Book Review of Daisy’s Near CATastrophe
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The Children’s Book Review
Written by Debra Westgate-Silva
Illustrated by Yorris Handoko
Ages 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Luminohr Books (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798988185444
What to Expect: Friendship, pets, getting lost, and determination.
Drawn from the author’s personal experience with a real-life kitten, this narrative imparts crucial lessons on perseverance, camaraderie, and the repercussions of impulsive actions.
Daisy and Bear are the best of friends, but when their family goes on vacation, Daisy is taken to a kennel without Bear. Determined to return to her friend and family, Daisy plays her best trick—she opens the door and escapes! The problem is that Daisy doesn’t know much about the world, and without Bear to help her, she is cold, lonely, hungry, and lost. However, kittens who open doors are also kittens who don’t give up! Daisy puts her intelligence and love for Bear to work, and soon, the best friends are safe and united again.
Daisy’s character is a delightful blend of curiosity, courage, and affection, instantly endearing her to readers. The vibrant cartoon artwork shows readers each of her expressions and moods, as well as offering readers clues about her impending rescue. Simple language and font effects help make the text accessible for beginner readers. At the end of the book, an informational page spread tells readers about the real-life Daisy and the K9 rescue dog who helped find her.
Daisy’s Near CATastrophe is a sweet and inspiring story, perfect for pet lovers and for sparking conversations about bravery and self-belief.
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About the Author
Debra Westgate-Silva worked in public education for many years and now writes grants to support nonprofit organizations focused on literacy, education, and trauma-impacted youth.
While Deb doesn’t currently have any pets, she hopes a labradoodle is in her future. Until then, she enjoys viewing wild animals in their natural habitats and considers herself lucky to have seen Grizzly bears, alligators (from safe distances), manatees, and sea turtles.
Deb is active in her community, serving on the boards of organizations dedicated to promoting childhood literacy and recently delving into citizen science with frog watches and terrapin conservation projects. This is her second children’s book. Her first book, Bethlehem Barn, is a light-hearted retelling of the Christmas nativity story from the animals’ perspective. Other works have been published in Highlights for Children, Teaching Tolerance (now Learning for Justice), and Intrepid Times.
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