A Ball for Daisy

A Ball for Daisy. written and illustrated by Chris Raschka. 2011. 32p. New York: Schwartz & Wade. 

Author/Illustrator Website: none

Medium: ink, watercolor and gouache

 

Awards and Honors: Caldecott Medal, 2012, A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year, A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, A Horn Book Fanfare Title

Audience: 2 and up

Annotation:

A tale of love, loss and forgiveness, all as seen through the eyes of a dog.

Personal Reaction:

A Ball for Daisy is the latest Caldecott Medal winner from acclaimed author/illustrator, Chris Raschka (his Hello, Goodbye Window also won the Caldecott Medal in 2006). Raschka spins a tale of love, loss and forgiveness, as seen through the eyes of a dog, in his newest story. Daisy adores her red ball- she chases it, plays with it, and even cuddles up with it when she sleeps. When her beloved ball is accidentally popped by another dog, Daisy is devastated until the next day when the dog and its owner surprise Daisy with a special gift.

Raschka's illustrations- all flowing black lines, washes of soft pastel and pops of brilliant color- are stunners. They're fluid and loose, almost to the point of abstraction, yet remain expressive. This refined technique is paired with comic-style panel sequences to striking effect. Raschka keeps the action dynamic with variation in perspective and frames- full-page panels are mixed with multi-panel sequences and full bleed double-page spreads. The illustrations demonstrate a sophisticated artistry and eye for design rarely seen in children's books. 

I'm a sucker for well-executed wordless picture books and A Ball for Daisy hits all the right notes. Compelling storyline? Check. Engaging characters? Check. Brilliant illustrations? Check.