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Daisy Comes Home
The Barnes & Noble Review
Legendary author and illustrator Jan Brett transforms Scandinavian illustrations and stories to explore the beauty and color of China. Inspired by a favorite childhood story, The Story of Ping, Brett writes of six hens in China. Cared for by the young Mei Mei, the hens lay eggs for selling at the market. But one hen, Daisy, is not so happy. Picked at and plucked by the others, she is ousted from the clan and often sleeps alone on the cold damp floor. Eager for a good night's rest, she retires to a basket on the edge of the river. But the river rises and takes Daisy with it! She awakes surrounded by water and soon fends off a frightful dog, a terrifying buffalo, and a clan of squawking monkeys. But Daisy stands up to every one of these creatures and survives the wild waters. However, when a fisherman captures her and plans to eat her for dinner, there is nothing she can do. Meanwhile, Mei Mei's unsuccessful search for Daisy ends as she tearfully packs up the eggs and heads to market. Luckily, she finds Daisy there, and with a little call of "Gu-gu-gu-gu-gu!" Daisy comes running.
Back at the henhouse, Daisy uses her newly learned skills to stave off the mean hens and gain a rightful spot on the perch.
Brett's illustrations truly amaze. Her well-known eye for detail flourishes in the beautiful land of China. From exquisite landscapes to the fine features of all the animals, Brett lets her imagination and her wondrous skill take hold. Mountains become animals upon closer investigation, and the market will entice readers with its color and the bustling activity of the many people selling their wares. Brett traveled to China for inspiration and it shows in every page. The layouts are framed with bamboo and feature mini-scenes from the story in the corners. This tale of empowerment will appeal to young readers as Daisy stands on her own and doesn't run away. Rather, she returns to face her foes and holds her ground. An important lesson and a beautiful tale. (Amy Barkat)
Legendary author and illustrator Jan Brett transforms Scandinavian illustrations and stories to explore the beauty and color of China. Inspired by a favorite childhood story, The Story of Ping, Brett writes of six hens in China. Cared for by the young Mei Mei, the hens lay eggs for selling at the market. But one hen, Daisy, is not so happy. Picked at and plucked by the others, she is ousted from the clan and often sleeps alone on the cold damp floor. Eager for a good night's rest, she retires to a basket on the edge of the river. But the river rises and takes Daisy with it! She awakes surrounded by water and soon fends off a frightful dog, a terrifying buffalo, and a clan of squawking monkeys. But Daisy stands up to every one of these creatures and survives the wild waters. However, when a fisherman captures her and plans to eat her for dinner, there is nothing she can do. Meanwhile, Mei Mei's unsuccessful search for Daisy ends as she tearfully packs up the eggs and heads to market. Luckily, she finds Daisy there, and with a little call of "Gu-gu-gu-gu-gu!" Daisy comes running.
Back at the henhouse, Daisy uses her newly learned skills to stave off the mean hens and gain a rightful spot on the perch.
Brett's illustrations truly amaze. Her well-known eye for detail flourishes in the beautiful land of China. From exquisite landscapes to the fine features of all the animals, Brett lets her imagination and her wondrous skill take hold. Mountains become animals upon closer investigation, and the market will entice readers with its color and the bustling activity of the many people selling their wares. Brett traveled to China for inspiration and it shows in every page. The layouts are framed with bamboo and feature mini-scenes from the story in the corners. This tale of empowerment will appeal to young readers as Daisy stands on her own and doesn't run away. Rather, she returns to face her foes and holds her ground. An important lesson and a beautiful tale. (Amy Barkat)
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 18, 2002
5 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Jan Brett
113 books1,028 followersWith over thirty three million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. During the summer her family moves to a home in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
February 21, 2009
I like that Jan Brett ventured beyond the usual Scandinavian artwork (though I do love that) and she does a good job of portraying the lush countryside of China (but be sure to check out those mountains--yes, surprise--they are shaped like animals!) The story is cute enough, one of those beloved-pet-come-home tales, but I wasn't really that gripped. Something about Brett's stories and artwork always prevent me from being really captivated. (Also, I still think some of her people look kinda scary--that expression on the cover, um, a bit too weird for me!) But, I know there are legions of fans of Jan Brett and I do enjoy her work. I guess I just missed the hedgehogs, haha! ;->
March 16, 2017
Daisy is a hen who gets lost from Mei mei's farm. Both Mei Mei and Daisy try to get her back to the farm.
December 3, 2012
Mei Mei is the proud owner of six hens. Each of the hens has her own basket with the Chinese symbol for “happy hen” written on it. Mei Mei’s smallest hen, Daisy, was often picked on by the other hens. Because of this, she decides to sleep outside by the river in her basket. While she is sleeping, she drifts off into the river and begins her journey. Daisy has to ward off many predators and learns to stand up for herself. A fisherman finds her and tries to sell her, but Mei Mei saves her. Daisy is reunited with the other five hens and is not intimidated anymore.
This book illustrates bullies and the negative effects they can have on others. As the story goes on, Daisy develops confidence in herself and learns to stand up for what is right. This is an inspiring tale for anyone that has ever encountered a bully and has struggled with right vs wrong. I recommend sharing this book with children of all ages. The message is clear and rings true for all.
This book illustrates bullies and the negative effects they can have on others. As the story goes on, Daisy develops confidence in herself and learns to stand up for what is right. This is an inspiring tale for anyone that has ever encountered a bully and has struggled with right vs wrong. I recommend sharing this book with children of all ages. The message is clear and rings true for all.
March 30, 2023
Jan Brett is an extremely talented children's author and illustrator. In Daisy Comes Home, Brett leaves the snowy north, the setting of many of her books, and sets this story in Asia.
Daisy is one of Mei Mei's six "Happy Hens," but Daisy isn't really all that happy. The other hens treat her poorly and she usually has to sleep on the floor. One night she decides to sleep outside in a basket and ends up sailing down the river. She has many adventures and learns to stand up for herself before she is finally found in the marketplace by Mei Mei.
Daisy is a character that doesn't really feel sorry for herself, she just deals with her situation. As she has various experiences as she floats downriver, she learns that she is stronger than she knew.
Daisy is one of Mei Mei's six "Happy Hens," but Daisy isn't really all that happy. The other hens treat her poorly and she usually has to sleep on the floor. One night she decides to sleep outside in a basket and ends up sailing down the river. She has many adventures and learns to stand up for herself before she is finally found in the marketplace by Mei Mei.
Daisy is a character that doesn't really feel sorry for herself, she just deals with her situation. As she has various experiences as she floats downriver, she learns that she is stronger than she knew.
February 18, 2021
Mei-mei cares for the happiest hens in China. However, the smallest of the hens, Daisy, always get picked on by the bigger chickens. Daisy accidentally gets carried away in a basket by the river. During her journey, she has to shoo away many enemies. Unfortunately, Daisy gets captured by a fisherman and is taken to the market. Mei-mei finds her and runs home with her. Later that night, the bigger chickens still try to peck off Daisy. But Daisy has learned to stand up for herself, and she stands her ground. Eventually, the bigger hens accept Daisy as one of their own. Personally, I was intrigued to find out what was going to happen next in this book. This was a book I had never read before, and it surprised me how much I got sucked into the story. One of my favorite parts of the book is the illustrations. Jan Brett's artwork is truly amazing to me. His work is so detailed, and he hides surprises in some scenes, like the pig-shaped mountain. I also really liked gaining an inside look at some of the Chinese culture that was represented throughout this book.
August 1, 2018
My son loved this story, and usually, I think that skews my reviews. The illustrations are beautiful, and I love that the author traveled to the places she drew for children. But, this book lacked hope or something. Daisy is bullied by other chickens, leaves, ends up with a mean fishermen wanting to sell her as food, and comes back home and asserts herself and is finally accepted.
I asked my 4 year old what surprised him most about this book (I learned some good questions to ask from the previous book I read)...and he said, "that the chicken came back". Indeed....better off to find a new hen house. But...beautiful illustrations.
I asked my 4 year old what surprised him most about this book (I learned some good questions to ask from the previous book I read)...and he said, "that the chicken came back". Indeed....better off to find a new hen house. But...beautiful illustrations.
March 31, 2020
Daisy is bullied by the other hens in Mei Mei’s hen house. When Daisy decides to escape from them one night, she finds herself lost far from home, but Mei Mei is determined to rescue her. Learn how to stand up for yourself like Daisy in this story of bravery and belonging.
Check this book out from the Villa Park Public Library!
Check this book out from the Villa Park Public Library!
October 21, 2020
I love Jan Brett's books! The illustrations are so amazing, and there's so much to look at! All the little vignettes telling their side stories in the edges and corners of the pages...
The stories are also wonderful.
Poor Mei Mei. Poor Daisy.
But there's always a good end. :-) I'm glad Daisy learned to stand up for herself :-)
BTW, don't miss the animal shaped mountains, there are all the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs there :-)
The stories are also wonderful.
Poor Mei Mei. Poor Daisy.
But there's always a good end. :-) I'm glad Daisy learned to stand up for herself :-)
BTW, don't miss the animal shaped mountains, there are all the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs there :-)
December 29, 2015
This book was a lovely story set in China about a chicken's adventure from being at the bottom of the pecking order, to discovering she has the courage and strength to defend herself. Halfway through the book, my children and I were delighted to find hidden animals within the landscape. The artwork is wonderful and the story sweet. A very nice book!
January 12, 2016
Jan Brett captures a culture when she pulls together a story. The landscapes, the animals, the color choices, the plot, the lifestyle, and the characters' names all fit the location. This makes for a richer reading experience.
December 30, 2024
Jan Brett's books are always beautifully illustrated and this one is no exception! Lovely little story about a little girl's hen named Daisy who accidentally goes on an adventure and learns to stand up to herself in the pecking order of the other hens. Definitely one I want to add to my personal library!
January 17, 2019
4.5 stars --As always, Brett does gorgeous work. Each feather is meticulously illustrated and the landscape of a bygone time in China springs to life with color and movement.
In this story, a little hen named Daisy lives with five other hens in a yard tended by a little girl. The girl collects the hens' eggs for sale at the marketplace, but she also loves each bird as an individual and treasures their safety. One day, Daisy, sick of the bullying by her older sisters, seeks refuge and gets swept up in quite the adventure. She manages to run "a-fowl" of a fisherman who sees dollar signs when he spies Daisy--a plump, healthy hen will bring a good price at the market. Meanwhile, the little girl is searching everywhere for Daisy, there's a wonderful reunion scene between the two when Daisy is rescued just in the nick of time--she's being auctioned off to the highest bidder.
It's always wonderful to see a children's book that celebrates chickens, their beauty and individuality. We also get the distinct impression that Daisy does NOT want to end up on anyone's plate--and her human friend is determined not to let that happen! It's heartening to see materials that recognize that there's personality and value in animals too many see as just ingredients.
Vegan families note: It is true that the little girl sells her hens' eggs at the open market, a fact that won't sit well with some veg families. At the same time, considering the time period and situation in which the hens and girl are living, this isn't especially surprising. Considering the bond the girl shares with her hens and her reaction when she learns Daisy is being sold for meat, she has no intention for them to come to harm.
In this story, a little hen named Daisy lives with five other hens in a yard tended by a little girl. The girl collects the hens' eggs for sale at the marketplace, but she also loves each bird as an individual and treasures their safety. One day, Daisy, sick of the bullying by her older sisters, seeks refuge and gets swept up in quite the adventure. She manages to run "a-fowl" of a fisherman who sees dollar signs when he spies Daisy--a plump, healthy hen will bring a good price at the market. Meanwhile, the little girl is searching everywhere for Daisy, there's a wonderful reunion scene between the two when Daisy is rescued just in the nick of time--she's being auctioned off to the highest bidder.
It's always wonderful to see a children's book that celebrates chickens, their beauty and individuality. We also get the distinct impression that Daisy does NOT want to end up on anyone's plate--and her human friend is determined not to let that happen! It's heartening to see materials that recognize that there's personality and value in animals too many see as just ingredients.
Vegan families note: It is true that the little girl sells her hens' eggs at the open market, a fact that won't sit well with some veg families. At the same time, considering the time period and situation in which the hens and girl are living, this isn't especially surprising. Considering the bond the girl shares with her hens and her reaction when she learns Daisy is being sold for meat, she has no intention for them to come to harm.
January 25, 2014
The setting is China and a lovely little girl who has "six happiest hens in China." One of the hens, however is not really all that happy. Picked upon and bullied by her five nest mates, she usually is driven off the roost and sleeps on the cold floor at night.
Weary of it all, Daisy decides to sleep outside in a basket. When the tide takes the basket down the river, Daisy has a wild ride, and learns to defend herself along the way.
Weary of it all, Daisy decides to sleep outside in a basket. When the tide takes the basket down the river, Daisy has a wild ride, and learns to defend herself along the way.
October 2, 2025
Mei Mei has six chickens that she keeps, and sells their eggs at the market. Daisy is picked on by the other chickens, and one night during a rain storm floats down river in one of Mei Mei's baskets. This adventure will change Daisy's life forever upon her rescue and return to the roost by Mei Mei.
March 12, 2015
The book was sad and funny at the same time. I loved her passion when she went on the adventure to find her 'missing' hen.
July 30, 2018
Could not maintain interest. I wish I could appreciate talent of Jan Brett.
I do adore The Mitten.
I do adore The Mitten.
May 8, 2019
A good mentor text about bravery and courage. However, it's a tad too long.
April 26, 2018
Daisy is Mei Mei's smallest hen. The little hen sometimes gets bullied by the other hens, and one day, she had enough. Daisy took off towards the river, but accidentally got swept away. She found herself fighting off a dog, a water buffalo, and some monkeys. However, she wasn't able to defend herself from the fisherman. He grabbed Daisy and took her to the market for sale. Fortunately, Mei Mei found Daisy and when she made her "Gu-gu-gu-gu-gu" call, the hen broke out of its basket and the two made it back home safely. That night, Daisy was still tested by the other hens, but her experience from the outside world helped her to defend herself.
I gave this book four stars because it is an excellent example of character development. Daisy begins as a weak character. She's small and allows herself to be bullied. Through her adventure, she learns to fight for herself. She learns that she's not strong enough to be on her own and needs Mei-Mei, but that she can handle the other hens. They respect her after she proves that she can fit in. Brett's illustrations are captivating to look at, which is another reason I loved this book.
I gave this book four stars because it is an excellent example of character development. Daisy begins as a weak character. She's small and allows herself to be bullied. Through her adventure, she learns to fight for herself. She learns that she's not strong enough to be on her own and needs Mei-Mei, but that she can handle the other hens. They respect her after she proves that she can fit in. Brett's illustrations are captivating to look at, which is another reason I loved this book.
December 3, 2018
Daisy is the hen that is always left out. One night she did not want to deal with the other 5 hens picking on her. She slept in a basket near the river, and floated away. She bumped into many animals, and even a fisherman who wanted to sell her. Through her adventures in this story, Daisy became courageous!
This is a beautiful picture book. I would recommend reading this to children because the illustrations are amazing and the story is wonderful. I will definitely have this book in my classroom library because it is all about sticking up for yourself.
I would connect this book to the "Gingerbread Baby" by Jan Brett. The gingerbread baby ran away from many other creatures who tried to harm him. But the boy who made him, rescued him. That is what happened to the hen, Daisy. She was able to run/float away from predators and then at the end, her owner saved her!
"The lap, lap, lap of the river made a peaceful nighttime song. No bumping, no jostling, no fussing around--just six happy hens, their heads tucked in their feathers, high and warm and safe, together."
This story is about self confidence but also feeling a part of a community. Check this picture book out!
This is a beautiful picture book. I would recommend reading this to children because the illustrations are amazing and the story is wonderful. I will definitely have this book in my classroom library because it is all about sticking up for yourself.
I would connect this book to the "Gingerbread Baby" by Jan Brett. The gingerbread baby ran away from many other creatures who tried to harm him. But the boy who made him, rescued him. That is what happened to the hen, Daisy. She was able to run/float away from predators and then at the end, her owner saved her!
"The lap, lap, lap of the river made a peaceful nighttime song. No bumping, no jostling, no fussing around--just six happy hens, their heads tucked in their feathers, high and warm and safe, together."
This story is about self confidence but also feeling a part of a community. Check this picture book out!
January 30, 2024
Jan Brett sets her stories all over the world. Usually when she visits a place, she has a story to tell. This one is set in China on the Li River. The landscape behind the action is amazing and set the story well.
Mei Mei raises hens and sells eggs in the local market. One of her hens, Daisy, has an adventure. She fell asleep in a basket and the rising river took her floating down the river bumping into all sorts of things along the way.
Daisy ends up at the market where Mei Mei is able to rescue her. Well, Daisy sort of frees herself.
Jan Brett uses her panels as bamboo screens and we can see what about to happen, or what is happening back at the village. The artwork is lovely. This is the last Jan Brett book I have to read, so this is a great book to end on. At least, until she writes another one.
Mei Mei raises hens and sells eggs in the local market. One of her hens, Daisy, has an adventure. She fell asleep in a basket and the rising river took her floating down the river bumping into all sorts of things along the way.
Daisy ends up at the market where Mei Mei is able to rescue her. Well, Daisy sort of frees herself.
Jan Brett uses her panels as bamboo screens and we can see what about to happen, or what is happening back at the village. The artwork is lovely. This is the last Jan Brett book I have to read, so this is a great book to end on. At least, until she writes another one.
March 26, 2024
"Daisy Comes Home" is a children's book about a hen named Daisy who gets lost during the Chinese New Year celebration. With the help of other animals and a kind girl named Mei Mei, Daisy finds her way home. The story teaches about friendship, courage, and Chinese traditions like the Lantern Festival and Dragon Dance. It's a heartwarming tale with beautiful illustrations that kids will love. I recommend this picture book for elementary-grade students. Through this book, students can learn about Chinese culture, traditions like the Lantern Festival and Dragon Dance, and rural life in China which promotes cultural awareness and appreciation. This book also teaches valuable lessons about friendship, cooperation, and kindness. The illustrator, Jan Brett has unique illustrators that display China amazingly.
March 31, 2018
I chose this book after talking about Jan Brett in class. The illustrations in this book really struck me. The small pictures in the corner of each page that show what is happening with the other characters and what is going to happen on the next page is very intriguing. This kind of illustration made me want to keep turning to page to understand what the small picture in the corner was alluding to. The story also left a very important message about standing up for yourself, which I enjoyed.
May 27, 2018
There were six hens that lived in a sandy yard in China. Daisy was the smallest hen and was picked on by the others. She went to find a new place to roost and found herself some trouble along the way. She was able to survive and made it safely back to her owners and had learned to stand up for herself with the other hens. I love hoe the author puts clues on each page as to what will happen next. I would use this during a farm unit.
November 7, 2018
This book is about a girl named Mei Mei that takes care of hens that lay eggs for her to sell. One hen named Daisy gets picked on by the other mean hens so she sleeps outside by the river. The river raises and takes her on a journey having to fend off a dog, buffalos, and monkeys. Mei Mei finally finds Daisy and Daisy uses what she learned on her journey to stand up to other mean hens. The illustrations are gorgeous and you feel like you are in China while reading and looking at this book.
August 28, 2023
In this book, Scandinavian author Jan Brett turns her imaginative attention to a traditional story from China, "The Story of Ping."
In this adaptation, a little girl (Mei Mei) looks after six hens. Their eggs are to be sold at the market. Only one of these hens, Daisy, is having problems. We could call her the victim of a runaway basket, floating down the river.
What a mess ensues. Yet there's a happy ending for Daisy. And Mei Mei. And all of the readers.
FIVE STARS, indeed!
In this adaptation, a little girl (Mei Mei) looks after six hens. Their eggs are to be sold at the market. Only one of these hens, Daisy, is having problems. We could call her the victim of a runaway basket, floating down the river.
What a mess ensues. Yet there's a happy ending for Daisy. And Mei Mei. And all of the readers.
FIVE STARS, indeed!
April 16, 2020
I love the way Jan Brett's books are illustrated. This book was one of the best. In this book Mei Mei loved all of her hens and treated the very well. Daisy is one of her hens, she goes missing and is almost sold at market. Mei Mei is able to get her back home and she is braver than she was before she left.
December 10, 2020
Join a chicken, Daisy, on a journey as she floats down the river in a basket. She encounters struggles that lead her to overcome personal faults and grow in character. All and all it's a cute introduction to China and some of the wildlife, landscape, daily happenings of its market people with a simple yet timeless message at the end.
December 5, 2024
This book will come as no surprise to fans of Jan Brett. Both a little girl and a hen go on separate journeys and meet in the end. Wordless pictures at the edge of every page add more to the narrative. Painstakingly detailed borders, delicately rendered textures and fabrics, and a wealth of patterns make this more of the same, but set in China.
December 8, 2025
Daisy Comes Home explores important themes about standing up for yourself, courage, and finding where you belong. Daisy is the smallest hen in her coop and is often pushed around by the other chickens. Children easily connect with this situation because many have experienced feeling left out or treated unfairly.
February 17, 2021
Beautiful illustrations! The author captured the sense of southern China in this book. My son was quick to notice that some of the karst mountains in the background looked like animals. I didn't count them, but I think the Chinese zodiac animals were represented, as well as a few extras.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews