Someday

Book review by Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media
Someday Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 2+

Soft, sentimental message speaks more to moms.

Alison McGhee Picture Book 2007
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Parents say

age 2+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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.

Community Reviews

clarizadeegeen
clarizadeegeen Adult
February 27, 2009
age 2+

i love how she writes

goood
lila07
lila07 Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

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.
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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.

Book Details

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