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99th out of 104 books
—
454 voters
All in a Day
This lovely book illuminates all the possibilities a day offers—the opportunities and chances that won’t ever come again—and also delivers a gentle message of good stewardship of our planet. Newbery Medal winner Cynthia Rylant’s poetic text, alongside Nikki McClure’s stunning, meticulously crafted cut-paper art, makes this picture book not only timeless but appealing to al...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
March 1st 2009
by Harry N. Abrams
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All in a Day is a children's book by Cynthia Rylant that helps kids understand time is fleeting without being dark or frightening. The book urges readers to make the most of each day because "a day is all you have to be, it's all you get to keep." Rylant, who has written over 100 children's books and has received such honors as the Newbery Medal, does this quite effectively. Her chief character is a little boy who does a multitude of things in one day, from tying his shoes and climbing a tree to...more
Each day is an opportunity. The reader gets to follow one boy's day and see the wonders and happiness he encounters.
It took me half of this book to realize it is written in rhyming couplets, which I think is at least partly because of the awkward pacing of the lines in the first few pages. (The first couplet is broken up over too many pages.... and since the first few pages didn't rhyme, I assumed that the rest of the book didn't either. The first time that a couplet appeared in its entirety on...more
It took me half of this book to realize it is written in rhyming couplets, which I think is at least partly because of the awkward pacing of the lines in the first few pages. (The first couplet is broken up over too many pages.... and since the first few pages didn't rhyme, I assumed that the rest of the book didn't either. The first time that a couplet appeared in its entirety on...more
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Rylant's poetry moves through a day filled with work, blue sky, kindness, faith and rest. It is accompanied by the stunning paper cut artwork of McClure, which elevates this simple book to a new level. The tiny details are what make this book work so well. Children will enjoy poring over the illustrations as Rylant's poem carries them on to the next.
Personally, I love all of the little touches. The untied shoelace, the beauty of birchbark, the small whorls of peas, and dandelion fuzz blowing pa...more
Personally, I love all of the little touches. The untied shoelace, the beauty of birchbark, the small whorls of peas, and dandelion fuzz blowing pa...more
All in a Day is a throwback, no question. A simple storyline with gentle, poetic text, a limited color palate of black, blue, and yellow, and bold paper-cut illustrations all add up to a retro feel. By appearances, it looks like it could have fit in if it was published right alongside Marcia Brown’s 1961 masterpiece Once a Mouse. For those reasons (as so often things that seem “old-fashioned” tend to be) it’s not a crowd-pleaser. All in a Day isn’t a book kids will be begging their parents to bu...more
This is an excellent picture book, and I would certainly grant it two and a half stars.
Cynthia Rylant does a superb and beautiful job of expressing the hope and joy and warmth that is possible in each new day that dawns in our lives, even if we don't personally hold out one single ounce of hope when that particular day begins. I have experienced some of the happiest days of my own life on the days that I expected the least, and this wonderful story brings that incomparable feeling of serendipi...more
Cynthia Rylant does a superb and beautiful job of expressing the hope and joy and warmth that is possible in each new day that dawns in our lives, even if we don't personally hold out one single ounce of hope when that particular day begins. I have experienced some of the happiest days of my own life on the days that I expected the least, and this wonderful story brings that incomparable feeling of serendipi...more
May 19, 2013
Jan Rue
added it
Written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Nikki McClure (2009). New York: Abrams. This is a beautiful picture book written in a poem about a day and the things one can do in it. The illustrationg are cut paper which is drawn on black paper, then an X-Acto knife is used to cut out the images. Only four colors are used - gold, light blue, white and black. The poem tells of a little boy and the things he can do in the day - plant a seed, watch the sun go by, work to do, rest, changes in the day,...more
I found this book because the author, Cynthia Rylant, was highlighted in our class book text. This charming book illuminates all the possibilities a day offers. It also sends a mild message to take care of our planet. The illustrations are crafted cut-paper art. This is a timeless, rhyming book that would be a great read aloud to any age. I was actually thinking of reading it at a work meeting. It takes you back into the moment and reminds you that the past is gone, and you have the opportunity...more
Mar 19, 2009
Eva Leger
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
parents of toddlers
Recommended to Eva by:
found at the library
Shelves:
julias-books
Both me and my daughter liked this book. My daughter liked it enough to ask me to read it again this morning. We first read it last night before bed after finding it and checking it out of our local library.
The message within was nice and simple enough for toddlers to grasp which I liked a lot. The illustrations were awesome- so many books these days seem so thrown together and sometimes the illustration is just awful. This had beautiful pictures in it.
I'd definitely recommend for toddlers.
The message within was nice and simple enough for toddlers to grasp which I liked a lot. The illustrations were awesome- so many books these days seem so thrown together and sometimes the illustration is just awful. This had beautiful pictures in it.
I'd definitely recommend for toddlers.
What a delightful combination! Rylant's poetry with McClure's beautiful art work. I was lucky enough to find an original piece by Nikki McClure at Needles and Pens- a great zine store & art gallery in SF. McClure's art has always fascinated me and this collaboration showcases the best of two artists.
The book would be wonderful for young students to begin a conversation about the patterns of the days. I could see this book as a jumping off point for writing about their own days.
The book would be wonderful for young students to begin a conversation about the patterns of the days. I could see this book as a jumping off point for writing about their own days.
This book focuses on the hope that each and every day presents. Possibilities for each day as here and now are examined. The language is poetic and beautifully illustrates what each of us tends to forget, that each and every day is a miracle in itself. The artwork is quite interesting. All images are bold black and white alternating on a bright yellow and a pastel blue backgrounds. The language seems quite mature so I would recommend it for grades K - 3.
All in a Day follows a boy through the activities of his day with positive phrases about the possibilty of a day. The theme is to make the most of today and not worry about the past or the future. The illustrations are beautiful. They really portray the action of a day in a child's life balanced with the message of slowing down and enjoying the here and now. I think this would be a good book to present to someone (child or adult) who tend to worry or have stress.
Rain could show up at your door
and teach you how to dance.
<3
I loved this! Wonderful illustrations and rhyming text that tell a story of the things each new day can bring and the promises and hopes for future days.
I've really enjoyed everything I've read by Cynthia Rylant so far but this book is definitely my favourite.
and teach you how to dance.
<3
I loved this! Wonderful illustrations and rhyming text that tell a story of the things each new day can bring and the promises and hopes for future days.
I've really enjoyed everything I've read by Cynthia Rylant so far but this book is definitely my favourite.
Use this book to teach students about the opportunities they have each day. This simple, yet powerful message is paired with beautiful art and only four colors. I would use this book as a read aloud in the early morning to inspire my students to seize every opportunity for the day. It would work well as a refreshing morning read and help everyone start off on an inspired foot as they proceed in learning that day!
Lovely prose and wonderful illustrations! The message is one that rings true with everyone, young and old. This would be a great book to give to someone embarking on a new journey (such as a graduation present), but also to give someone who needs some inspiration and reassurance. This book reminds you that each day is special and provides a brand new opportunity to do something different and exciting.
Through the eyes of a small farm boy, the reader is challenged to make every single day count, for once it is over you can never get it back. Using a rhyming text, the author portrays the simple pleasures a day can bring. The illustrations are black and white on alternating yellow/blue pages. Lots of possibilities for classroom use as a read aloud and writing activity in the primary classroom.
Mar 19, 2009
Nicole
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all ages, from toddlers up
Shelves:
picture-books
The text and the illustrations come together flawlessly. They just WORK. There is variety in the illustration layout, alternating color pages, impeccable font. The overall effect is bold and impactful...and yet the story (poem?) is sweet and satisfying.
Not to mention, is there a more perfect illustration than the wheelbarrow sheltering the egg? I think not.
Not to mention, is there a more perfect illustration than the wheelbarrow sheltering the egg? I think not.
This is a favorite of the entire family. The illustrations are beautiful and sophisticated--they would not look out of place hanging on your wall in a frame. The 'story' is less a narrative and more a detailing of the importance of each day. It's a beautiful idea that is presented without any moral overtone or heavy-handedness. The writing is sublime.
This book would be good for the 1-3 grades. It talks about the importance of a day, and all that you can get done in one. I think it teaches the lesson of not wasting, and of "don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today". I like the lessons that it teaches, and think it is a good book to have in the classroom for independent reading time.
Sorry, but I am under impressed. It's all lofty concepts wrapped in a lovely book that looks as if it came off of your grandma's bookshelf.
I would bet that parents and librarians will rave over this one and it will end up on the Caldecott List. Meanwhile kids will toss it over for "Fancy Nancy" or another truck book.
I would bet that parents and librarians will rave over this one and it will end up on the Caldecott List. Meanwhile kids will toss it over for "Fancy Nancy" or another truck book.
As I heard a child say "that book looks old". It is not a cover that will draw a child in, but hopefully their parent will pick it up, sit their child down and share this wonderfully simple and poetic story of a boy's day. Maybe it will give the parent an idea or two of something they can go out and do with their kid!
Jan 27, 2011
Terry
marked it as wish-list
I love just about everything Cynthia Rylant does. Over at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast (aka 7Imp), Jules had a lovely review of All in a Day, Rylant's newest title.
A book I thought I read . . . I'm glad I decided to "reread" it! A perfect reminder to be ready and willing for each new day.
"This day will soon be over and it won't come back again.
So live it well, make it count, fill it up with you.
The day's all yours, it's waiting now . . .
See what you can do."
"This day will soon be over and it won't come back again.
So live it well, make it count, fill it up with you.
The day's all yours, it's waiting now . . .
See what you can do."
You don't usually lump picture books/inspirational into the same sentence, but this one...it's special. Written in rhyme, it chronicles a day and all the possibilities it has to offer, along with the fact that a day is all we are given. I wanted to jump up and make this day count! A must-read.
This is a simple book, but it is beautifully written and sends great messages about living each day the best you can, but also tomorrow will be a new day when you can start over. I enjoyed the pictures also. They are black and white and either yellow or blue.
Great book for adults and children...a day is what you make it. Reminds me of the Lincoln quote, "Most people are about as happy as they decide to be." The other message is the day is complete...as Scarlett O'Hara said, "after all, tomorrow is another day!"
I have a deep and soulful love for this book! It's so sweet and simple and beautiful. It makes me want to take off my shoes and run through a filed of dandelions. Kids aren't going to go wild for this one, but it's still a rare gem of a book!
The paper cut illustrations add a simple, old-fashioned feel to lovely verse about making the most of every day. The detail adds another element to the story and makes this another favorite book by Cynthia Rylant.
This is a sweet book like everything by Cynthia Rylant. It has wonderful big pictures and simple but striking illustrations. I thought it was a nice book and could see it considered for Caldecott. Ages 2+
Cole likes this book alright, but isn't in love with it. It's a bit abstract for him, there isn't a storyline with characters, which is what he likes in a book. I like it though, and I love the art.
I cannot say enough about this book. After reading it to my daughter one evening, I re-read it slowly by myself after she had gone to bed. Rylant's words coupled with McClure's images make for a real feast.
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An author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she...more
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