What Should Danny Do? by Adir Levy – A Life-Changing Book That Empowers Kids Through Choices
Introduction: Why “What Should Danny Do?” Strikes a Chord With Every Parent and Child
Have you ever found yourself wishing your child truly understood the impact of their choices? Imagine giving them a tool so powerful, it reshapes how they respond to daily challenges, emotional triggers, and social situations. That’s exactly what you’ll discover in What Should Danny Do? by Adir Levy. This isn’t just another children’s book collecting dust on a shelf. It’s an interactive adventure that helps young minds build emotional intelligence and decision-making skills that last a lifetime.
When you first read this book with your child, you’re not simply flipping through colorful pages. You’re stepping into a world where your child becomes the hero of the story. The choices they make throughout Danny’s day don’t just determine the outcome of the story; they open up a conversation about real-world behavior and consequences.
Table of Contents
What Is “What Should Danny Do?” About? [Book Overview]
An Interactive Story With a Powerful Message
What Should Danny Do? is the brainchild of Adir Levy and Ganit Levy. Designed for children ages 3–8, this unique book introduces you and your child to Danny, an aspiring superhero who must navigate a day filled with big decisions. Each choice Danny faces offers a different path and ending, putting the “Power to Choose” in your child’s hands.
The book follows a choose-your-own-adventure format, with nine different storylines depending on the decisions made. This format keeps your child engaged while helping them understand that every choice has a consequence, both positive and negative.
Why the Format Matters
- Active engagement: Your child becomes a co-author in Danny’s journey.
- Critical thinking: Every decision point encourages thoughtful reflection.
- Real-life connection: Mirrors situations your child likely encounters at home or school.
Core Themes in What Should Danny Do?
Empowerment Through Choice
This book does more than entertain. It empowers. By putting your child in Danny’s shoes, they get firsthand experience in cause and effect. This fosters an understanding that every decision carries real significance.
- Highlights how decisions shape daily experiences
- Encourages accountability without preaching
- Promotes self-awareness in a non-threatening way
Growth Mindset for Kids
Teaching a growth mindset early can be a game-changer. In the book, Danny doesn’t always make the right choices—and that’s okay. He learns, adapts, and tries again.
- Emphasizes resilience over perfection
- Introduces the idea of learning from mistakes
- Reinforces that every day is a new chance to do better
Emotional Regulation and Empathy
Danny’s interactions highlight the importance of understanding emotions—both his own and others’. Your child learns how emotional responses can escalate or de-escalate a situation.
- Shows the ripple effect of emotional responses
- Encourages empathy toward siblings, parents, and peers
- Helps children name and manage their feelings
Author Spotlight – Who Is Adir Levy?
Background and Motivation
Adir Levy, co-author of the book alongside his wife Ganit Levy, is more than just a writer—he’s an educator with a mission. The couple wanted to create a story that instilled lasting values and practical life skills into children without sounding instructional or dull.
Their background in education and parenting shaped the development of this book, making it both practical and profound.
Other Books in the Series
If your child falls in love with Danny (and they likely will), you’re in luck. The authors have expanded the world of Danny and even introduced Darla, another character who wields the Power to Choose.
- What Should Danny Do? School Day
- What Should Danny Do? On Vacation
- What Should Darla Do?
Each book builds on the same interactive concept and core themes of empowerment, responsibility, and personal growth.
How You Can Use This Book Effectively
Reading Tips for Parents
- Pause at decision points: Don’t rush. Ask your child what they think Danny should do and why.
- Connect to real life: “Remember when you shared your toys like Danny? That was your Power to Choose.”
- Repeat readings: Try different paths on different nights to explore all outcomes.
Classroom Integration Ideas
Educators love this book too. Here’s how you can use it in a classroom setting:
- Morning meeting discussions about choices and outcomes
- Role-play scenarios based on Danny’s challenges
- Journaling activities where students write their own “What Should I Do?” stories
Parenting Applications
Take the lessons beyond the book:
- Use Danny’s name as a reference point in day-to-day decisions
- Empower your child with responsibility: “You have the Power to Choose, just like Danny”
- Reinforce consistency: Every choice, every day, builds character
Real-World Impact – What Parents and Teachers Are Saying
Testimonials That Speak Volumes
“My five-year-old wants to read this book every single night. He now says, ‘I chose a bad choice today, but I have the power to choose better tomorrow.'”
“It’s like this book was written for my classroom. It fits seamlessly into our discussions about respect and kindness.”
Research That Backs It Up
You’re not just taking a leap of faith. Studies in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) have shown that children who develop decision-making and empathy skills early perform better both academically and socially.
As reported by CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning):
- SEL interventions improve students’ academic performance by 11 percentile points
- Emotional intelligence skills are critical for success in school and life
Summary Table – Essential Insights from What Should Danny Do?
| Key Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Age | 3–8 years |
| Main Theme | Power of Choice |
| Format | Interactive / Choose-your-own-adventure |
| Key Skills Developed | Emotional intelligence, decision-making, empathy, growth mindset |
| Author | Adir Levy (co-authored with Ganit Levy) |
| Series Continuation | Yes – multiple books featuring Danny and Darla |
FAQs
What age is What Should Danny Do? suitable for?
This book is ideal for children ages 3 to 8, though the themes resonate with older readers too.
Is this book appropriate for classroom use?
Yes. It’s widely used in SEL programs, reading circles, and behavior modeling lessons.
Are there similar books in the series?
Absolutely. The authors have created follow-up titles including What Should Danny Do? School Day, What Should Danny Do? On Vacation, and What Should Darla Do?
Can this book improve my child’s behavior?
Many parents report a noticeable improvement in their child’s attitude toward decision-making. The book provides a framework kids can relate to and apply.
Conclusion: Why Every Family Should Read What Should Danny Do?
As a parent, you’re constantly looking for ways to raise thoughtful, resilient, and kind-hearted children. What Should Danny Do? hands you the blueprint. It’s engaging, memorable, and impactful. More than that, it helps you build meaningful conversations with your child about emotions, responsibility, and character.
By showing your child that they have the Power to Choose, you equip them with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and empathy. So why wait? Make What Should Danny Do? your next read and watch how one simple story can spark powerful growth in your child’s heart and mind.
Ready to empower your child?
Grab your copy of What Should Danny Do? today and start shaping a brighter tomorrow—one choice at a time.