Daisy Comes Home

Daisy Comes Home
Written and illustrated by: Jan Brett

G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2002.

32 pages

Picture Book: Multicultural

            I chose this book because I haven’t read many books about Chinese culture. This book tells a story about Mei Mei and her hens. She takes good care of her hens and each hen’s egg basket has “Happy Hens” written on it in red Chinese letters. You would think that all of these hens would be “happy” because Mei Mei took such good care of them, but one of the hens, Daisy, gets picked on by the other hens. One night, Daisy is kicked out of the coop and accidentally falls asleep in a basket that is picked up by the river. Daisy awakes in an unfamiliar place, and she defends herself against other animals. She is found by a fisherman who takes her to the market to sell her. Mei Mei realizes Daisy is gone, and she looks for her at the market. Mei Mei must save Daisy, and Daisy must stand up to the hens that bully her. 

            Jan Brett wrote and illustrated this book. She used watercolors and gouache to create the beautiful illustrations. Joseph Hearne created the backgrounds using airbrush. These illustrations are realistic, detailed pictures defining authentic Chinese culture. Brett and Hearne use vivid and rich colors in every illustration. 

            This book is appropriate for ages 5-8. I would use this book to introduce a history lesson to 2^nd graders. This book could be used to highlight Chinese culture, and give students a quick look into the life of a young Chinese girl. I would also use this book to introduce a science lesson for 1^st graders. This would be a great book to read to 1^st graders when discussing farm animals, particularly hens. Students would learn about hens and where eggs come from. I would also use this book for character education. In this book, Daisy stands up to her bullies. I think this book might be helpful for 2^nd graders dealing with bullying.