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Daisy
A Ball for Daisy
Winner of the 2012 Randolph Caldecott Medal
This New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Best Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.
This New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Best Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2011
56 people are currently reading
2844 people want to read
About the author
Chris Raschka
128 books143 followersChris Raschka is the illustrator of The Hello, Goodbye Window, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal. He is also the illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Yo! Yes?; Charlie Parker Played Be Bop; Mysterious Thelonious; John Coltrane’s Giant Steps; Can’t Sleep; and The Magic Flute. He lives with his wife and son in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,325 reviews
April 19, 2019
A cute wordless story for all to enjoy. I will say I don’t like the artwork, but I am amazed at how minimal his brush strokes are and how we can tell what it is immediately. That’s impressive. Daisy loves her ball and Daisy loses her ball. That is pretty much the story. It is cute.
The niece empathized with Daisy. She had a little story with him. She gave this 3 stars. The nephew loved the little dog. He understands about losing something important as he can’t keep up with his important things even though he loves them. He gave this 4 stars.
The niece empathized with Daisy. She had a little story with him. She gave this 3 stars. The nephew loved the little dog. He understands about losing something important as he can’t keep up with his important things even though he loves them. He gave this 4 stars.
November 2, 2017
This is a wordless picture book about a white dog who loves her red ball. A brown dog starts to play with the white dog's ball and accidentally pops it. The brown dog's owner makes the situation right and replaces the popped ball with a new blue one. The white dog is happy again.
Update: I am changing my four star to a five star. My two year loves this book and is always wanting me to "read" this to her. I appreciate the large brush strokes and simple story that a toddler can enjoy.
Update: I am changing my four star to a five star. My two year loves this book and is always wanting me to "read" this to her. I appreciate the large brush strokes and simple story that a toddler can enjoy.
February 10, 2023
As a wordless picture book, Chris Raschka's A Ball for Daisy is sweetly expressive, and I do much appreciate and heartfully enjoy the simplicity of the featured "text" (in other words, even as someone who for the most part, who generally, finds written narrative much more easily understood and fathomed than illustrated pictorial images, I have indeed been able to figure out the entire storyline of A Ball for Daisy without difficulty, without any type of comprehension issues whatsoever, without the need for printed words). It is simply a tender little tale about a little dog whose favourite toy, a red ball, accidentally gets destroyed, gets popped by another dog. And I do so love that the ball gets replaced, that the owner of the dog who accidentally popped and destroyed the red ball brings another ball for Daisy, a blue ball, but a more than adequate and thoughtfully contrite replacement (although I do have to admit that while I appreciate, while I in fact adore how thoughtfully the destroyed and deflated red ball gets replaced, I kind of have to massively cringe at the image of Daisy's owner callously taking the flat remnants of the red ball away from Daisy and simply, callously tossing it into the trash with seemingly scant thoughts as to Daisy's feelings and that she might perhaps desire or even need to keep the deflated, the destroyed red ball as a kind of remembrance).
Three stars, for while I do much appreciate the illustrations of A Ball for Daisy and as pointed out above, very much enjoy and yes, even love, the wordless storyline (and the messages of contriteness, of owning up, of making up for mishaps even caused by accident), I cannot say that the presented, featured illustrations, that the images would in any manner be personal favourites, be all that much to my aesthetic tastes (I do realise and understand that this book, that A Ball for Daisy won the 2012 Caldecott Medal for Chris Raschka, a fact and scenario that I also have to at least personally question and wonder at a bit, because while the illustrations are indeed expressive, lively and sweet, they are just not all that spectacular to and for me personally, but then again, for the intended audience, they totally and likely will hit the proverbial sweet spot).
Three stars, for while I do much appreciate the illustrations of A Ball for Daisy and as pointed out above, very much enjoy and yes, even love, the wordless storyline (and the messages of contriteness, of owning up, of making up for mishaps even caused by accident), I cannot say that the presented, featured illustrations, that the images would in any manner be personal favourites, be all that much to my aesthetic tastes (I do realise and understand that this book, that A Ball for Daisy won the 2012 Caldecott Medal for Chris Raschka, a fact and scenario that I also have to at least personally question and wonder at a bit, because while the illustrations are indeed expressive, lively and sweet, they are just not all that spectacular to and for me personally, but then again, for the intended audience, they totally and likely will hit the proverbial sweet spot).
March 28, 2012
Absolutely darling wordless picture book about super cute dog Daisy, who loves her red ball... until it pops! Will she find a new best friend, er, ball? I think many children will be able to relate to the idea of having a favorite toy, and some will know how it feels when you have to transfer that affection to something else.
September 25, 2012
A Ball For Daisy is a Caldecott Award Winning book that falls in the genre wordless picture book.
Summary:
This wordless picture book is about a dog named Daisy using the illustrations to convey the story and portraying the emotions that the dog feels about a particular red ball.
Critique:
A) The arrangement of the illustrations engage the reader in how the author may go to a full page spread to picture clips. It feels like you are watching a movie in slow motion where you put the story together yourself and provide your own words.
B) The way in which the illustrations are arranged every emotion that Daisy feels the reader is able to interpret and ultimately cannot help feeling as well.
C) Towards the beginning of the story the author provides the reader with illustrations depicting just how much Daisy’s red ball means to her. When looking at the full page spread, on the left there are 4 horizontal illustrations where Daisy is on a couch, and on the left there is one illustration taking up the whole page ending that scene. These illustrations start by showing Daisy taking a nap, being tired, unsure, how she went to cuddle her ball, but wasn’t completely comfortable, until she was cuddling her ball. Later on in the story when Daisy is napping the author uses the same couch and stages of illustrations (horizontally) to convey the sadness that Daisy is feeling from not having her ball. The arrangements of the illustrations provide a vivid picture of the emotions that are being felt by the characters in them ultimately affecting how the reader as well feels.
Curriculum Connection:
In the classroom this could be a good book to use to teach students about how you can read emotions through the illustrations of a book. After looking at the book together as a class, have students come up with their own words to the illustrations. This will teach them how to look at the illustrations and develop word associations. Not all students will have the same answer, which will be fun. This would be a good group activity. This book also teaches about friendship. Another good idea is have students create their own story through illustrations about friendship.
Summary:
This wordless picture book is about a dog named Daisy using the illustrations to convey the story and portraying the emotions that the dog feels about a particular red ball.
Critique:
A) The arrangement of the illustrations engage the reader in how the author may go to a full page spread to picture clips. It feels like you are watching a movie in slow motion where you put the story together yourself and provide your own words.
B) The way in which the illustrations are arranged every emotion that Daisy feels the reader is able to interpret and ultimately cannot help feeling as well.
C) Towards the beginning of the story the author provides the reader with illustrations depicting just how much Daisy’s red ball means to her. When looking at the full page spread, on the left there are 4 horizontal illustrations where Daisy is on a couch, and on the left there is one illustration taking up the whole page ending that scene. These illustrations start by showing Daisy taking a nap, being tired, unsure, how she went to cuddle her ball, but wasn’t completely comfortable, until she was cuddling her ball. Later on in the story when Daisy is napping the author uses the same couch and stages of illustrations (horizontally) to convey the sadness that Daisy is feeling from not having her ball. The arrangements of the illustrations provide a vivid picture of the emotions that are being felt by the characters in them ultimately affecting how the reader as well feels.
Curriculum Connection:
In the classroom this could be a good book to use to teach students about how you can read emotions through the illustrations of a book. After looking at the book together as a class, have students come up with their own words to the illustrations. This will teach them how to look at the illustrations and develop word associations. Not all students will have the same answer, which will be fun. This would be a good group activity. This book also teaches about friendship. Another good idea is have students create their own story through illustrations about friendship.
January 11, 2019
Daisy the dog loves her red ball. She plays with it, cuddles with it and takes it to the dog park to chase it. While at the park playing with her red ball, a larger, brown dog joins the fun. Daisy chases after the brown dog to get her ball back when the red ball pops. Daisy is very sad over the loss of her toy. When next they go to the dog park, however, Daisy's sadness turns to joy. The owner of the brown dog has brought Daisy a new blue ball. Soon the dogs are chasing the blue ball. When the play day is finished, the owners wave to each other and Daisy trots off holding her new blue ball.
This 2012 Caldecott Medal winner is a wordless picture book about a dog's love of her toy. Some of the pictures are in frames and some of the pictures are a full-page spread. I feel a child can easily interpret Daisy's emotions from the illustrations.
This 2012 Caldecott Medal winner is a wordless picture book about a dog's love of her toy. Some of the pictures are in frames and some of the pictures are a full-page spread. I feel a child can easily interpret Daisy's emotions from the illustrations.
February 19, 2012
Chris Raschka's A Ball for Daisy was given this year's Caldecott award for the best children's picture book of the last year. Once again (I'm getting to be a curmudgeon) I find the award-winner unworthy of the award.
If there is such a thing as a sentimental post-modern picture book, this is it. Daisy has a red ball, which she plays with and obviously loves. When at the park another dog plays too roughly and the ball deflates Daisy is bereft.
But when she goes again to the park the other dog has brought a blue ball to give to Daisy. You have here angst over the loss of something beloved and the sentimental replacement with something equivalent. The story reminds me of Job, who at the end of the story is given a new family and flock. As if they could replace what he has lost.
Publisher's Weekly gushes over the pictures, but I was not particularly impressed with them. A trained artist might understand the appeal, but I doubt children will. The artist uses color to reflect moods: yellow for happiness, lavender and purple for sadness. (There's a brilliant new idea.)
The book is for children in preschool to grade 2.
2012 No 28
If there is such a thing as a sentimental post-modern picture book, this is it. Daisy has a red ball, which she plays with and obviously loves. When at the park another dog plays too roughly and the ball deflates Daisy is bereft.
But when she goes again to the park the other dog has brought a blue ball to give to Daisy. You have here angst over the loss of something beloved and the sentimental replacement with something equivalent. The story reminds me of Job, who at the end of the story is given a new family and flock. As if they could replace what he has lost.
Publisher's Weekly gushes over the pictures, but I was not particularly impressed with them. A trained artist might understand the appeal, but I doubt children will. The artist uses color to reflect moods: yellow for happiness, lavender and purple for sadness. (There's a brilliant new idea.)
The book is for children in preschool to grade 2.
2012 No 28
January 29, 2013
A Ball for Daisy is a wordless picture book which won the Caldecott medal in 2012. I fell in love with this book upon my first reading, but that could have to do with the fact that I have dogs myself and consider myself a "dog person". This is the story of a dog named Daisy that has a toy she loves completely. One of my favorite parts shows Daisy cozy up to her ball to sleep near it. She and her person go to the park to play, and another dog plays with the ball and it breaks. The rest of the story goes on to show how Daisy not only receives a new ball, but also a new friend. These are all ideas to which younger children can find a connection.
I do a unit in writing with my fifth graders using wordless picture books. They choose a wordless picture book and write the text for the story. I will definitely add this book to their choices. I think this would also be good to teach inferencing skills to primary students. Understanding feelings, loss, and friendship are themes that can be inferred from the story. The pictures are simple to understand and very colorful. The one area of difficulty for younger students may be that the pictures do not always follow the same pattern on the pages. Sometimes the pictures spread across both pages, one page, or there may be several pictures on a page, making it difficult to follow the story.
I do a unit in writing with my fifth graders using wordless picture books. They choose a wordless picture book and write the text for the story. I will definitely add this book to their choices. I think this would also be good to teach inferencing skills to primary students. Understanding feelings, loss, and friendship are themes that can be inferred from the story. The pictures are simple to understand and very colorful. The one area of difficulty for younger students may be that the pictures do not always follow the same pattern on the pages. Sometimes the pictures spread across both pages, one page, or there may be several pictures on a page, making it difficult to follow the story.
February 5, 2012
The pictures are nice, but a wordless picture book about a dog just is not going to hold my attention. I like Grandpa Green a lot more.
December 23, 2018
The pictures were easy to follow to tell the story. However, it could use a few words to clarify some instances.
October 7, 2014
A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka is a wordless picture book intended for ages three to seven (Preschool to 2nd). It vividly depicts the adventures Daisy and her ball. It clear that for Daisy this is more than just a ball, this is her best friend.
Wordless picture books are always great for reluctant and beginning readers. They enable the readers to tell the story from their point of view, and help the instructor grasp their comprehension methods. For the preschool age group this is a great way to introduce emotions. At an early stage they will begin to process the feeling of losing something very valuable to them. Responsibility can also be incorporated as a theme for the curriculum. The dog Daisy met at the park accidentally broke her ball, however, the owner took responsibility for the action and purchased a new ball for Daisy.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. First, I was not expecting it to be a wordless book. I am very taken by the child like illustrations The watercolors allow the illustrator to have more fun with creating each character and object. Daisy is transparent. She is painted with thick, wavy lines giving us the illusion of very fluffy fur. Her ears, tail, nose and tongue are solid in color. The ball is smooth, round, not transparent, and bright red in color. Creating the ball with this dynamic will cause the readers eye to carefully follow the bouncing ball. When followed the reader will of course realize just how special Daisy feels for her "friend". When Daisy experiences the loss of her friend, each reaction is expressed within a frame. From confusion, disbelief, denial, despair, and finally depressed acceptance, the use of water colors within the background calmly enhance her sorrow.
Wordless picture books are always great for reluctant and beginning readers. They enable the readers to tell the story from their point of view, and help the instructor grasp their comprehension methods. For the preschool age group this is a great way to introduce emotions. At an early stage they will begin to process the feeling of losing something very valuable to them. Responsibility can also be incorporated as a theme for the curriculum. The dog Daisy met at the park accidentally broke her ball, however, the owner took responsibility for the action and purchased a new ball for Daisy.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. First, I was not expecting it to be a wordless book. I am very taken by the child like illustrations The watercolors allow the illustrator to have more fun with creating each character and object. Daisy is transparent. She is painted with thick, wavy lines giving us the illusion of very fluffy fur. Her ears, tail, nose and tongue are solid in color. The ball is smooth, round, not transparent, and bright red in color. Creating the ball with this dynamic will cause the readers eye to carefully follow the bouncing ball. When followed the reader will of course realize just how special Daisy feels for her "friend". When Daisy experiences the loss of her friend, each reaction is expressed within a frame. From confusion, disbelief, denial, despair, and finally depressed acceptance, the use of water colors within the background calmly enhance her sorrow.
September 17, 2014
"A Ball for Daisy" is a wordless picture book that tells the story of a plucky black-and-white dog named Daisy, and the grief she experiences over the loss of her most precious object: a bouncy red ball. The ball is destroyed when another dog steals it away from her at the park and accidentally breaks it. Author and illustrator Chris Raschka uses broad brushstrokes and watercolors to tell Daisy's story. Without using a single word, the illustrations both establish Daisy's personality and convey her journey through the five stages of grief after losing her ball.
I have a three-year-old daughter and "A Ball for Daisy" is one of her favorite books of the moment. She can relate to all of the emotions Daisy feels, and explain why she feels "sad" or "happy" at different points in the story. Grief over separation from a treasured object is something that almost any child can identify with. Raschka's paintings - and especially his evocation of the dog's facial expressions - help take readers of any age along the same emotional journey as Daisy.
I have a three-year-old daughter and "A Ball for Daisy" is one of her favorite books of the moment. She can relate to all of the emotions Daisy feels, and explain why she feels "sad" or "happy" at different points in the story. Grief over separation from a treasured object is something that almost any child can identify with. Raschka's paintings - and especially his evocation of the dog's facial expressions - help take readers of any age along the same emotional journey as Daisy.
January 26, 2012
Daisy dog loves her red ball more than anything. She plays with it and naps with it and takes it to the park. That's a mistake, though, because another dog likes her red ball, too, and he runs away with it. When Daisy tries to get it back, her beloved ball bursts. Daisy is devastated. Will she ever be happy and playful again?
I'll say it up front: I'm not a fan of Chris Raschka's illustrations. I can't really pinpoint why; there's just something about his style that doesn't appeal to me. It's...ugly. (Obviously, this would not have been my choice for the 2012 Caldecott.) However, he does a good job here of telling a wordless story. Daisy's face shows lots of expression, and even very young children should be able to follow the story.
I'll say it up front: I'm not a fan of Chris Raschka's illustrations. I can't really pinpoint why; there's just something about his style that doesn't appeal to me. It's...ugly. (Obviously, this would not have been my choice for the 2012 Caldecott.) However, he does a good job here of telling a wordless story. Daisy's face shows lots of expression, and even very young children should be able to follow the story.
August 3, 2018
Enjoyable for a mostly wordless book. The illustrations are cute and convey a lot of feeling.
The only issue I really took with the book is that Daisy is just as happy with a replacement ball, granted, she is a dog and probably doesn't notice that it is a different color ball, but she would notice that it didn't smell the same. Anyone with kids has probably had the experience of trying to replace a favorite toy. I remember when my daughter lost her favorite teddy. I bought the exact same kind on Ebay, but, she didn't want it, it just made her sad and reminded her of the original. I had to weather the thing to make it believable. Then of course, Teddy showed up and then we had to explain away all of that.. lol
Still a cute book and kids will probably find Daisy adorable.
The only issue I really took with the book is that Daisy is just as happy with a replacement ball, granted, she is a dog and probably doesn't notice that it is a different color ball, but she would notice that it didn't smell the same. Anyone with kids has probably had the experience of trying to replace a favorite toy. I remember when my daughter lost her favorite teddy. I bought the exact same kind on Ebay, but, she didn't want it, it just made her sad and reminded her of the original. I had to weather the thing to make it believable. Then of course, Teddy showed up and then we had to explain away all of that.. lol
Still a cute book and kids will probably find Daisy adorable.
August 5, 2017
This is the first time I've enjoyed illustrations by Chris Raschka. So expressive - no words necessary for sure! I loved how at first we didn't see the people's heads while the dog was concentrating on its ball, but when the ball was lost, the people became more interesting.
And the theme about recovering from a loss and keeping your eyes open for a new opportunity extends far beyond 'oh no, that was my smelly scuffed old red ball and a new blue one won't satisfy." The ppl in "Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity" could learn a lesson from this book.
And the theme about recovering from a loss and keeping your eyes open for a new opportunity extends far beyond 'oh no, that was my smelly scuffed old red ball and a new blue one won't satisfy." The ppl in "Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity" could learn a lesson from this book.
September 21, 2011
This wordless picture book tells the story of Daisy and her bouncy red ball. It also captures many emotions and captures a moment of great friendship.
My son has is starting to love wordless books just as much as I do. He worked up an elaborate somewhat silly story to pair with Raschka's simple but lively illustrations.
My son has is starting to love wordless books just as much as I do. He worked up an elaborate somewhat silly story to pair with Raschka's simple but lively illustrations.
January 31, 2012
I have to admit I've never been much of a fan of Chris Raschka's artwork. I also have to admit that this wordless story about making amends for accidents is cute, and there are some awfully cute illustrations of the dog in it. But to give it a Caldecott? I don't know. I like it, but not that much. Still, pre-schoolers should find it enchanting, I'm sure.
May 31, 2023
Caldecott Medal winner of 2012. Another wordless picture book. I am growing to like the wordless ones the best.
Daisy the dog has a favorite red rubber ball. Her human take her for walks while Daisy chases and plays with her ball. She sleeps with it at night.
One day another dog comes along and bites the ball hard enough to deflate it. Daisy is so sad!
Some days later, the owner of the other dog brings Daisy a new ball, a blue one. Daisy is so happy!
I was happy that a kid makes up for the damage her dog did.
Daisy the dog has a favorite red rubber ball. Her human take her for walks while Daisy chases and plays with her ball. She sleeps with it at night.
One day another dog comes along and bites the ball hard enough to deflate it. Daisy is so sad!
Some days later, the owner of the other dog brings Daisy a new ball, a blue one. Daisy is so happy!
I was happy that a kid makes up for the damage her dog did.
January 26, 2021
A Ball for Daisy is a simple, sweet, joyous wordless picturebook.
Although the story is simple, it is extremely evocative. I could feel every single emotions that Daisy was feeling!
The illustration style is not necessarily my favorite but certainly very expressive. I especially appreciated Chris Raschka's use of color to convey emotions.
Although the story is simple, it is extremely evocative. I could feel every single emotions that Daisy was feeling!
The illustration style is not necessarily my favorite but certainly very expressive. I especially appreciated Chris Raschka's use of color to convey emotions.
January 12, 2021
2012 Caldecott Winner
No words necessary in this short story. Cute Daisy greatly likes her ball. But another dog pops the ball at the park. But the next day the girl and the other dog give Daisy a new ball. All is well. I can see a kid saying "again" at the end of this book :)
No words necessary in this short story. Cute Daisy greatly likes her ball. But another dog pops the ball at the park. But the next day the girl and the other dog give Daisy a new ball. All is well. I can see a kid saying "again" at the end of this book :)
April 9, 2017
Daisy loves her red ball. She plays and sleeps with it, treasuring it like any dog would their favorite toy. On one fateful day, Daisy and his human visit the park with his beloved red ball in tow. But when another dog comes along wanting to play, misfortune strikes and Daisy is left heart-broken and without her cherished ball. A story that carries a heartwarming message within its wordless pages, A Ball for Daisy is anything but simple.
The colorful and eye-catching artwork carries the story along, giving Daisy as much complexity as if it had the words on the page to describe what was happening. Chris Raschka, the author and illustrator, lets his artwork do all the talking. His use of panels allows the reader to easily follow the flow of the story. The page where Daisy and her human play fetch, each panel displays a different part of the game making the reader feel like they are really watching the game being played. He also uses color scheme to emphasis the tone he wants to give for each page. At the beginning, beautiful watercolor backgrounds of bright yellows and blues surround Daisy, giving the page a cheery aspect. The same technique is used when Daisy is overcome with grief and the backgrounds turn into muddy browns and melancholy purples, replacing the cheery tone with a sorrowful one. The choice to do the artwork in the style of watercolors is a deliberate one, as it gives the book a child-friendly tone and draws in younger audiences with its adorable depictions of Daisy. The first page where we meet Daisy, playing with her red ball, she takes up the entire page and is shown wagging her tail, with the movement lines around it indicating she’s happy. Her outline is squiggly and soft, giving the impression of soft, welcoming fur.
Even with the lack of dialogue, a lot occurs within the book. We meet Daisy and her ball, we meet her owner, we see them playing a game with the ball, and follow them to the park where they meet new friends, all interpreted without the need for text. It is up to the reader to interpret the artwork, and take from it what they will. A child can spend a lot of time looking at each page, following the panels and taking in every squiggly line drawn to understand if Daisy is awake, asleep, happy, or sad. It encourages them to create their own opinions about what happens within the plot, and whether it teaches them a lesson or not. The lesson taught within the story can be different depending on who reads it, giving the book the ability to mean different things to different people. I take from the book a lesson of friendship and forgiveness, because Daisy is given that resolution at the end. The next reader might find something new and different, making the book an instant classic that can be read over and over for years to come with a little something for everyone.
The colorful and eye-catching artwork carries the story along, giving Daisy as much complexity as if it had the words on the page to describe what was happening. Chris Raschka, the author and illustrator, lets his artwork do all the talking. His use of panels allows the reader to easily follow the flow of the story. The page where Daisy and her human play fetch, each panel displays a different part of the game making the reader feel like they are really watching the game being played. He also uses color scheme to emphasis the tone he wants to give for each page. At the beginning, beautiful watercolor backgrounds of bright yellows and blues surround Daisy, giving the page a cheery aspect. The same technique is used when Daisy is overcome with grief and the backgrounds turn into muddy browns and melancholy purples, replacing the cheery tone with a sorrowful one. The choice to do the artwork in the style of watercolors is a deliberate one, as it gives the book a child-friendly tone and draws in younger audiences with its adorable depictions of Daisy. The first page where we meet Daisy, playing with her red ball, she takes up the entire page and is shown wagging her tail, with the movement lines around it indicating she’s happy. Her outline is squiggly and soft, giving the impression of soft, welcoming fur.
Even with the lack of dialogue, a lot occurs within the book. We meet Daisy and her ball, we meet her owner, we see them playing a game with the ball, and follow them to the park where they meet new friends, all interpreted without the need for text. It is up to the reader to interpret the artwork, and take from it what they will. A child can spend a lot of time looking at each page, following the panels and taking in every squiggly line drawn to understand if Daisy is awake, asleep, happy, or sad. It encourages them to create their own opinions about what happens within the plot, and whether it teaches them a lesson or not. The lesson taught within the story can be different depending on who reads it, giving the book the ability to mean different things to different people. I take from the book a lesson of friendship and forgiveness, because Daisy is given that resolution at the end. The next reader might find something new and different, making the book an instant classic that can be read over and over for years to come with a little something for everyone.
April 8, 2017
A ball for Daisy is a wordless picture book about a dog named Daisy who loves her red ball, she is always playing with it whether playing at the park or at her owners place. She even sleeps with her red ball, till one day at the park another dog grabs her ball and pops it, and she becomes very upset.
My impression of this wordless picture book is that this was a very enjoyable book to read, it is easy to understand what Daisy the dog is feeling and the love for her red ball. I would show this story to the younger kids too because it shows friendship when Daisy becomes friend with the dog who popped her ball.
The protagonist in this story is Daisy, as the reader I know exactly how she is feeling. We can see she is very happy when she is playing at the park with her ball, her facial expressions who that she is smiling big with her tongue out happily. We can also see when she is very sad and upset when the ball is popped her facial expressions are with a frowned face and she is facing down, and also her body expressions we can see throughout that she is not wagging her tail like when she was in the park.
The setting in this story is the owners place specifically in the Daisy’s owners couch because that’s where daisy would sleep with her ball and also where she was very sad. The setting is also in the park, because in the illustrations we can see trees, green grass, bushes, a fence, a fire extinguisher and a bench along with the sidewalk.
In a visual element we can see that color is a huge part of how we read this wordless picture books, the color is this book are mostly yellow, blue, red and gray. Yellow indicates excitement and blue calmness which could be how Daisy is feeling when she plays with her ball, but when the illustrations are gray it means sad and upset, which show that when Daisy is very upset her ball popped.
In a perspective, point of view, we can see throughout the story that Daisy is drawn bigger than her owner, which indicates that she is the main character, she is usually in the center of the page. I think the Author did this so we can clearly see who the story is about, that it’s about Daisy the dog.
Reading this wordless picture book, there can be many different opinions. We can see this story differently. We can maybe interpret differently on how Daisy the dog might feel angry or depressed. Reading wordless picture books can make us this a little more critically, and make us examine the illustrations more, it allows us to make out own thoughts and how the story goes. This story was a nice little story to read that I would show to students to read on their own and then have a discussion on it.
My impression of this wordless picture book is that this was a very enjoyable book to read, it is easy to understand what Daisy the dog is feeling and the love for her red ball. I would show this story to the younger kids too because it shows friendship when Daisy becomes friend with the dog who popped her ball.
The protagonist in this story is Daisy, as the reader I know exactly how she is feeling. We can see she is very happy when she is playing at the park with her ball, her facial expressions who that she is smiling big with her tongue out happily. We can also see when she is very sad and upset when the ball is popped her facial expressions are with a frowned face and she is facing down, and also her body expressions we can see throughout that she is not wagging her tail like when she was in the park.
The setting in this story is the owners place specifically in the Daisy’s owners couch because that’s where daisy would sleep with her ball and also where she was very sad. The setting is also in the park, because in the illustrations we can see trees, green grass, bushes, a fence, a fire extinguisher and a bench along with the sidewalk.
In a visual element we can see that color is a huge part of how we read this wordless picture books, the color is this book are mostly yellow, blue, red and gray. Yellow indicates excitement and blue calmness which could be how Daisy is feeling when she plays with her ball, but when the illustrations are gray it means sad and upset, which show that when Daisy is very upset her ball popped.
In a perspective, point of view, we can see throughout the story that Daisy is drawn bigger than her owner, which indicates that she is the main character, she is usually in the center of the page. I think the Author did this so we can clearly see who the story is about, that it’s about Daisy the dog.
Reading this wordless picture book, there can be many different opinions. We can see this story differently. We can maybe interpret differently on how Daisy the dog might feel angry or depressed. Reading wordless picture books can make us this a little more critically, and make us examine the illustrations more, it allows us to make out own thoughts and how the story goes. This story was a nice little story to read that I would show to students to read on their own and then have a discussion on it.
April 8, 2017
This wordless picturebook tells the story of Daisy, a young dog, and he favorite red ball. Daisy is the main character, and much like a child, has a fun, lively, and energetic personality. This story takes place in what I believe is first person point of view, although it may be difficult to tell because of the lack of text. Towards the begging of the story the illustrations are arranged in a way that clearly show the emotion that Daisy feels for her ball. In the beginning there is a full-page spread and the left side has four horizontal illustrations. These images show Daisy lying on the couch ready to take a nap, they begin by showing Daisy being tired but then becoming unsure and uncomfortable until she is cuddling with her ball. The arrangement of these illustrations provide a vivid picture of the emotions the Daisy, the main character, are feeling. The themes in this story are attachment, playfulness, and giving. This is shown throughout all of the illustrations. First, with Daisy’s immediate love and connection with her read ball. We can see the attachment and the playfulness is Daisy’s actions and reactions when her ball is deflated because she has allowed another dog to pay with it.
The illustrations create the dimension and story line for this book. The watercolor illustrations created a fun and whimsical tone for the book. Daisy is pained as kind of transparent, with thick wavy lines that give the illusion of fluffy fur. Qualities like her ear, tail, nose, and tongue are painted in solid colors. The ball is smooth and round, and bight red in color. The ball is not transparent, and by using a bright red tone for the ball there is a relationship created between the reader and the ball. Red is a very emotional and intense color, and by having the ball he upfront and red the readers can create an emotional bond with the ball much like Daisy does. This adds a strong level of salience, specifically between Daisy and the ball. The ball is bright red and draws the attention of the reader. Having this round, bright, circle draws the eyes of the reader, adding significance to the red ball. I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought the illustrations provided the perfect support for the story. I think this would be great to use for young readers, and can be very beneficial for interpretation.
The illustrations create the dimension and story line for this book. The watercolor illustrations created a fun and whimsical tone for the book. Daisy is pained as kind of transparent, with thick wavy lines that give the illusion of fluffy fur. Qualities like her ear, tail, nose, and tongue are painted in solid colors. The ball is smooth and round, and bight red in color. The ball is not transparent, and by using a bright red tone for the ball there is a relationship created between the reader and the ball. Red is a very emotional and intense color, and by having the ball he upfront and red the readers can create an emotional bond with the ball much like Daisy does. This adds a strong level of salience, specifically between Daisy and the ball. The ball is bright red and draws the attention of the reader. Having this round, bright, circle draws the eyes of the reader, adding significance to the red ball. I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought the illustrations provided the perfect support for the story. I think this would be great to use for young readers, and can be very beneficial for interpretation.
November 9, 2017
As a reader, this book is so adorable. There are no words in the book and it consist of pictures only. The cover really caught my eye so I picked the book up and decided to read it. Once I opened it and realized there were no words, I immediately closed it and had no interest in it anymore. As I was flipping through the pages I started to become a little curious about what the plot was. I looked at each page and the illustrations and figured out what was going on in the book. I started to love this book the more I flipped through the pages. Each page has very colorful illustrations that catch your eye. This book is great for kids to read because they must look at each picture and determine what is happening.
As a teacher, I LOVE this book. Each page has vibrant pictures that catches your eye and make any reader continue flipping through the pages. I would read this book on the first day of class because you must show kids that they can use their imagination in anything they do daily. They must learn to interpret each picture to determine what the story line is. On every page you can ask kids what they believe is going on. They can raise their hand and as a class, we create the story. It helps with team work. The kids must work together to understand the plot. I love that this book teaches students about love and loss. All students can relate to this book because they must have lost or broken a favorite toy. At the end of the book, Daisy gets a bigger and better toy ball. This is a great book for showing students great things may come after something special has been lost.
As a teacher, I LOVE this book. Each page has vibrant pictures that catches your eye and make any reader continue flipping through the pages. I would read this book on the first day of class because you must show kids that they can use their imagination in anything they do daily. They must learn to interpret each picture to determine what the story line is. On every page you can ask kids what they believe is going on. They can raise their hand and as a class, we create the story. It helps with team work. The kids must work together to understand the plot. I love that this book teaches students about love and loss. All students can relate to this book because they must have lost or broken a favorite toy. At the end of the book, Daisy gets a bigger and better toy ball. This is a great book for showing students great things may come after something special has been lost.
December 9, 2014
The story A Ball for Daisy is a wordless picture book about a dog that loves her red ball. A bigger dog then pops the ball and Daisy grows very sad. The book is told entirely by pictures; therefore the pictures show the dog playing with her ball a lot. The pictures are very vibrant in color but cartoon-like an unrealistic with the ball being almost as big as the dog. This is a great book for babies and young toddlers who are just learning how to talk or read because they can see the big, red ball on every page and develop a language. This book would lily only appear in a kindergarden class, but could be used to develop vocabulary by giving the students a work sheet with a word search including words such as ball, dog, run, etc. Another activity could be a coloring activity, but asking the students to color the ball in their favorite color. I think this book is great for young kids!
Raschka, C. (2011). A ball for Daisy. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.
Raschka, C. (2011). A ball for Daisy. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.
April 20, 2012
Caldecott Medal (2012)
Honestly, before opening this picture book, I was expecting not to like it quite as much as I did. When a book wins the top tier Caldecott award, you expect high quality artwork illustrations and a story to ignite the youthful imagination.
In this wordless picture book, the story is simple... dog has ball, dog loses ball, dog is sad, dog gets a new ball, all is well. Simple story, pleasant pictures, happy ending. I'm not sure it deserves the big prize Caldecott, but it's a nice book that pre-readers will enjoy.
Honestly, before opening this picture book, I was expecting not to like it quite as much as I did. When a book wins the top tier Caldecott award, you expect high quality artwork illustrations and a story to ignite the youthful imagination.
In this wordless picture book, the story is simple... dog has ball, dog loses ball, dog is sad, dog gets a new ball, all is well. Simple story, pleasant pictures, happy ending. I'm not sure it deserves the big prize Caldecott, but it's a nice book that pre-readers will enjoy.
February 24, 2016
While this Caldecott winner didn't shine through for me, it is cute and delightful.
Daisy loves her red ball. Sadly, when playing with another dog, the ball is popped and tattered.
There are no words in the story. The tale is driven by the illustrations. The illustrator deserves a great deal of credit in portraying the facial expressions to match emotions.
There is a happy ending. Daisy has a new ball and forgives the culprit who destroyed her original ball.
Daisy loves her red ball. Sadly, when playing with another dog, the ball is popped and tattered.
There are no words in the story. The tale is driven by the illustrations. The illustrator deserves a great deal of credit in portraying the facial expressions to match emotions.
There is a happy ending. Daisy has a new ball and forgives the culprit who destroyed her original ball.
March 19, 2012
A ripply suggestion of a dog plays with a round dot that is supposed to conjure a ball in this wordless mess. Somewhere, Randolph Caldecott is saying in a quiet, genteel English accent, "Why, I'm not sure, old chap, but at least I could bloody well DRAW."
February 25, 2018
Title: A Ball for Daisy
Author: Chris Raschka
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
GR Level: N/A
Lexile: N/A
Grade Level: 1st
Publisher: Schwartz and Wade Books
Date: 2011
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 30
Summary:
Chris Raschka created a beautifully illustrated, wordless book about a dog and his favorite ball. Although there is no text, Raschka tells a story that deals with friendship, diversity, loss and forgiveness. The story starts off with Daisy and his favorite toy, a red ball. Daisy takes this ball everywhere, and even sleeps with it. One day Daisy takes the ball to the park where she meets a new friend. When the two start playing with the ball, it pops. The rest of the book shows Dasiy`s emotions as she deals with the loss of her favorite toy, and forgiving her friend. Children can connect with the feeling of losing a beloved toy and the emotions that Daisy feels throughout the book.
Teaching Ideas:
I could use this book as a mentor text in a kindergarten classroom to teach students how to tell a story. At 5 or 6 years old, students can`t write full stories but they can draw them. This story models how to tell a story without using words. Throughout this project, students can learn how to tell a story. Once they are done with their picture, they will work with the teacher to add labels and captions. This will help them when they develop the writing skills and they start to learn how to write a story.
Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.3
Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events, tell about the events in the order in which they occurred, and provide a reaction to what happened.
Author: Chris Raschka
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
GR Level: N/A
Lexile: N/A
Grade Level: 1st
Publisher: Schwartz and Wade Books
Date: 2011
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 30
Summary:
Chris Raschka created a beautifully illustrated, wordless book about a dog and his favorite ball. Although there is no text, Raschka tells a story that deals with friendship, diversity, loss and forgiveness. The story starts off with Daisy and his favorite toy, a red ball. Daisy takes this ball everywhere, and even sleeps with it. One day Daisy takes the ball to the park where she meets a new friend. When the two start playing with the ball, it pops. The rest of the book shows Dasiy`s emotions as she deals with the loss of her favorite toy, and forgiving her friend. Children can connect with the feeling of losing a beloved toy and the emotions that Daisy feels throughout the book.
Teaching Ideas:
I could use this book as a mentor text in a kindergarten classroom to teach students how to tell a story. At 5 or 6 years old, students can`t write full stories but they can draw them. This story models how to tell a story without using words. Throughout this project, students can learn how to tell a story. Once they are done with their picture, they will work with the teacher to add labels and captions. This will help them when they develop the writing skills and they start to learn how to write a story.
Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.3
Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events, tell about the events in the order in which they occurred, and provide a reaction to what happened.
January 26, 2012
Cute, yet I am not feeling the Caldecott love. In my opinion, Yo? Yes! and The Hello, Goodbye Window are much better books.
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