Common Sense Note
Parents need to know this beautifully illustrated book for tots weaves an uplifting lesson. Nothing objectionable is presented.
Families can talk about how it feels when things go wrong, and how temporary most disappointments are. What is a bad day? Why did the bird feel his day was bad? What about the white dog? The orange fox? Or the little brown squirrel? What changed to make their days better? What kind of day did the little girl have? What made it good? What would have happened if the yellow bird had not lost his feather? Have you ever had a bad day? How long did it last? What did you do about it? Have you had good days? What made them good?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Patricia Tauzer
Kevin Henkes creates another masterpiece with this book written for the younger set. The lines of each drawing are simple and thick, yet delicate at the same time; the brown-outlined watercolors look a lot like woodcut prints. The text is straightforward and simply put, and the lesson is one we all should take to heart.
When each animal faces a moment that threatens to ruin his day, we can all empathize. The sad eyes of the bird, dog, fox, and squirrel look up at us, stunned at the fact that something has gone wrong in each of their worlds. And we feel for them. But then...
"But then" are two words that change the world. Life does move on, things turn around, and what seemed like a bad day is suddenly good. And, to top it all off, what had created the fleeting disappointment in one world actually adds to happiness in another.
What a great lesson! And what a beautiful book! Keith Henke is an award-winning author/illustrator who knows how to zero in on important lessons, and is not afraid to try new things. His creative works range from the simplicity of this book for tots to the bubbly, well-loved Lily books to moving stories for older kids (see below). This is among his best.
From The Book
It was a bad day....
Little yellow bird
lost his favorite tail feather.
Little white dog got her leash
all tangled up in the fence.
Little orange fox
couldn't find his mother.
Plot Summary:
The day does not start out well for the yellow bird, white dog, orange fox, or little brown squirrel. But then things change. Ultimately, all turns out well, for all of them as well as for the little girl who shouts to her mama, "What a good day!"
Related Books:
Other Books by Kevin Henkes:
Kitten's First Full Moon
Chester's Way
Lily's Purple Plastic Purse
Chrysantemum
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