A Ball for Daisy

(Caldecott Medal Winner)

Illustrated by Chris Raschka
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$8.99 US
RH Childrens Books | Random House Studio
24 per carton
On sale Sep 22, 2015 | 9780553537239
Age 3-7 years
Reading Level: Lexile NP | Fountas & Pinnell WB
Sales rights: World

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CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This charming, wordless board book vibrantly explores the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring.

A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST PICTURE BOOK OF THE CENTURY

“Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

Daisy is a dog whose world revolves around her favorite toy ball. She always has it with her—on walks, during naps on the couch, even on visits to the local dog park. But when another dog at the park accidentally pops Daisy’s ball, her sadness at the loss is overwhelming.

Expertly and wordlessly told through gorgeous watercolor illustrations, Caldecott Medal winner Chris Raschka has created a comforting narrative to help children navigate feelings of loss, sadness, and uncertainty. His illustrations powerfully portray Daisy’s emotions, and the satisfying, cheerful ending will appeal to young dog lovers, teachers, and parents of children who are missing something special.

With impressionistic artwork and a positive message at its core, A Ball for Daisy is an affectionate story that shows how embracing change and forgiveness can result in beautiful new beginnings.
  • WINNER | 2012
    Caldecott Medal Winner
  • WINNER | 2011
    Horn Book Fanfare
  • SUBMITTED
    Caldecott Medal Winner
  • NOMINEE
    Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Award

2012 Randolph Caldecott Medal Winner

Starred Review, School Library Journal, August 2011:
"Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children."

Starred Review, Horn Book, September/October 2011:
"a story that is noteworthy for both its artistry and its child appeal."

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2011:
“Rarely, perhaps never, has so steep an emotional arc been drawn with such utter, winning simplicity.”

Educator Guide for A Ball for Daisy

Classroom-based guides appropriate for schools and colleges provide pre-reading and classroom activities, discussion questions connected to the curriculum, further reading, and resources.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Classroom Activities for A Ball for Daisy

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This charming, wordless board book vibrantly explores the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring.

A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST PICTURE BOOK OF THE CENTURY

“Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

Daisy is a dog whose world revolves around her favorite toy ball. She always has it with her—on walks, during naps on the couch, even on visits to the local dog park. But when another dog at the park accidentally pops Daisy’s ball, her sadness at the loss is overwhelming.

Expertly and wordlessly told through gorgeous watercolor illustrations, Caldecott Medal winner Chris Raschka has created a comforting narrative to help children navigate feelings of loss, sadness, and uncertainty. His illustrations powerfully portray Daisy’s emotions, and the satisfying, cheerful ending will appeal to young dog lovers, teachers, and parents of children who are missing something special.

With impressionistic artwork and a positive message at its core, A Ball for Daisy is an affectionate story that shows how embracing change and forgiveness can result in beautiful new beginnings.

Awards

  • WINNER | 2012
    Caldecott Medal Winner
  • WINNER | 2011
    Horn Book Fanfare
  • SUBMITTED
    Caldecott Medal Winner
  • NOMINEE
    Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Award

Praise

2012 Randolph Caldecott Medal Winner

Starred Review, School Library Journal, August 2011:
"Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children."

Starred Review, Horn Book, September/October 2011:
"a story that is noteworthy for both its artistry and its child appeal."

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2011:
“Rarely, perhaps never, has so steep an emotional arc been drawn with such utter, winning simplicity.”

Guides

Educator Guide for A Ball for Daisy

Classroom-based guides appropriate for schools and colleges provide pre-reading and classroom activities, discussion questions connected to the curriculum, further reading, and resources.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Classroom Activities for A Ball for Daisy

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)