A Ball for Daisy

1. Bibliography

Rashka, Chris. 2011. A BALL FOR DAISY. Ill. By Chris Rashka. New York: Scwartz and Wade Books.

ISBN 978-0-375-85861-1

2. Plot Summary

In this book Chris Rashka beautifully illustrates the relationship and journey of a dog named Daisy and her ball. The story is told solely with colorful illustrations that are detailed and expressive of the feelings that Daisy feels as the story progresses. There are other characters that Daisy interacts with, but the main focus of this story is the love and relationship between Daisy and her ball.

3. Critical Analysis

The story of Daisy and her ball is easy to follow as you turn the pages. Chris Rashaka does a superb job showing the progression of time in the illustrations with movement and emotion. Daisy spends time with her ball from playing to napping and even a visit to the park. Through the story you realize that the ball is a main character along with Daisy and when the story takes a surprising turn of events there is an emotional loss that can be felt through the pages. There is also a nice moral lesson tucked in near the end when a secondary character helps repair the loss that Daisy feels because her dog caused it.

4. Review Excerpts

2012 Caldecott Medalist

New York Times Bestseller

New York Times Best Illustrated Book

“A tender and beautiful wordless picture book” Junior Library Guild

5. Connections

* A great book for anyone that has ever lost something and wanted it back. A similar book to this is I Want My Hat Back.

Klassen, Jon. 2011. I Want My Hat Back. Ill. By Jon Klassen. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-0763655983