Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wordless story of dog's ball loss mirrors kids' emotions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
All is right with the world when Daisy has her favorite bright red ball to play with or sleep next to on the couch, but she plummets into the depths of depression after a bigger dog destroys it. Her joy is restored when she get a new ball, but first she experiences a deep sadness and loss that many kids -- and parents -- will relate to.
Is It Any Good?
Raschka skillfully conveys every nuance of Daisy's emotions with very few brushstrokes and highlights the important things in Daisy's world with bright color. We see Daisy's exuberance at play, her contentment at rest with her toy, and her anger, disappointment, sadness, and hopelessness when her favorite ball is popped by a big dog at the park. Kids will have no trouble following the emotional terrain as well as the simple plot line.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it feels like when something special is lost or broken. Are Daisy's reactions much different than a kid's would be?
Daisy is drawn with just a few black and gray brushstrokes, and sometimes you can't even see her eyes, but you always know how she's feeling. How does the artist convey her emotions so well?
A Ball for Daisy won an important book award. Why do you think people like it so much?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Chris Raschka
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Schwartz & Wade
- Publication date : May 10, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Award : Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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