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Lady Daisy
Ned's disappointment turns into shock when the doll his grandmother has given him speaks to him, and together the two of them share stories of their very different worlds.
131 pages, Hardcover
First published June 15, 1992
2 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Dick King-Smith
329 books308 followersDick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 27, 2024
Another delightful return to a book I loved as a child, this time with my own children, one of whom—to make it even more special—bears the name of the main character.
Though obviously belonging to the doll-come-to-life genre, a few things make this book stand out. One is that the discoverer and owner of the doll is a boy—a fairly typical boy obsessed with sports and dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, but who responds to the compelling personality of a talking Victorian doll, Lady Daisy Chain. Because Lady Daisy has been unconscious for 90 years (the book takes place in 1990) and last she knew Queen Victoria had just died, the book also contains some sense of time travel, at least in the sense of Gone Away Lake. And there is mystery, too—the discovery of the forgotten doll, the enigma of how the magic works (which, charmingly, all talking-toy books must provide their own more-or-less-unique explanation of), and then a slight detour into detective and crime fiction when Lady Daisy is pursued by a sketchy antique dealer and ultimately abducted. For a 160-page children’s book it has a lot going on in terms of genre, and the author maintains all these threads deftly.
The most charming thing about the book, to me, is how English it is. There are little hints of England in offhand cultural references (talk of Mrs. Thatcher, Welsh rarebit for supper, windows without screens) and occasionally in vocabulary (football, telly, snooker, quid, rang up), but it’s the dialog that really and consistently transports you to England. I tried to read it with an American accent but found it couldn’t be done.
The book also consistently features a wonderful literary device that I’ve never been able to put a name to, unless it’s simply dramatic irony. It happens when the same phrase or line of dialog is repeated in different contexts, the characters unaware of the irony but the reader fully aware of it. It also happens with double entendres, again the characters hearing only one meaning but the reader aware of both possibilities. Dick King-Smith seems to construct scenes in order to give this dramatic irony the greatest possible play, and it works beautifully, especially when read aloud. I haven’t read any of his other books, but the back flap claims he was regarded as a master storyteller, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this very quality was the reason.
Though obviously belonging to the doll-come-to-life genre, a few things make this book stand out. One is that the discoverer and owner of the doll is a boy—a fairly typical boy obsessed with sports and dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, but who responds to the compelling personality of a talking Victorian doll, Lady Daisy Chain. Because Lady Daisy has been unconscious for 90 years (the book takes place in 1990) and last she knew Queen Victoria had just died, the book also contains some sense of time travel, at least in the sense of Gone Away Lake. And there is mystery, too—the discovery of the forgotten doll, the enigma of how the magic works (which, charmingly, all talking-toy books must provide their own more-or-less-unique explanation of), and then a slight detour into detective and crime fiction when Lady Daisy is pursued by a sketchy antique dealer and ultimately abducted. For a 160-page children’s book it has a lot going on in terms of genre, and the author maintains all these threads deftly.
The most charming thing about the book, to me, is how English it is. There are little hints of England in offhand cultural references (talk of Mrs. Thatcher, Welsh rarebit for supper, windows without screens) and occasionally in vocabulary (football, telly, snooker, quid, rang up), but it’s the dialog that really and consistently transports you to England. I tried to read it with an American accent but found it couldn’t be done.
The book also consistently features a wonderful literary device that I’ve never been able to put a name to, unless it’s simply dramatic irony. It happens when the same phrase or line of dialog is repeated in different contexts, the characters unaware of the irony but the reader fully aware of it. It also happens with double entendres, again the characters hearing only one meaning but the reader aware of both possibilities. Dick King-Smith seems to construct scenes in order to give this dramatic irony the greatest possible play, and it works beautifully, especially when read aloud. I haven’t read any of his other books, but the back flap claims he was regarded as a master storyteller, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this very quality was the reason.
August 17, 2020
Another one of my favourite books from when I was around 8 years old - this, too, withstands the test of time, teaching young me more about gender roles than I could have hoped for!
July 26, 2015
I remember reading this book when I was about eight or nine! It was one of my favourites, and no matter how much it upset me in places, I kept reading! If you only ever eead one book in your lifetime, let this be it!
April 30, 2025
И это детская повесть?
И чему она интересно учит? Как угнетать мальчика за то что он играет куклой? И угнетают не столько дети, как родители, учителя.
И лучше спрятать Леди Дейзи, пока папа не пришел,а то его хватит удар
- Господи, что это такое? - воскликнул он.
- Это кукла, папа.
- Я не слепой, - сказал отец. - Я только хочу знать, что ты делаешь с куклой?
Я знаю, она учит как культурно постоять за себя!
-Я только ударил его в нос - и все.
- Пошла кровь?
- Да.
- Надеюсь, это послужит ему уроком - в другой раз он еще подумает, связываться ли ему с тобой.- Отец похлопал сына по плечу и улыбнулся.
Или нет, наверно, она учит честности и смелости!
А, понимаю: ты опасаешься, что футбольные приятели будут смеяться, когда увидят тебя с куклой. Но не обязательно говорить, что она твоя. Скажи, что она принадлежала твоей бабушке.
Да, и кукла та еще штучка
- Я сделал это, Леди Дейзи. Я стукнул его!
- Ты ударил негодника?
-Да.
- Прямой левой?
- Вообще-то я ударил его правой рукой. В нос.
- Пошла кровь?
- Да.
- Превосходно, превосходно! - вскричала Леди Дейзи. - Честное слово, я горжусь тобой, дорогой. Мы должны это как-то отметить, но как..?
И чему она интересно учит? Как угнетать мальчика за то что он играет куклой? И угнетают не столько дети, как родители, учителя.
И лучше спрятать Леди Дейзи, пока папа не пришел,а то его хватит удар
- Господи, что это такое? - воскликнул он.
- Это кукла, папа.
- Я не слепой, - сказал отец. - Я только хочу знать, что ты делаешь с куклой?
Я знаю, она учит как культурно постоять за себя!
-Я только ударил его в нос - и все.
- Пошла кровь?
- Да.
- Надеюсь, это послужит ему уроком - в другой раз он еще подумает, связываться ли ему с тобой.- Отец похлопал сына по плечу и улыбнулся.
Или нет, наверно, она учит честности и смелости!
А, понимаю: ты опасаешься, что футбольные приятели будут смеяться, когда увидят тебя с куклой. Но не обязательно говорить, что она твоя. Скажи, что она принадлежала твоей бабушке.
Да, и кукла та еще штучка
- Я сделал это, Леди Дейзи. Я стукнул его!
- Ты ударил негодника?
-Да.
- Прямой левой?
- Вообще-то я ударил его правой рукой. В нос.
- Пошла кровь?
- Да.
- Превосходно, превосходно! - вскричала Леди Дейзи. - Честное слово, я горжусь тобой, дорогой. Мы должны это как-то отметить, но как..?
March 24, 2024
With the family home clearout, our childhood books were divided up and now I have stacks of kiddie paperbacks in my study. And much is Dick King-Smith. I started my 30th anniversary re-reads with Lady Daisy and it's cute. Ned is a solid character with a big heart and the ending was sweeter as an adult than it was to my primary-school aged self. Looking forward to reading more of these. And don't @ me about using these books to boost my book count, I'm reading SO many 500+ page volumes too!
January 11, 2020
My favourite book from my childhood. I ordered a copy when I was an adult to hopefully read to my children. Recommend this completely to any young readers!
August 17, 2020
I'm not crying, you're crying.
Delightful story. Troy could've stood another bloody nose.
Delightful story. Troy could've stood another bloody nose.
December 8, 2020
One of my favourites to re read, a classic, a book not many people I know have read. An easy read for my age.
October 24, 2022
I loved this book so much when I was a kid. Taught me a lot about Victorian Britain too. He was a legendary kids author
May 13, 2023
Fav childhood book
June 13, 2023
My favorite book as a kid, come across it I a charity shop. Still love it
August 29, 2013
One of my favourite childhood stories, Dick King-Smith writes a fantastic tale about a child called Ned. The tale begins with the young boy visiting his Grandmother during the summer holidays; whilst helping to tidy the attic Ned finds an unexpected guest in the form of a Victorian Ceramic doll. Ned learns that Lady Daisy has been ‘asleep’ since 1901.
Ned and Lady Daisy become fast friends and they begin a long friendship where they both teach the other about their lives including previous monarchs and the technological advances made in the last century. Lady Daisy also teaches Ned about conflict resolution by helping him tackle bullying at school. The friendship between the two characters also subverts stereotypes by becoming Ned’s best friend.
This friendship continues until Ned grows up and is no longer able to hear Lady Daisy as ‘the magic cord’ (King-Smith, 1992) between the two has snapped. As with most tales of animated toys, only children are able to witness the magic. Ned entails the doll to his five year old daughter as it was entailed to him by his Grandmother; Ned never forgets his time with Lady Daisy, however, and the tale ends with Ned watching his daughter introduce herself to Lady Daisy and her astonishment when she replies.
I particularly like this book due to the immediate connection between the characters; Ned and Lady Daisy do not pay attention to the differences between them but the similarities such as the shared feeling of loneliness, as Ned is an only child. The book also shows the read that everyone has something they can teach you and that there are different perspectives to consider. This is an important idea, especially for young children who are new to the classroom situation. The tale also challenges stereotypes by utilising a male lead character rather than a female lead. It is mentioned several times within the book that boys are ‘always playing war games, or doing judo, or kicking a football’ (King-Smith, 1992). It is important to teach children that there are no limits to what they are allowed to play with simply due to their gender; this is one of the arguments made within the EYFS.
This book would be suitable in a classroom as a book to be read to the classroom by an adult; the children would be age 7 years and above and can be directed towards both genders. The book would also encourage private reading and discussion of the themes such as bullying and how to tackle it.
Ned and Lady Daisy become fast friends and they begin a long friendship where they both teach the other about their lives including previous monarchs and the technological advances made in the last century. Lady Daisy also teaches Ned about conflict resolution by helping him tackle bullying at school. The friendship between the two characters also subverts stereotypes by becoming Ned’s best friend.
This friendship continues until Ned grows up and is no longer able to hear Lady Daisy as ‘the magic cord’ (King-Smith, 1992) between the two has snapped. As with most tales of animated toys, only children are able to witness the magic. Ned entails the doll to his five year old daughter as it was entailed to him by his Grandmother; Ned never forgets his time with Lady Daisy, however, and the tale ends with Ned watching his daughter introduce herself to Lady Daisy and her astonishment when she replies.
I particularly like this book due to the immediate connection between the characters; Ned and Lady Daisy do not pay attention to the differences between them but the similarities such as the shared feeling of loneliness, as Ned is an only child. The book also shows the read that everyone has something they can teach you and that there are different perspectives to consider. This is an important idea, especially for young children who are new to the classroom situation. The tale also challenges stereotypes by utilising a male lead character rather than a female lead. It is mentioned several times within the book that boys are ‘always playing war games, or doing judo, or kicking a football’ (King-Smith, 1992). It is important to teach children that there are no limits to what they are allowed to play with simply due to their gender; this is one of the arguments made within the EYFS.
This book would be suitable in a classroom as a book to be read to the classroom by an adult; the children would be age 7 years and above and can be directed towards both genders. The book would also encourage private reading and discussion of the themes such as bullying and how to tackle it.
September 27, 2016
Great little story. Very socially aware: challenging gender stereotypes; promoting family communication; allowing for a little "magic" in children's lives; not judging by first appearances; saying no to bullying.
I thought I'd read the majority of King-Smith's works for this age-group when I was in it, but I came across this unfamiliar text and was powerless to resist. One afternoon's reading well spent in my opinion.
I thought I'd read the majority of King-Smith's works for this age-group when I was in it, but I came across this unfamiliar text and was powerless to resist. One afternoon's reading well spent in my opinion.
June 6, 2012
Dick King-Smith is becoming one of my favorite children's author. I read this to my 9 year old daughter and 7 year old son. They both really liked it, as did I. Lady Daisy is the story of a soccer loving boy who finds a Victorian doll at his Grandma's house. He soon finds that the doll can talk, but only to him. This story is not only funny in parts, but also very touching as well.
August 21, 2015
This was one of my favourite books as a kid. I found it again last year at my sister's in Aus and enjoyed reading it again. I love the premise that it doesn't conform to gender specifics when it comes to toys. It's a great book for kids to read to teach them that you can enjoy any toys whether you're a boy or a girl. And a little love for a toy can change your life :)
December 22, 2015
Nice book, quick read. I was happy for the epilogue and glad that the father came around. I liked the twist when Lady Daisy was stolen. I thought the characters seemed real. The fantasy seemed down to earth and believable to me. That is the way I like it.
April 18, 2012
One of my favourite books from Primary School!
October 10, 2012
This was the book that started my passion for reading novels... I was 11 and it was brill. (I was stuck on poetry until about that point.)
April 4, 2014
Really fascinating about how a boy called Ned would want a doll! The Lady Daisy is really cute and can speak.Mum and Dad don't know that Lady Daisy can speak. I love this book!
November 16, 2014
That cover though burrrr I'm sorry the illustrators artwork is beautiful but my dear heavenly jesus....that cover. That being said this is a cute and sweet story......that . cover
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February 23, 2016One of my very first reads. Brilliant book that I'm now reading with my own little girl.
April 20, 2014
One of my favourite childhood reads (this book was the first book I fell in love with)
October 9, 2014
Good read for both boys and girls.
April 25, 2017
178 - 2017
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September 6, 2018Read as part of my PGCE
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews