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Someday (by Alison McGhee)

common sense media says

Soft, sentimental message speaks more to moms.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is written more for mothers or grandmothers than young children. Kids won't understand the sentimental nature of the story just yet, but probably will enjoy a caregiver's heartfelt reading.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on Someday

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how babies grow up and become independent children, then adults. What kinds of things can you do when you are 5 or 6 that you could not do when you were younger? When will you be able to ride your bike by yourself, walk in the woods, climb a tree or run so fast your "heart feels on fire"? Can you imagine a time when you might leave home and have a house and family of your own? What do you think that will be like? This might also be a great time for a parent or grandparent to share stories of their growing up with the young child.

What's the story?

What's the story?
A mother thinks back on when her child was a baby, but then, as she watches her child sleep, she dreams about the future and how her child is continuing to grow and change. The child soon will become independent, have adventures, and then one day even have a child of her own to raise. And then finally, she too will become a silver-haired woman sitting in the sun and reflecting back on her life and her mother who is now dreaming of her.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The poetic lines of this gentle book are simple yet refreshing. Expressed in handwritten text, graceful yet without flourish, they present the beautifully sentimental dreams of a mother who is watching her child sleep. SOMEDAY is an expression of love that is meant to be shared, though it's written more to the motherly sentiment than to the child. Slightly reminiscent of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree, it presents the same gentle truth about the circular nature of birth, life, and aging.

If you are familiar with the Judy Moody books, you will recognize the muted pen/ink and watercolor illustrations with which Peter Reynolds enlivens the text. Also soft and gentle, they add to the heartfelt flow of the words as they sprawl across the uncluttered page.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Alison McGhee
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Publisher: Atheneum
Publication date: February 27, 2007
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $14.99
Read Aloud: 3
Read Alone: 7
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

lila07
adult
 
I loved it!!
I was in the store with my husband and two young kids, when i walked by the books and this one caught my eye. I started reading it to my three month old daughter and towards the end i began to cry. It was a good cry. This book made me think of myself and how i think about my children's futures in the same way. It was very touching and moving and i would definitely recommend it to any mother and her children.
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clarizadeegeen
adult
2
 
i love how she writes
goood
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)

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