Room Enough for Daisy
Co-authored with Rita Feutl
Published: October 1, 2011
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Illustrators: Cindy Revell
Genres: Picture Book
Named as one of Best Books of 2011 by January Magazine
Inspired by a Jewish folk tale about a man who thinks his house is too small, Room Enough for Daisy (Orca 2011) will appeal to anyone who has ever dealt with clutter. Daisy is a kid with clutter issues — she can’t bear to part with anything, even if she no longer needs or uses it. Her mom comes up with clever ways to show her that less is more. In the end, Daisy winds up with a few bumps and bruises, but she also does a mitzvah that may inspire readers to tidy up their own rooms!
Reviews:
Anne Beier, School Library Journal, wrote:
…[T]he energetic illustrations are saturated with color and contrasted with white space that draws attention to the clutter and to Daisy’s accumulated bruises from bumping into her toys. The child comes to understand that less is more and to love the sense of space in her neater room. This title will be great for discussions about greed, entitlement, and charity. An accurate description of Mitzvah Day is included.
Sarah Sorensen, Quill & Quire, wrote:
Celebrated children’s picture book team Debby Waldman and Cindy Revell have once again joined forces on a story inspired by a Jewish folktale, co-authored this time by Edmonton children’s author Rita Feutl. … Waldman and Feutl imbue the story with a light tone, powerful message, and realistic characters. Revell’s illustrations, done in the same colourful, folk-art style as previous collaborations with Waldman (such as 2009’s Clever Rachel) are a treat for the eyes.
Southwestern Ohio and Neighbouring Libraries wrote:
Room Enough for Daisy does a good job of conveying the message of less is more. A quality book worth purchasing… Good literary merit.
Monica Stark, January Magazine, wrote:
Room Enough for Daisy is bright and bold and perfectly engaging. … [T]he moral here is present but not overwhelming and the illustrations are colorful, bright and offer young readers lots to look at. This is a very good book for young children in every way.
Kirkus Reviews wrote:
The story provide[s] plenty of topics for discussion, including how to donate and recycle unwanted items, learning to appreciate what you have and more is not always better.
