In this follow up to the Ezra Jack Keats award winning book Daniel Finds a Poem, Micha Archer continues the story of the wonderfully curious Daniel and his search for the questions that drive his curiosity.
Daniel is a sweet and well liked boy in his neighborhood. He is greeted and waved at by many of his neighbors as he walks to his grandma's house. “Have a good day!” they all tell him. And with that his curiosity is piqued.
Daniel begins to wonder what actually makes a “good day”.
As he approaches the neighbors he knows, he asks them what makes a “good day" for them.
For Mrs. Sanchez, the house painter, a good day is when the sky is clear so she can paint. For the kite flying Emma, a good day is a day with steady wind. For the nanny watching the babies, it's a long nap for the babies that makes a day good for her.
He learns that a good day for the bus driver is a “please” and a “thank you” from the bus riders. A good day to the gardener is when the bees land on the flowers. And a good day to the mail carrier is a happy dog.
As Daniel continues to ask his neighbors what makes a good day for them, he begins to understand that a good day looks different to everyone.
The illustrations in this book are done in the style of Ezra Jack Keats. You can see the direct inspiration in every paper collage image in this book. Archer captures Keats style perfectly!
This is a great book for parents and teachers who are looking to introduce the concept of perspective or a unique point-of-view to a young reader. In the case of Daniel, he learns that a “good day” means something different to everyone, and that there isn’t one answer to what makes a good day.
This is a charming and heartfelt book with a simple message. And that message is presented in a fun and unique way that most young readers will be able to connect with without difficulty.
This book is best recommended for readers between the ages of 3 and 6.
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