“Read me a story” is a request uttered by children all over the world every day. The award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Pamela Allen creates stories that serve as regular bedtime readings for many youngsters. Whether children are fans of gods, lions, or even roosters, they hear or read a tale that is both amusing and educational.
As children age, books become even more important learning tools, serving as resources for literary activities. When they are not being used for educational purposes at home, they are topics of conversation in the classroom. Young children explore the feelings and behaviors of the main characters, while older students use the books as a basis for research and expression of their own adventures.
Everyone can relate to Daisy, the rather ordinary dog who is the main character in Allen’s book Daisy All-Sorts. Daisy lives with her master Stanley, who leads an average life and provides Daisy with daily walks. Things change when Stanley begins riding his bike because Daisy must run to keep pace. This leads to friendly Bella giving Daisy some water to cool down, as well as three licorice lollies.
Daisy loves the lollies and begins asking for them every day. To the amazement of Bella, Daisy transforms into an amazing dog when she gets her lollies. She does tricks, dances, and leaps with joy. A simple licorice all-sort transformed average Daisy into Daisy All-Sorts, The Extraordinary Dancing Dog. Though this is a simple story, it lends itself to a variety of literary activities based on the age of the reader.
Activities for Young Readers
- Very young readers can explore how they felt when they discovered how talented Daisy was.
- They can compare regular Daisy to Daisy after eating the licorice candies.
- They can also discuss how they felt when Daisy was struggling to keep up with Stanley on his bike, before they knew Bella was going to provide water and treats.
- They can point out words that made them excited, sad, scared, or evoked other feelings.
Activities for Older Children
- Discussing whether they love something as much as Daisy loved her lollies and how it makes them feel.
- Children can be encouraged to make associations with the main points of the book by relating stories of what their own pets do for a treat or beloved toy; or
- By writing a story of their own about someone wanting something very badly. What were they willing to do to get it? How did having it change them?
These are just a few literary activities stemming from one Pamela Allen book. Based on her vast library of work, young readers have years of educational material awaiting them. For more on Pamela Allen and her books, read our Pamela Allen Author Study.