Daisy
What’s inside...
Winner at the 2017 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards en 2017 and the 2018 International Latino Book Awards. An endearing story about the value of experience and wisdom acquired with the passing of the years. Daisy was born on a spring morning many many years ago in a meadow full of daisies: hence her special name. As the years passed, the donkey grew up and helped her owners, who treated her as family. Daisy was very popular on the farm: She helped to bring in firewood, she played with the children, and she took them for walks. And all day and all night, she kept a close watch to make sure the wolf kept away from the farm. Time passed and the donkey, despite her maturity, was still the star of the farm although over the years she had lost the agility, strength and hearing that once characterized her so well. One rainy afternoon, a beautiful young pony arrived at the farm. Dazzle was full of life, and all the animals looked at him with amazement. All the animals admired him, and Daisy was no longer center of attention...
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Daisy special in her own way?
How do you think Daisy felt when she faced challenges?
What would you do if you were in Daisy's shoes in any of her adventures?
How do you think being kind like Daisy can help us in our daily lives?
What is your favorite part of Daisy’s story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they relate to Daisy, drawing parallels to their own experiences. Encourage them to express their feelings about the story, focusing on understanding empathy and resilience as shown by Daisy. Discuss the importance of friendship and kindness as portrayed in the book, emphasizing these values in a real-world context. Compliment your child’s insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing their viewpoints. Use examples from the book to teach problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays Daisy, the main character, learning to understand and feel the emotions of others, which helps her build friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize emotions in their peers and responding with kindness, fostering stronger friendships and social bonds.
Example Lesson: Courage in trying new things
Explanation: Daisy shows bravery when faced with new challenges and unfamiliar situations, teaching children the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore new activities or ideas, enhancing their confidence and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Daisy learns valuable lessons about the importance of being truthful, even when it is difficult.
Real-World Application: This principle can be instilled in children, emphasizing the value of honesty in building trust and integrity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Daisy encounters various obstacles but continues to persevere, a crucial message about resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain their efforts and not give up when facing difficulties, whether in school or in personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing
Explanation: Daisy experiences happiness and fulfillment when she shares with others, highlighting the benefits of generosity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of sharing with siblings and friends, which can lead to more harmonious relationships and mutual happiness.