This is picture book gold. Chris Raschka won the Caldecott for good reason—he's created a deceptively simple story that works on multiple levels and genuinely resonates with young kids.
The wordless format is genius because it meets kids where they are: toddlers can follow the emotional beats through Daisy's droopy tail and perky ears, while kindergarteners can practice 'reading' by narrating the story themselves. It's also one of those rare books that doesn't talk down to kids—the sadness Daisy feels is real and given space, not rushed past with a quick fix.
The story itself is universal: beloved toy gets destroyed (accidentally, by another dog at the park), heartbreak ensues, but eventually a new friendship and a new ball emerge. It's a perfect entry point for talking about loss in an age-appropriate way, whether that's a broken toy, a friend moving away, or even preparing for bigger losses down the road.
Parents and teachers love it because it's a conversation starter. Kids love it because they can genuinely relate to Daisy's attachment to her ball and the devastation of losing it. At 4.6 stars on Amazon and multiple starred reviews, this one has serious staying power. Highly recommend keeping it in rotation for ages 2-7.






