Daisy Dawson and the Secret Pond

Meet Daisy Dawson, a carefree little girl who just realized that she can talk to animals. She's always loved exploring the outdoors, and she likes to greet the various creatures she sees on her walks to and from home and school, but after a recent encounter with a butterfly, Daisy's suddenly able to understand everything that her furry, fuzzy, and flying friends are saying! (Doctor Dolittle would totally approve.) In the first book, readers were introduced to various critters, each with his or her different personality. Boom, a loyal bloodhound, sticks close to Daisy's side when she's outside. Meadowsweet, a gentle horse, has a very maternal, wise presence, while a cat called Trixie McDixie acts like she's too cool to engage in Daisy's expeditions. In Daisy's classroom, there are two chatty, snack-happy gerbils named Furball and Burble. Cyril, a silly gray squirrel, fancies himself a bit of a hero. His shy niece, Hazel, and daredevil nephew, Conker, are introduced in this second volume of Daisy's adventures, along with two sleek river otters named Spray and Dampsy. Daisy gets a new digital camera and starts taking picture after picture of her family and friends. When Daisy goes to the local pond, Darkwater Sump, with Boom and the squirrels, she has an unexpected underwater adventure with the otters. Written by Steve Voake and illustrated by Jessica Meserve, these simple chapter books are perfect for young readers who are just starting to dip their toes into the waters of independent reading. The black-and-white illustrations by Meserve have an old-fashioned touch, happily reminiscent of those by Jane Miller in the Susie books by Lee Wyndham. I'll definitely be checking out the third book, Daisy Dawn and the Big Freeze, when it comes out in November 2010.

This book, and the others in its series, is a delightful read. Not only is the story great and will get the attention of young readers, but the book also comes with lovely black and white illustrations which will really encourage young readers to stick with the book. Now, the actual book, I would say, is for a more independent reader (way above my six year old), still, if you are willing to read it to your young child they will, I guarantee love the story. Another great feature of this book is the quality of the writing: In other words, very well written thus introducing the reader towards suing a little more of a sophisticated lexicon.

//Daisy Dawson and the Secret Pond// is a cute story about a little girl who has an amazing gift - she understands and talks to animals. Daisy receives a camera for her birthday and an assignment at school to find out about some animal habitats near where she lives. Along with her dog friend Boom and her squirrel friends Cyril, Hazel, and Conker, Daisy visits the Secret Pond and meets the otter inhabitants Spray and Dampsy. They have a wonderful day together, taking pictures and swimming and Daisy learns a few lessons about nature and friendship. While this is a cute little story, it is not one that is likely to be read and reread again and again. The illustrations are simple black and while line drawings and unlikely to capture the reader's imagination. This book is overpriced at $14.99. Reviewed by Sharon LeBrun