Raschka, Christopher. A Ball for Daisy. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011. 32 pages. Picture book. ISBN: 978-0375858611. Ages 3 and up. No author website.
The 2012 Caldecott Medal Book, A Ball for Daisy, is about a dog who loses the thing that she is closest to... a red ball. Daisy covets her red ball. She sleeps next to it. Carries it around with her. Until one day she brings it to the park, and another dog accidentally pops it. Daisy is deeply saddened by the loss of the ball. Time passes, and one day Daisy's owner takes her to the park where they come upon a friend and the dog. This time the dog has something familiar... a blue ball. The owner gives Daisy's owner the ball and Daisy refamiliarizes herself with her favorite routines but with a blue ball.
This wordless story handles the topic of loss very well and is perfect for this age group. The ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations, that are very similar to the Japanese Sumi or Chinese ink style of painting, are painted with strokes that are fully charged with meaning. The strokes are sparse and conservatively used in a purposeful manner. The colors (also intense and sparse) and use of line are limited in order to not to distract from the emotional content. This is a story that is felt in the mind and heart and not merely deciphered with the eyes. Even with the exiguous use of lines and lack of words, Daisy's love for her ball and her sadness after the loss of the ball is clearly communicated. In ways, the book's simplicity makes the experience more relatable. Most people are able to project their own experiences into Daisy's story. Loss is something that everyone will experience. Christopher Raschka's answer that eventually something (in this case, a replacement of something equivalent) will fill the void is a optimist and reassuring view.
In addition, in the story, there is also the human behavior of the two adults that has some meaning. Daisy's owner does not stamp her feet or use negative body language to communicate disappointment. She comforts Daisy and acts as a good friend. There is a tacit acceptance and understanding that it was a mistake. The other owner sees that she can be considered accountable and does the considerate thing by replacing the ball. These are good human examples of behavior in a simple day to day accident.
This is a book that will indirectly help a child learn to read. Most importantly, this book will teach a valuable lesson in a very simple way.
On a side note, I requested this book from the Taipei Library and received it on 5/13 two days before the end of the semester. Pretty good timing. The book is obviously popular.
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