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Book Summary

Reviewed by Patricia Tauzer

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!"

Is It Any Good?

5

Kevin Henkes creates another masterpiece with this book for younger readers. The lines of each drawing are simple and thick, yet delicate; the brown-outlined watercolors look much like woodcut prints. The text is straightforward and simply put, and the lesson is one we all should take to heart. Henkes is an award-winning author/illustrator zeroes in on important lessons, and this is among his best.

When each animal faces a moment that threatens to ruin his day, readers can empathize. "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 what had created fleeting disappointment in one world adds to happiness in another. What a great lesson, and what a beautiful book!

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