A Ball for Daisy

This wordless picture book masterfully captures the emotional world of a small dog named Daisy, whose entire existence revolves around her beloved red ball. Through vibrant, expressive watercolor illustrations, children follow Daisy's daily adventures with her favorite toy—from joyful games of fetch to cozy naps together on the couch. The story unfolds entirely through visual storytelling, inviting young readers to interpret Daisy's feelings and experiences without relying on text. This approach makes the book accessible to pre-readers while developing crucial narrative comprehension skills as they follow the sequence of events.

What makes this story particularly powerful is how it validates the deep emotional connections children form with their own special toys and objects. When Daisy's ball meets an unexpected fate during a park visit, the illustrations poignantly convey her grief, confusion, and eventual healing—emotions that young children frequently experience but may struggle to articulate. The book serves as an excellent conversation starter about loss, resilience, and finding joy again, making it especially valuable for children navigating big feelings. Raschka's ability to tell such a complete emotional journey without a single word demonstrates why this remains a standout in children's literature.