Book Title: Super Daisy: A Narrative Poem Book
Author: Esther Oriyomi Eriwayo
Genre: A Book Review
Year of Publication: 2024
Reviewer: Ikechukwu Otuu Egbuta, PhD.
Poetry as a rhythmic sequence (narrative)
Poetry as the oldest genre of literature begins its career in a narrative form. The tradition of narrative poetry dates back thousands of years to ancient civilisations where oral storytelling was prevalent in poetic forms of early and later works of literature such as The Epic of Gilgamesh dating back to circa 2100 BCE which is one of the oldest known works of literature from Mesopotamia that recounts the adventures of King Gilgamesh. Homer’s Epics: The Iliad and The Odyssey are foundational texts in Western literature that combine history with mythology. Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon epic poem that tells the tale of its titular hero’s battles against monsters. As societies evolved, so did narrative poetry. In medieval Europe, works like Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales showcased diverse voices through interconnected stories told by pilgrims travelling together. The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe: A haunting tale about grief and loss narrated by a man visited by a mysterious raven. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: A complex story about sin, redemption, and nature’s power told through vivid imagery. Paradise Lost by John Milton: An epic poem exploring themes of temptation, free will, and redemption through the biblical story of Adam and Eve.
Narrative poetry is a unique form of poetry that tells a story, combining the elements of storytelling with the artistic qualities of verse. Unlike other types of poetry that may focus solely on emotions or abstract ideas, narrative poems unfold like tales, often featuring characters, plots, and conflicts. This blend of narrative and poetic techniques allows for a rich exploration of themes and human experiences embodying the features of storytelling elements which typically includes character/s, a plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end, as well as conflicts and resolutions. The narrative structure engages readers by guiding them through the events or persons being described. Creation of vivid imagery and descriptive language play a crucial role in painting pictures in the reader’s mind, enhancing the overall experience. Rhythm and Rhyme are incorporated to create musicality within the stanzas with an accompaniment of the actual comprehensive message the author-poet wants to pass across to his readers.
Super Daisy: A Narrative Poem Book captures the interesting social life and adventures of a dog named Daisy. Through a series of engaging poems, the author takes readers on a journey that explores themes of friendship, growth, and the joy of community relationship. The book opens with an introduction to Daisy, “Meet Daisy:”
An amiable, intelligent, unique, and courageous dog who brightens the lives of those around her with her uplifting presence. As a loyal friend and a creative problem-solver, she values personal growth and self-discovery, constantly uncovering the unique qualities that make her one of a kind.
The narrative is structured around key events in Daisy’s life, showcasing her interactions with friends, family, and her experiences at school. Each poem is crafted with rhythmic language, vivid imagery and illustrations, making it accessible and enjoyable for early school children. One of the standout features of Super Daisy is its emphasis on social connections. The poems illustrate how Daisy forms friendships with other animals in her neighborhood. These relationships are depicted through playful language and relatable scenarios that highlight the importance of companionship. For instance, there are heartwarming verses about “Daisy & Kitten,” “Daisy New Friend,” “Their Friendship is always Filling Up,” “Daisy and Flower,” “Daisy and Friends,” “My Team Are the Best” and “Jay and Daisy” where Daisy engages in fun activities while also keeping in touch with her dreams in “Daisy New Plan,” “Daisy New Skills,” “The Thought,” “Dance of Victory,” and “Daisy Got Ready for Graduation.” Eriwayo skillfully portrays the dynamics of friendship through various encounters —Daisy’s excitement when meeting new friends, her loyalty to those she cares about.
As the narrative progresses, readers follow Daisy’s journey through school —a pivotal aspect that adds depth to her character development. The poems capture her experiences as she learns new skills alongside her classmates. The portrayal of school life is both whimsical and insightful; it reflects not only academic achievements but also personal growth. Daisy faces challenges typical for any student: learning to share, overcoming fears, and striving for excellence. These moments are infused with humor and warmth, making them relatable to early school children who may be navigating similar experiences in their own educational journeys.
The climax of “Super Daisy” culminates in a joyous graduation ceremony where Daisy celebrates her accomplishments surrounded by friends and family. This event serves as a powerful metaphor for achievement and recognition —an essential milestone in anyone’s life. The poems vividly describe the atmosphere filled with cheers from parents and friends who take pride in Daisy’s hard work. The graduation celebration is not just about receiving a degree; it carries with it symbols of growth, resilience, and the support system that has helped shape Daisy into who she has become. The author beautifully captures this moment through uplifting verses that inspire readers to cherish their own milestones and moments of great achievements.
However, beyond the obvious tale told above about Daisy, and falling short of some the known features of a narrative poem, Eriwayo’s Super Daisy scores a brace by awakening the rhythmic sequence of Jane Taylor’s “The Star” and her “AABB” nursery rhyming scheme two hundred and nineteen years after. Such schemata remind us that what is before us is a work of art. Aristotle in Poetics calls it recognition by memory —when the sight of some objects awakens a feeling of something familiar.
“The Star” and “Super Daisy”
The poem “The Star” by Jane Taylor, published in 1806, is a classic piece of children’s literature that has captivated readers for generations. Its themes of wonder, innocence and the beauty of nature echo deeply to the very extent that we can hardly find anyone whose language of instruction is English that is not able to recite at least the first stanza of the poem. Esther Oriyomi Eriwayo’s Super Daisy, released in 2024, serves as a modern reincarnation of Taylor’s original work. This review will explore the thematic connections between these two poems, their stylistic differences, and the cultural significance of Eriwayo’s adaptation.
Wonder, innocence and structural significance
Both poems encapsulate a sense of wonder that is central to childhood experiences. Taylor’s “The Star” presents a celestial body as a source of inspiration and admiration for children. It invites readers to gaze at the night sky and ponder the mysteries it holds. Eriwayo’s Super Daisy introduces an animal, dog character, who embodies curiosity and bravery, encouraging early school children to explore their surroundings with an open heart, making friends, having plans, acquiring skills, and keeping dreams alive.
Nature plays a crucial role in both works. In “The Star,” Taylor uses vivid imagery to describe the star’s brilliance against the backdrop of the night sky. This connection to nature fosters imagination among children, prompting them to dream beyond their immediate realities. Eriwayo mirrors this approach by incorporating elements from the environment into “Super Daisy.” From chapter one to seven of Super Daisy, Eriwayo takes the audience through a journey of “Daisy and Her Red Ball; Daisy Small House; Daisy and Kitten; Daisy in Her Feelings; Daisy New Friends; Daisy and Jay; and “Friendship is always Filling Up” in order to explore the theme of humans and their social environment. Humans, as well as animals are inherently social creatures. This idea is rooted in the understanding that individuals cannot exist in isolation; they rely on social interactions for survival, emotional support, and cognitive development. The protagonist, Daisy, interacts with various aspects of nature, which not only enriches her adventures but also reinforces the importance of environmental awareness.
Jane Taylor’s language is characterised by its simplicity and rhythmic quality, making it accessible for young readers. The poem employs traditional rhyme schemes that enhance its musicality. Eriwayo adopts a more contemporary style that reflects modern sensibilities while still maintaining an engaging narrative flow. Her use of free verse allows for greater flexibility in expression, enabling her to convey complex emotions without being constrained by rigid structures. Eriwayo Super Daisy is highly censored, in that she takes extra trouble to eliminate those images painted through words or pictures that could be injurious to the impressionable minds of children. “Their Friendship is always Filling Up” and “Daisy Loved to Explore” are the only two chapters of the poem book’s twenty-four chapters without illustrations. This could be the demand to be constantly in touch with the children’s book she aims to write and taking extra care not to create illustrations that would be detrimental to achieving it.
Structurally, Eriwayo’s Super Daisy is written in long and expanded couplets. Apart from chapters five, seven, and eleven, where the rhyming scheme has a scattered-effect, the poem book is rendered in beautifully crafted successive couplets to produce the rhythmic effect of being inevitably confronted by Taylor’s “Twinkle! Twinkle! Little Star” in a very interesting and modern manner. Written in short and expanded couplets within the range of eight and twelve lines, Eriwayo’s Super Daisy is rooted in 21st-century sociocultural dynamics that celebrate diversity and empowerment, self-discovery, as well as reflecting contemporary societal values. This is what we read in chapter nine:
Daisy loved to explore
The great outdoors, with its wonders and more
She’d sniff the flowers and chase the bees,
And roll in the grass beneath the trees.
One sunny day, she found a stream,
With crystal-clear water and a gentle gleam
She splashed and played in the cool water,
Nature’s joy making her holler
Daisy watched the birds up in the sky,
And listened to the wind as it whispered by
She climbed a hill and saw the view,
Feeling at home, just being true
(AA, BB, CC, DD, EE, FF)
Eriwayo’s adaptation serves not only as homage to Taylor’s original work but also as a means to address current issues faced by children today. By reinterpreting “The Star,” she bridges generational gaps while introducing themes relevant to today’s youth —such as environmental stewardship and personal agency. Moreover, this reincarnation highlights how classic literature can evolve over time while retaining its core essence. It encourages new generations to engage with literary heritage while fostering creativity through reinterpretation. Esther Oriyomi Eriwayo’s Super Daisy stands as a very modest reincarnation of Jane Taylor’s timeless poem “The Star.” This review underscores the enduring relevance of literary works across time periods while celebrating their ability to inspire future generations. Super Daisy is more than just a collection of narrative poems; it is an exploration of life’s important themes through the eyes of an endearing canine protagonist. The book effectively combines humour, emotion, and inspiration while celebrating friendship, education, and personal growth. Teachers will find themselves enchanted by Daisy’s adventures as they reflect on the social lives and aspirations of their early school children, and I strongly believe that this poem book will be as famous and as well as leave an enduring impression of reencountered rhythmic effects on early school children as Taylor’s “The Star.”
Ikechukwu Egbuta, PhD, can be reached on: [email protected]