A Good Day (by Kevin Henkes)

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, an award-winning author/illustrator, zeroes in on important lessons, and this is among his best work.

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!