In this historical fiction, award winning author and illustrator, Shirley Hughes tells the story of Daisy Dobbs. Set in early twentieth-century London, young Daisy loves going to school and learning to read. One day Daisy finds out that she must leave school and her home, and go into service as a scullery maid so that she can help support her mother and younger brothers. Daisy tries to do her best scrubbing pots, washing floors and peeling potatoes, but her heart and thoughts are on the many adventures that she has read about and sometimes she gets herself into trouble. However, when disaster strikes, quick thinking Daisy saves the day. The end papers capture the spirit of time period with old newspaper advertisements. Hughes illustrations, done in ink, gouache, and watercolor, are bright and realistic. They bring Daisy’s wonderful adventure to life.

This story is set in a large format picture book, however it is text heavy and more appropriate to for independent readers. Recommended for 3rd to 5th grade. ( )

Daisy works as a maid in a families house and safes the day when she puts out a fire before it causes any damage.

Book Patch Library JBLM

A young girl has to leave school to become a scullery maid in early twentieth-century London. A happy but unlikely ending. ( )