At the End of the Day

by Lisl H. Detlefsen, Lynnor Bontigao (Illustrator)

A pitch-perfect story about a busy, exhausted, and loving family dealing with one obstacle after another in the run-up to bedtime, in the spirit of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

At the end of a long day, sometimes it feels as if time will keep stretching endlessly. There are errands to run, homework to do, and toys to be put away. Sometimes it’s windy, and stormy, or downright boring. But . . . sometimes, with a little patience, the end of the day can be warm and cozy, surprising and exciting, and just right—filled with reasons to be grateful for the day you’ve had, and to look forward to tomorrow, too.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Emotion, Fiction, Mental Health, Cultural

Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2024

About the author

Lisl H. Detlefsen lives on a cranberry marsh near Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, with her husband and two sons. She writes while she watches wildlife wander past her office window. Her favorite part of the year is when it's time for harvest.

Lisl is represented by agent Jennifer Mattson of Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes after an already full day, there is homework, dance class, piano lessons or chores. Even when we try to relax and put a puzzle together we get to the end and there's a piece missing. But sometimes something good will happen to turn the day around.

A good book for teaching about tough days.

[Christine Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The family situation really reminded me of my own, and it was such a sweet story. The fact that it exists and depicts a diverse family already made it mean a lot to me.

[Lizzy Voorhies · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO SWEET

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

This wonderful book is about being in a funk and how to get out of it. The text is written in should a wonderful way that even when describing the difficulties, there is no judgement, just an acknowledgement that things can be difficult at times, and we don’t even know why. This is where the illustrations come in with our three kids, one stay-at-home dad, and a mom who has been gone for a while. I love that the mom is not only the military member but that the dad stays home to be with the youngest, both of which are situations not often depicted in children’s books but becoming more and more normal in American society as women serving in the military continues to rise. Even if you are not a military family, this book still applies to those times when one parent is away for any work and the family feels off. And, like the title tells us, at the end of the day, no matter what we feel or what happens, there is always love there, waiting until the family can all be together again.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are days and lives that just seem to be filled with activities, and sometimes, as shown in this picture book, a full day is followed by an equally busy afternoon and evening. It's almost as though, even for youngsters, there's a second work shift once they arrive home from school. Then, to add to their challenges, plenty of things go wrong, and even an intended act of kindness or thoughtfulness ends up going awry. But even on those terrible, rotten, no-good days, there is still love. Knowing that there is always tomorrow and a chance for a new start helps all those unpleasant moments recede in memory. Positive, uplifting text supported by colorful artwork created with Procreate and Adobe Photoshop, depict a modern family in which the father seems to tend the home fires while the mother serves in the military. Exhausted though the family members may, at the end of the day, they have each other.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading “At the End of the Day” and I have to say, it’s an absolute gem! 💎

This adorable picture book perfectly captures the chaos and love of family life. Parents/caregivers and kids alike will relate to the ups and downs of the day, from errands to homework to tidying up toys. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s always room for warmth and joy.

The story is an excellent read-aloud with kids, as it will be relatable and validating to the emotions surrounding a child/family’s everyday life. Plus, the illustrations are simply beautiful! 🎨

If you’re looking for a heartwarming read that celebrates the little moments, this is it! 💖

*I received a free copy from the publisher

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Lisl Detlefsen ’03
Author

From the author:
A pitch-perfect story about a busy, exhausted, and loving family dealing with one obstacle after another in the run-up to bedtime, in the spirit of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

At the end of a long day, sometimes it feels as if time will keep stretching endlessly. There are errands to run, homework to do, and toys to be put away. Sometimes it’s windy, and stormy, or downright boring. But . . . sometimes, with a little patience, the end of the day can be warm and cozy, surprising and exciting, and just right—filled with reasons to be grateful for the day you’ve had, and to look forward to tomorrow, too.

[Natasha Tripplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, full of truths!
In this sweet story, a family ventures through the ups and downs of everyday life. It explores the afternoons and evenings - when the day seems like it should be winding down, but all too often, it is just getting started. This book is so full of love, that it oozes (in a good way) off the pages. Be prepared with tissues, because the emotion soaks every page. The artwork is incredible. Bontigao's illustrations are filled with a depth that draws you in. Both the firefly and forest scenes are captivating. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Read it with a little on one your lap for full effect.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers the day to day life of a family that appears to be doing WAY too many things. With only one parents, who appears to be stretched too thin, the story finishes out nicely with the return of a military mom. This book hits home for the parents out there, but I'm not sure if a child (unless their parent is in the military or just is away/travels for work alot) will enjoy/FEEL it. Cute and simple overall. It has digital illustrations that will speak to every parent reader who has ever felt overwhelmed by the day-to-day chaos life. The kids will enjoy what looks to be alot of chaos on every page.(Diamond 25-26)

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes at the end of the day when you get home from school there’s still homework or chores or toys to pick up or it’s raining outside so you are stuck in the house. It can feel disappointing or boring, but there are also days when you come home and smell good food cooking, and there’s time to play with your brothers and sisters and hear bedtime stories and feel loved.

This is a sweet story about the joys of family life, and a reminder to the younger members of the family to not get discouraged when things don’t go exactly as you planned.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisl Detlefsen captures the hecticness of a busy day in the life of a family where the day sometimes goes by very quickly without being able to have all expected experiences and just when the day seems a bit disappointing, something happens at the end of the day to make it all worthwhile. This is a good story to share at home at the end of day. Readers will also enjoy the whimsical, often action-packed illustrations of Lynnor Bontigao.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this slice of life picture book about the ups and downs of a family at the end of the day. All parents can relate to the hectic nature of evenings in a house. The words and illustrations of AT THE END OF THE DAY perfectly capture the busy, emotional, and yet ultimately warm moments at the end of a normal day. As a military family, I also loved how this element was woven into the story as well. A relatable and big hearted family story.

[Dawn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!! (Especially if you're looking for a WI-authored picture book!) A simple story that follows a family living their everyday life in a realistic way. There's a sweet twist at the end that tugs a little on your heart.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern, busy family experiences busy days, overwhelming days, days where things go wrong and days where things are fantastic. This is a slice-of-life picture book about life's ups and downs that kids will relate to.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect picture book about what family means without being too saccharine. Ups and downs of family life are portrayed with both humorous and heart felt illustrations.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A realistic look at the fast paced never ending lifestyle of families whose day may seem to end, but in between another day seems to start with other activities from the simple to the complex.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reminder that no matter what happens in our day, good or bad, we always come home and have the promise of a new day tomorrow.

[Heila]

Not too many families like this represented in kids' books that I've found. An active-duty military mother and a mixed race, cute, messy and loving family.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preschool and school-age
Military family

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't a big fan of this one. In the beginning, and really throughout, the family and children are just too busy, have too much going on. Living a chaotic, hectic life is not healthy for any of us.

[Lemuel Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will tug at your heartstrings. Perfect for all families.