Daisy's Big Night

by Sandra V. Feder

The third addition to the well-received, illustrated chapter book series about word-loving Daisy. In her latest adventure, Daisy is faced with a dilemma about what to exhibit at her class's end-of-the-school-year Student Showcase night. An invitation to a grown-up poetry party sets off a series of events that eventually lead Daisy to the realization that the perfect solution to her problem has been with her all along -- in the green notebook covered with purple polka dots in which she collects her favorite words. Author Sandra V. Feder has created a likable, enthusiastic character early readers will be drawn to, and as self-described Delightfully Different Daisy ventures into the world of poetry, they'll happily follow along. The easy-to-understand explanations of ode, haiku, rhyme and free verse, along with short examples of each, make this book an excellent resource for a unit on poetry or as a tie-in to an elementary school's celebration of poetry month in April. The inclusion of Daisy's Wonderful Word Lists at the end (the lists are named by category, such as rhyming words, pairs of words, made-up words and quiet-time words) offers a terrific jumping-off point for students to begin their own lists of words. Overall, Daisy offers children a unique new perspective on how to think about words and how much fun it can be to play with them. The book is illustrated with just enough line drawings by Susan Mitchell to keep young readers engaged.

Genres: Poetry, School, Childrens, Friendship

112 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2014

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book to introduce kids, ages 9-12, to poetry.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book that introduces children to the joys of poetry and the fun that one can have with words. Would recommend for any young boy or girl.

[Cathleen (Woven From Words) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Daisy's Big Night as part of my read aloud task for children in my school district. Daisy is a huge lover of words, and shares a fun night at a poetry party with Mrs Bookman. Shortly after this event, Daisy's teacher Ms. Goldner plans an 'end of year showcase' to highlight the skills her students possess. While Daisy is unsure of what she could bring to the showcase, her friends and family guide her to realize that her gift with words is something valuable to offer.

I really enjoyed reading Daisy's Big Night, since it's a chapter book centered around the love of poetry for kids. I love writing poetry, and value this form of the written word as a creative artform. Children benefit from poetry since it provides an outlet for expression for their developing voices! I also appreciated Susan Mitchell's illustrations, as they feature Daisy interacting with everyone she meets!

I recommend Daisy's Big Night for anyone that loves reading about children practicing poetry. This is a lovely book to give to children!

[Sahara🌷Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was great! I loved “Daisy’s Word Café.” It was a good idea since she had went to the poetry party. And, I wondered the same thing that she had wondered “Your words already sounded like a poem!” Like it didn’t make any sense!

[Briel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter loved reading it and enjoyed the introduction of poetry.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great book is the 3rd book in the Daisy series which introduces children to the satisfaction of independent reading and the pure joy of playing with language.

Daisy is a creative, free spirited girl whose passion is collecting words, painting pictures with the perfect colour mixes, receiving her own personal mail from the mailbox and running barefoot through the soft blades of grass. She has a home for all her beloved words. She records them very thoughtfully and carefully and places them inside a green notebook covered with purple polka dots.

Daisy goes to her mailbox and finds a pretty pink envelope addressed to her and discovers it is an invitation to a poetry party from her neighbour, Mrs. Bookman. She is flattered and stunned at the invite because she will be the youngest person attending. She agonizes over the proper outfit for a young "budding poet" to wear and what correct poet etiquette will be. The day of the party finally arrives and Daisy is warmly welcomed by the guests who are delighted with her word choices and encourage and inspire her to carry on with her word collection and perhaps try her hand at poetry because her word collection lends itself to rhyme so naturally.

When she goes to school the next day she finds out that her teacher, Miss Goldner, is planning a very special night for the end of the school year and she wants all her students to chose what they are best at and display their talent for all to see and appreciate that night. Daisy's friends seem to have no trouble choosing what they are going to do but Daisy wrestles with what her gift is. She ponders and searches until she finally comes up with the perfect plan for her project. Do you think it will involve her word collection? Her new found zealousness for poetry? Her ability and love to bake cookies and share them with her friends? I think you will be very pleased with her decision to use the talent that is blooming within her and craft it so she will be a big hit at the Student Showcase.

The illustrations are black-and-white and and are inserted in each chapter. I love the softness of the characters and the expressions are amazing and appealing. The vocabulary is simple and interesting, just perfect for those who have recently graduated from picture books to chapter books. Highly recommended.

[Pop Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inviting

This is a book with a message, (words in general, and poetry in particular, can be fun and exciting), but it is so inviting and genial the message doesn't feel at all heavy-handed or forced.

A lot of that is due to the main character, Daisy. We start with her excitement at being invited to a poetry club reading. The poetry reading is interesting and a great success. That really gets Daisy fired up, and we follow her excitement as she prepares for her elementary school's Student Showcase. You can guess that poetry and words will figure prominently in her performance at the Showcase.

Now, while this is an engaging enough plot, there is no guarantee that it will work for a young reader. There are a lot of ways that this premise could just not get off the ground. Happily, Ms. Feder has the skill and light touch that does make the book work.

Daisy is energetic, inquisitive, self-directed and optimistic. The pleasure she takes in playing around with words and rhymes, and in learning about different poetry forms, is contagious. She is surrounded by sympathetic, supportive adults, (parents, teachers, neighbors), and by happy and enthusiastic schoolmates. No character is very well developed - this is after all a fairly short chapter book - but that doesn't matter because this isn't intended to be a drama or a character study or even a heavily plotted tale. There is no snark, no irony and no pointed asides. This is just up front, in your face, cheerful, with no apologies. It is a little rah-rah, but it's never precious or eccentric or twee.

The writing - grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure - seems like it would be manageable for an early reader, maybe one who is a little past basic chapter books but not ready for more demanding fare.

So, a cheerful book with a nice message and a good attitude. Maybe not for a reader who must, must have action, adventure and fantasy, but then again you never know who might be attracted to a book about words and poetry. (Just remind your readers that most Samurai warriors could toss off a credible haiku poem, and that they'll learn how to write one in this book.)

Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

[Zelie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy is a little girl who love words so much. She carry her notebook most of time and write so much list on that. One day, she got invitation from Mrs. Bookman to attend a poetry party. Daisy is very excited but also nervous at the same time. She even made the word for it -poetrified.

She share about it to her close friend, Emma, who also happy to hear that. She assure Daisy that she will be just fine as Daisy is very good in making poetry. And yes, Daisy enjoy the poetry party as she can meet other peoples who love poetry (or words!) as much as she does.

Wait, the story was not finish yet! Daisy still need to do something for the Student Showcase night. Especially as Ms. Goldner, Daisy's favourite teacher, is getting married and will move away from school, Daisy really wish she can do something unique, special and memorable for her. But, what she suppose to do?

Hmm! You have to read it by yourself. Trust me, you will enjoy it as much as I do. Especially, if you love children story ^^

My favourite character in this book is for sure, Daisy. I smile each time she write down her favorite word(s). I also somehow amazed with her imagination. Oh how I miss the old time, when you have plenty time to do what you want to do. But honestly, I'm quite surprise with her idea for Student Showcase. It's so great and I really wish one day I can do it, too! xD

My favourite quote taken from Mrs. Bookman poetry,

"Happily I return,

again and again

to the dance of my book." - page 49

Anyway, I love that at the end of the book,reader can peek what's inside that little girl notes. The author seems can read my mind cause I can't stop wonder what's actually written on Daisy's list while read the story.

I also just realize that it was part of series. Hmm..can't wait to read the other books! :)

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy has never considered what she might do with all the words she has collected in her notebook until she attends Mrs. Bookman's poetry party. Afterwards, she knows just how to share her special interest at her class's Student Showcase.

The sweet sincerity of this book makes it an ideal choice for newly independent readers who feel most comfortable with gentler stories. Daisy's problems are small and manageable, and all of her relationships are warm, supportive, and loving. The writing, though not always remarkable, is solid, and readers have many opportunities to learn new words and to enjoy words Daisy has made up, such as "poetrified" (meaning petrified of poetry.) The information the story provides about poetry also leaves lots of room for curriculum connections and library programming possibilities, especially during National Poetry Month.

Daisy's Big Night is a perfect read-alike for Donavan's Word Jar by Monalisa DeGross (1998), and it is sure to please new readers in Preschool to Grade 2.

[Meghan Nels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy's Big Night was the perfect book to read on Poem in Your Pocket Day. In this sweet, early chapter book, Daisy discovers poetry and learns how to transform her treasured word lists into poems. Daisy's Big Night would be the perfect read aloud to share with students during National Poetry Month. Daisy hears and writes many different types of poems such as, haikus, odes, and rhyming poems. Many of the poetry ideas presented in the book would be fun to incorporate into a classroom or library. I am sure her rhyming cookies and poetry cafe would be a huge hit with children of all ages. Included in the last few pages of the book are some of Daisy's word lists. Her word lists would be useful to share with students as a starting off point for writing poetry. Next year, I am definitely sharing this book with children in April to celebrate poetry.

[Melissa Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was really pleasantly surprised with this book. I typically stick to shorter stories for my three year old (next month) daughter but as a published poet I thought we'd give this one a try. I'm so glad we did! Despite having to read the book over several nights it managed to hold the attention of my daughter! 4 stars for that alone. Not only was the story sweet, the word play and Daisy's notes precious, but any book that had my daughter requesting story time is an absolute win.

We will be looking into the rest of the series.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free-spirited Daisy loves collecting words. In fact, she even has a special green notebook with purple polka dots in which she jots down interesting words. In this book, the third in the series, she is invited to a poetry party by a neighbor, and then must come up with something special to share at the end of the year Student Showcase planned by her teacher. Readers won't be surprised that Daisy turns to her notebook for inspiration for her contribution to the class efforts. I continue to enjoy this series, partly because Daisy is a neat youngster but also because it is wonderful to find a book in which collecting and playing with words, and writing poetry assume such importance.

[Arnetha Villery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!
It is for children ages 7-10; but I'm a grandmother an loved it. My granddaughter is going to love this book!
Daisy loves making lists of word, she carry her note book with her everywhere to keep her list of words.
One day a neighbor invites her to a poetry party. There she find out that her love of word and phrases can be assembled in to poetry. She also l learn that poems has different styles. Haiku, Praise and Free Verse Poems.
Yes, I would recommend it to young and old.
I received this book from Netgallay for review

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review


Daisy's Big Night: 3 by Sandra V. Feder is for ages 7 - 10 and grades 2 - 5, This is a cute and fun book that introduces poetry to children and the fun that words can be. It can be read aloud or read alone for our early readers. This book would make a great gift to give. It would make a good additon to your child's bookshelf or any library's bookshelf. I highly recommend this book for everyone. I look for more of these cute and fun books by Sandra V. Feder.

[Larissa Langsather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not necessarily a realistic depiction of kids but definitely the sweetest!

[Hillvan]

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