The Daisy

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s nature-rich and calm, with a soft, reflective pace. Even the sad parts are handled gently, inviting empathy and gratitude—feelings that can settle children into a quieter, kinder mood before sleep.

Story Synopsis

A tiny daisy grows near a farmhouse, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the friendly songs of birds. It doesn’t wish to be grand; it’s simply delighted to be alive—turning its face to light and listening to the world. One day, children notice the daisy’s bright freshness and pick it. For a moment, the daisy feels chosen and special. But soon it’s carried away, placed where it can’t reach sunlight, and gradually forgotten. As time passes, the daisy’s petals droop. The story quietly contrasts the daisy’s simple joy in being rooted, breathing, and seen—versus the careless way people sometimes treat living things as decorations. It’s a tender tale that encourages children to notice small beauty, to treat fragile things gently, and to appreciate the everyday gifts that are easy to overlook.

Story Excerpt

Out in the country not far from the high road there stood a farmhouse In front of it was a little garden with a neat fence made of painted wooden palings The garden flowers inside were carefully planted and proudly displayed But just outside the fence beside a ditch on a bank of fresh green grass a small daisy grew The sun shone on that daisy as warmly and brightly as it shone on the grandest flowers in the garden And because of that the daisy thrived One morning it opened fully for the first time little snow white petals spread in a circle around its yellow center like sunbeams around a tiny sun It didn’t mind being unnoticed in the grass or being called a common flower It was simply glad to be alive It turned its face toward the light and listened to the song of a lark high up in the clear air To the daisy the day felt like a holiday But it was only Monday All the children were at school While they sat on benches and learned their lessons the daisy stood on its thin green stalk and…

In One Glance