Daisy’s Defining Day
#2 of 8 in Daisy the Duckling Series
on Goodreads (41)
What’s inside...
It really bothers Daisy when her friend's brother starts to call her Lazy Daisy. But what can she do about it? At first she tries just ignoring him. Then she attempts proving to him that she's not lazy at all. But no matter what she does, he won't stop saying it! So Daisy decides to come up with a new name for herself, one that truly defines her personality. 'I'm going to come up with a name that is so great everyone will forget Lazy Daisy,' she tells her best friend, Emma. Daisy loves words, and she's been having loads of fun using alliteration recently. Maybe that's the thing to try for her new name. But what D word best describes her? Dynamite? Dramatic? Dazzling? This may be harder than she thought! Young readers will enjoy spending time in Daisy's world in this quality early chapter book series by Sandra V. Feder. Daisy is a positive, likable girl, whose delight in words is infectious. Particularly charming is how she keeps lists of her favorites in 'a green notebook covered with purple polka dots,' as well as how she uses her love of words to help solve her problem here. This book is a terrific vocabulary builder without being too difficult for those just beginning to enjoy reading chapter books. It would make a perfect inspiration for children to create their own word notebooks or alliterative nicknames. The sweet line illustrations by Susan Mitchell enhance the storytelling.
Discussion points
What do you think made Daisy feel that she needed a nickname?
How do you think Daisy felt when her friends suggested nicknames for her?
What helped Daisy decide on the perfect nickname at the end?
Can a nickname or the way people call us change how we feel about ourselves?
Why do you think it's important for Daisy to define herself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own nickname history, how you got it, and how it made you feel.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about their own name or nickname, and whether they feel it represents them well.
Praise your child for their ideas and insights during the conversation to encourage them to share more.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences at school or with friends to make the discussion more relevant.
Discuss the importance of being true to oneself, as Daisy learns in the book, and ask your child how they can apply this lesson in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: Daisy’s journey in finding the perfect definition for her name teaches the value of self-expression and personal identity. She creatively drums up various definitions before choosing one that truly reflects who she is.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it is important to confidently express themselves and discover their unique qualities in daily interactions, whether in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Value of persistence
Explanation: Throughout the book, Daisy faces challenges in defining her name but remains determined. Her persistence pays off when she ultimately finds a fitting definition.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain persistent in their goals and daily tasks, such as completing school assignments or learning a new skill despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Daisy uses her imaginative skills to explore different definitions of her name, considering her characteristics and what makes her special.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their creativity to solve problems and make decisions that reflect their personality and values.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciation of others
Explanation: Daisy interacts with her friends and family to gather ideas for her definition, learning about their views and perspectives, which helps her in her quest.
Real-World Application: This storyline can urge children to actively listen to others, understand different perspectives, and appreciate the diversity in people’s thoughts and ideas.