and will surely delight in this fun new series and learn a thing or two about animals.

(This review originally appeared on abookandahug.com)

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy Dawson is back in her second adventure! Daisy has a unique gift- she can listen and talk to animals. This talent comes in handy for Daisy's habitat project for school. Daisy's animal friends- Boom the dog and Cyril the squirrel, help Daisy get a picture of Spray and Dampsy, the very shy otters that live in the river by her home. Daisy Dawson is a very likable female heroine- she smart and compassionate. Students that are avid animal lovers will love her and her animal friends. The one flaw with the book is the reading level versus the interest level. The reading level is more for intermediate grades (3-4); however the interest level is more for the primary grades. Voake's writing style is more on the sophisticated side for emerging readers. Daisy does make a great read-aloud though

[Wendi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought the first three books for my 8 year old daughter for Christmas. She loves animals, and in this book Daisy can talk to animals. I thought she would enjoy it, and she does. I thought I would pick one up and read it. I found it fun for kids. Daisy goes on everyday adventures and gets to talk to all the animals. In school she gets to hear the gerbils talking to each other, the teacher (unknown to the teacher) and Daisy. I thought it was cute, but geared toward kids. It was a short chapter book that my daughter had no trouble getting through in a day.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming story about a girl who can talk to animals. Daisy finds such delight in the world around her that even walking to school is an adventure. Wonderful characterizations of the animals -- her conversation with a wasp cracked me up!

I just found out that there are other Daisy books -- I need to order them right now. This is a great book for ages 7-10. And adults reading to a younger child will enjoy it, too!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle & sweet. Not a whole lot happens, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Daisy meets otters in a pond she knows nothing about. There's a very definite environmental edge--the animals are worried that bulldozers will tear down the habitat should anyone find out that the pond exists. And Daisy's dog friend, Boom, shows her all about friendship when he faces his fear of water to save her after she gets in too deep.

[Katherine Littkemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the charming series about Daisy Dawson, the little girl who can speak to animals. This time, Daisy and her friends are off on a big adventure to find a pair of otters. The sweet little story reminded me of Christopher Robin and his expeditions with the gang from the Hundred Acre Woods.

[Kaytee · Rating 5 out of 5]

i also read this book also and i wish i could speak to animals like she did first on the cover i thought they were just going to talk about how she was an ordiary girl but she actually was not and that is what makes the book so happy.kaytee i put my names on these to show that i realy like these books and they are on my favorite book if you get what i mean.

[Marya · Rating 2 out of 5]

In all fairness, I only had to read the last two chapters to my little one to finish it up. But, there were no theatrics about how the book was scary, so bedtime went on schedule, and I'm going to give the book a thumbs up.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I looked it because it was about otters. She always go to school in these books. She always goes to elementary school so she. was probably a bit older than me.

She was doing a school assignment when she took a picture of the otters and that's why I liked it.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. I liked Daisy and her ability to talk to animals. I liked Boom and his losing his fear to save Daisy. Wonderful!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very cute for the new reader just starting with chapter books. A welcome change from Junie B Jones.

[Miss Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

GR Level: N

NOT AVAILABLE

Daisy goes on another adventure for a school project and Boomer is on the adventure too.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy goes on another adventure for a school project and Boomer is on the adventure too.

[Dana Grimes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still cute and still great for young readers (and makes a great read aloud for them too!) I liked the first book a bit better but still plan on reading them all to my daughter who loves them.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, cute, cute!!! I've always wanted to be able to talk with animals, and Daisy does. Good story, good message, good book! I cannot wait to booktalk this series with my third grade students!

[Holly Claymon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to read to my granddaughter on a sick day from school

[Rhiana Ciceron]

I think Daisy Dawson is A good book. It can teach kids to be creative and this book would be A great book to read to your children if you have any. I personally like this book.

[Laela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming!