| Daisy Dawson and the Big Freeze (series #3) |
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What You Need to Know:
• Daisy Dawson is a terrific new(ish) addition to the early chapter book category of children's literature .
• We have placed Daisy Dawson in our Reader JR reading level, a safe place for newly independent readers. However,
it does have some sophisticated vocabulary, so do check in with your young reader .
• This Daisy Dawson is the third in a series. You will notice no series synopsis in this review, however, because the
books can really be read in any order. If that changes as the series grows, we will update.
• Little girls will have a good role model in Daisy, who is brave, kind and spunky. |
Sweet Book Summary:
I really love this early chapter book series. Steve Voake has created something very special in Daisy Dawson. It is a chapter book for young readers that has terrific character development, a well designed plot, enriching vocabulary and story elements that teach kindness and friendship. All of this is very rare indeed in "early" chapter books. This series is the quintessential example of not dumbing things down for our children and expecting more of your reader.
As in all three of the Daisy Dawson adventures, Daisy's special talent is that she can communicate with all the animals around her. There is her best friend Boom, the farm dog. Also back are Cyril the squirrel, Trixie the cat, Meadowsweet the horse and Furball and Burble the class gerbils. Making their debut in this installment is the farmers flock of sheep, complete with baby lambs.
Shirelle is the mom of the flock and Woolverton is a baby lamb with his eye on the larger world. He wants to see more! He doesn't want to stay with the flock! He gives his mom a run for her money when he goes over the bridge and into the woods. The woods are where things you love get lost! Just ask Ricky the sheepdog, he lost his beloved red ball over that bridge and has yet to find it. The river is on that side of the bridge too, and that is dangerous. But Woolverton just can't help himself, and he gets lost again. Daisy and Boom help a very anxious Shirelle to locate Woolverton, because she can't leave the rest of her flock. While scary, Daisy and Boom finally locate Woolverton and Ricky's red ball! That is what the little sheep has been taking off to do all this time, find Ricky's ball because Woolverton doesn't like to see his friend so sad.
I really like the gentle nature of these stories. I especially appreciate the importance Voake puts on friendship and kindness to your neighbor and nature. Any child listening or reading this story will learn a thing or two about loyalty, friendship and doing the right thing. But not at the expense of story. Your young reader will also be held captive by the suspense in this story. The illustrations figure prominently and add marvelously to the story. |
Author: Steve Voake Illustrator: Jessica Meserve Published: 2010, 96 pages
Themes: Extraordinary Language, Humor, Exquisite Illustrations, Animals, Adventure, Individuality |
Sweet Discussion Questions:
• How have you helped a friend?
• Have you ever wanted to do something that nobody else wanted to do?
• Is there a time when you got separated from your adult?
• What are some things you can do to be safe so that doesn't ever happen or doesn't happen again? |
| This recommendation was written by: Melissa Y. |
| Support Independent Book Shops: Click Here to Buy this Book on IndieBound |
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