*My family was gifted with Danny and Darla storybooks by Ganit and Adir Levy. All opinions are 100% my own.
Reading aloud is one of the most valuable things a mom can do with her children. This practice opens a world of opportunity for both the mom and the children to explore new places, learn life lessons, develop character, grow deep bonds, and make cherished memories.
I was recently introduced to the books, What Should Danny Do? and What Should Darla Do?, written by Ganit and Adir Levy. These beautiful picture books are highly engaging and filled with character lessons that get to the heart of the child.
The Background of What Should Danny Do? and What Should Darla Do?
Danny loves soccer, ninjas, and skateboards. He’s a superhero in training who works on his power to choose as he wears his superhero cape that his dad gave him.
Darla loves space and imagines herself as an astronaut-in-training. Like her cousin Danny, she is also on a mission to make good choices with her power to choose. Danny gave her a special cape for her birthday that reminds her of her super girl powers!
Who Should Read the Danny and Darla Books?
These Power to Choose books are definitely for elementary-age students, and they are the perfect read-aloud level for ages 4-10.
As a former classroom teacher and a current homeschool mom, these books are a choice pick for children in both settings. Teachers can even sign-up for free teacher resources such as certificates and activity booklets!
The Artwork and Quality of the Danny and Darla Books
The illustrators, Mat Sadler and Doro Kaiser, did an exquisite job of developing Danny and Darla’s personalities. The full-of-life expressions communicate emotions on every page. My daughter loves Darla’s pink hair, and Danny’s dog, Oreo, is super cute.
The books are printed on high-quality paper and bound in durable hardback for lots of turning back-and-forth with little hands.
How to Read the Danny and Darla Books
What Should Darla Do? contains eight different stories, and What Should Danny Do? has one additional story, making a total of nine. As the books are read, children are faced with the opportunity to help Danny or Darla make good choices or wrong choices. Children are able to see firsthand that wise choices result in happier days and wrong choices lead to more wrong choices, which ultimately ruin the day.
The Character Lessons Learned from Danny and Darla
Danny and Darla are faced with real-life choices such as complaining or being thankful, arguing or peacemaking with siblings and friends, sharing or selfishness, stealing or honesty, and kindness or bullying.
Even though the choices Danny and Darla make are directly related to children, people of all ages will benefit from the power to choose theme that is so intricately woven throughout the book. As I read the books to my children, I often found myself considering my own choices on a daily basis.
We all make life choices every day from the time we wake up until the time we go to bed. Sometimes we make wrong choices most of the day, and our day ends in a mess. Other times we make great choices, and our day is a success. Then there are the days where we have a few wrong choices and mostly good choices mixed in. We all have the Power to Choose!
Children’s Responses to the Danny and Darla Books
My children used higher order thinking skills as they helped Danny and Darla make choices about their day. I could see the wheels turning in their little heads as they immediately thought about the consequences of making a wrong choice for Danny or Darla.
When we first began reading the books, the children made all correct choices for Danny and Darla. For the second reading, I encouraged them to make all the wrong choices. This allowed them to see how quickly a day can turn sour when we give in to our sinful tendencies rather than choosing what is pleasing to the Lord.
We also enjoyed making a correct choice and going back to see what would have happened if we made the wrong choice. These character lessons helped us think about how we can improve our own personal choices each day. I even found myself saying “What Would Danny and Darla Do?” a few times, and my children knew exactly what I meant!
My son and daughter are very excited about reading more Danny and Darla stories. In a matter of one week, the books have become a favorite in the house! They ask to read the stories regularly for our read aloud times, and they can’t wait to read What Should Danny Do? School Day and What Should Danny Do? On Vacation.
For More Info:
What Should Danny Do? Website
FB: @WhatShouldDannyDo
IG: @elonbooks
Related Posts:
Real-Life Organization for Your Homeschool Space
Children and the Conscience | That Little Voice in Your Head | A Book Review