Daisy Gets Lost
With only a few words, Raschka tells the story of Daisy, a dog who, while playing with her blue ball, gets distracted, chases a squirrel, and winds up getting lost. Separated, Daisy and her owner, a little girl, are worried and frightened until they call out to each other and this joyfully reunites them. Children will love describing the action of the story using the bright, soulful illustrations to guide the way. Children will also enjoy hearing A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Since this book only has a few words, have children take turns describing the action and the feelings expressed in the illustrations. Ask probing questions to support more detailed language expressions. Children will want to tell their own stories of when they, a pet, or a family member was lost and how they felt. After reading the book, show them the picture of Daisy in the woods and the little girl looking for each other. Tell them this is like a map and ask them how the two might find each other. Provide construction paper and other materials such as pieces of yarn, tissue paper, small colored cut-out shapes, glue, and crayons. Suggest that they draw a map of people and/or pets trying to find each other.
Explain to families that a wordless picture book allows a child the opportunity to practice language and comprehension. They must interpret the story by looking closely at the pictures—the scenery, the action, and the expressions of feelings in the characters. Taking turns on every other page allows the children to hear and understand the adult's interpretation and also have a chance to do their own thinking. Family members can ask children questions – such as "Why do you think she feels that way?" or "Why does she look happy?" – to help them further express their thoughts. Share with families how to repeat and expand upon the child's use of language. For example, the child says, "Doggie scared," and the adult says, "Yes, the little doggie looks scared."