The 2012 Caldecott winner is my choice for Perfect Picture Book Friday!
Title: A Ball For Daisy
Author/Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Publisher: Swartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books (2011)
Theme: Animals, loss, friendship
Ages: 3-7
Synopsis: Daisy is a sweet little dog. She has a red ball that she loves. A trip to the park and fun with a friend ends in a sad thing happening. But, with the help her friend, Daisy overcomes her sadness.
From the publisher: “This is the story of a dog and her ball. Caldecott medalist Chris Raschka brings us a tender and beautiful wordless picture book about what it’s like to lose something special – and find a friend.”
“Rarely, perhaps never, has so steep an emotional arc been drawn with such utter, winning simplicity.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children” – School Library Journal
“Noteworthy for both its artistry and its child appeal.”- The Horn Book Magazine.
Activities:
I think that the best thing to do is take your own dog for a walk. Talk about the things that your dog likes to do. Play with a certain toy? What tricks does it do? What is your dog’s personality like?
Dog Coloring Pages to print out at freeprintablecoloringpages.net
A pattern of a fabric ball to make by sewing.org
Why I like this book: I think for someone to create a picture book without words and do it well is just…amazing! Chris Raschka succeeds in telling a story with pictures that keeps the reader engaged and tied emotionally, page after page. His simple paintings are a delight. The message the book shares is one of friendship and love.
Perfect Picture Book Fridays are a weekly blog event where participants review some of their favorite picture books. The posts are compiled on author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website. They are categorized by theme to help parents, educators and readers find the perfect picture book easily. To learn more, please visit Susanna’s site where you will find the complete PPBF’s library.
Erik -This Kid Reviews Books 09/03/2012
The illustrations look really cute! It’s a good way to teach kids about disappointment. I’ll look for it.
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Thanks for your comment Erik!
Jennifer Young 09/03/2012
I’ll have to check this one out, looks perfect for my little ones. Thanks Loni for the review and links.
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Yes, it’s great for little ones. Very engaging.
Joanna Marple 09/03/2012
This is where I long to be an illustrator and to be able to show such a beautiful story with no words at all. Thanks, Loni!
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
I would love to do a book like this! You’re welcome Joanna!
Patricia Tilton 09/03/2012
Understand why it won a Caldecott. It sounds like a very beautiful book. And, one where kids will be able to talk about as they read.
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Yes, I saw a video on Youtube where a little girl was “reading” it to her grandma. It was great!
Amy Dixon 09/03/2012
This is a really beautiful book. I am interested though in knowing this…when you sit down with a wordless book with your child, how do you interact with it? Do you ask the child questions? Do you let them look in silence at it? Do you try to narrate it for them? Curious to know how others do it…
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
We let the book engage us however. Sometimes its the kid, sometimes it is the mom 🙂 It actually allows for more conversation when there are no words. I think real little kids enjoy books like this because they have confidence as its an even playing field (since they can see and can’t read). Just my thoughts.
Penny Klostermann 09/03/2012
I checked this book out from the library recently. It was darling. Great title for the list.
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Glad you liked it Penny. I was pleasantly surprised by it. His other book that he illustrated “The Hello Goodbye Window” is also excellent.
Kirsten Larson 09/03/2012
The illustrations in this book are such a delight. We love it!
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Yes, I agree! Thanks for stopping by Kirsten!
Stacy S. Jensen 09/03/2012
I really need to get this title. We’re a dog family. We love a good dog book with or without words.
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Oh you will love it! It’s so sweet!
Vivian Kirkfield 09/03/2012
I love wordless books…not only for very young children. There is something very special for a child about being able to put their own voice to the illustrations.
This is a wonderful message to share with kids…and the activities (especially yours) are great!
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Yes, I agree, it’s a wonderful message!
Susanna Leonard Hill 09/03/2012
I have yet to read this book. Since it won the Caldecott there’s a wait at the library! How great that you found different resources than Nessa did. (And I’m sorry I’m behind in updating the PPB master list! Gotta catch up!) I love dogs, so dog books always appeal to me. And, like you, I’m so impressed by any book that can tell a story with no words at all, or even just a very few like in Good Dog, Carl. Thanks for sharing this lovely title!
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Oops! Another title that was already on the list? Yikes! Sorry Susanna. Oh well, glad I had different resources. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Susanna Leonard Hill 10/03/2012
It was my fault, Loni, for not being up to date with the PPB list. Sorry about that. But I don’t mind if you don’t because now there are more resources 🙂
Heather 09/03/2012
I may have to find this one just because we have a dog named Daisy! Who is snoring on the couch next to me. Thanks, Loni!
Loni Edwards 09/03/2012
Heather, you will love this book!
Tracy 11/03/2012
This looks like a terrific book. I bet that kids would have fun making up their own words to go with it. How original of a choice!
A2ZMommy and What’s In Between
Loni 16/03/2012 — Post Author
Hi Tracy, thanks for the comment. 🙂