a 'with love' book that invites us to appreciate the day and to live it fully

ALL IN A DAY
by Newberry Medal winner Cynthia Rylant. The fabulous cut-paper artwork is by Nikki McClure - publisher Abrams 2009
ages toddler to grown-up / coffee table, language, s.o.s.e.

I bought this picture book just for me, without hesitation. It's full of sentiment but not sentimental and the words are profoundly simple. The illustrations are not too shabby either. (Read that as 'they're stunning!')

Here's how it starts:

A day is a perfect piece of time
to live a life, to plant a seed,
to watch the sun go by.

A day starts early, work to do, beneath a brand-new sky.

A day brings hope
and kindness, too . . .
a day is all its own.

You can make a wish, and start again,
you can find your way back home.

I also love these bits . . .

A day can change just everything,
given half a chance.

Rain could show up at your door and teach you how to dance.....

A day is all you have to be, it's all you get to keep.

This is a perfect book for toddlers through to grown-ups - it's a 'with love' sort of book that's at once beautiful to look at, inspiring, calming and motivating. It has certainly earned its place as a stayer in my pile of coffee table picture books.

You can buy ALL IN A DAY via these direct links: Amazon - Book Depository - Booktopia

P.S. My hardback version has paper that's beautiful to touch and to turn - and it still has that lovely 'new book' smell when someone opens the pages. A sweet bonus for the olfactory nerves!