Lovely Day

by Bill Withers, Skip Scarborough, Olivia Duchess (Illustrator)

Bill Withers's celebrated hit song "Lovely Day" comes to life in this beautifully illustrated picture book! "'Lovely Day' is a positive and uplifting song that comforts the soul. I'm thrilled to see my husband’s beautiful words come to life in this stunning picture book." -- Marcia Withers Bill Withers's "Lovely Day" is famous for bringing listeners joy. This gorgeous picture book adapted from the song's timeless lyrics follows the story of a brother and sister who always find a way to make each other smile, no matter the challenges the day may bring. From discovering new ways to play when the playground is closed, to laughing out loud as they run through the rain, these siblings can count on each other to find the joy in any situation. Because when you're with the ones you love, every day is a lovely day!

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Storytime, Childrens, Family, African American

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 3, 2023

Reviews

[Brandy Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter loves this book , this book is a mirror book it shows her own culture and love for music , she listened to the song after we read the book at least 3 times before she nodded off to sleep

[Shan Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lyrics to Bill Whithers’ Lovely Day, was cute reading it to my daughter because she knows the song (chorus obvi) so we kinda did it together lol

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

In Lovely Day, a brother and sister make lemons out of lemonade on a sunny day in the City. When the brother drops his cereal, his sister helpfully pours him another. When their local park is closed down for construction, the brother leads the sister to a park in which they climb trees and play with the local children.

While the song is essentially the main content of the book, the cheerful illustrations by Olivia Dutchess are simply what sets this book apart from others. Diverse characters with textured hair and various Brown skin tones are featured as the brother and sister explore their community for the day.

I like how layered the illustrations are and the ones that show the kids playing in the park have color and depth. I also like how the lyrics dance across the page in some sections, reminding readers that it's ok to sing along.

Lovely Day will inspire joy in children seeing a healthy relationship between siblings doing their best to cheer each other up.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This uplifting storybook has words adapted from "Lovely Day," a hit song by Bill Withers.

The illustrations show a big brother and little sister who lift each other up. For example:

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face....
Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me.

ARE THE SENTIMENTS EXPRESSED HERE REALLY AGE-APPROPRIATE?

To me, the big brother looks like a second grader. And the little sister looks like a toddler.

Do children this young really think a lot about the future? Let alone making adult generalizations? Such as:

"When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face"?

I don't think so. Look, kids are smart; and if asked to play along with words they don't really understand, they can do a convincing job.

Personally, though, I'm not crazy about seeing this kind of thing in a picture book.

RATING TIME

FIVE STARS for those Goodreaders who find it credible that a love song -- which this book clearly is -- translates well into a picture book about two young children.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the lyrics of Bill Withers' song, "Lovely Day" this book celebrates life and making it a great day. The kids featured in the story are having some trouble but the sister or brother helps the other one cheer up and move along. Great book to celebrate the power of family. It is an inspirational book for all. Bright, colorful illustrations throughout the book will warm a reader's heart as they move along the beat of the story. Highly recommended for Grades K-2.

[Maddiegillis16 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a brother and a sister who face challenges throughout the book. They figure out that they can overcome any challenges with each other. They know they will be okay because they have each other. I can use this book in my classroom to teach my students about the importance of relationships. And that leaning on people for help during times of crisis is perfectly normal. I want them to understand they never have to be alone in whatever they are going through.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the lyrics by Bill Withers.
The story moves through the song lyrics and the illustrations bring it to life. Reader meet a brother and sister who handle glitches and problems and realize they have each other no matter what. I love the illustrations. So many people and ways to find joy.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joyfully illustrated.

[Children's Literature Centre at FSU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Day based on the song by Bill Withers is a beautiful children’s book about the relationship between a brother and sister. They make each other’s day because of the love they share.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork to accompany one of the best songs ever!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me happy. The words, based on the lyrics written by Bill Withers, and the bright joyful illustrations.

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

For story time tied this reading in with playing the song at the same time.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story and illustrations are based off the song "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers. There are a series of events that occur, but instead of letting it get everyone down, they look on the upside of things.

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

fine. Bigger crowd would have had more potential for discussion.