All in a Day
What’s inside...
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 all ages, from one to one hundred.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character feels as they go through their day?
How does the changing sky throughout the day affect the story's mood?
Can you think of a day you had that was similar to the character's day? What happened?
Why do you think the author chose to show different times of the day in the book?
How can we make every day special, like the days in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own daily experiences and relate them to the story.
Discuss the illustrations and how they change with the time of day, asking your child to describe what they see and how it makes them feel.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the importance of appreciating each day and finding joy in small things.
Connect the themes of the book to daily routines, giving your child the space to discover the beauty in everyday moments.
Ask your child to imagine their perfect day and describe what would happen from morning to night.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of hard work through the depiction of a young boy working diligently in his garden throughout the day.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking responsibility for their own tasks, such as completing homework or chores, understanding that effort leads to achievement.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Cynthia Rylant's narrative encourages children to observe and cherish the small wonders of the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to spend more time outdoors, exploring and respecting their natural environment, fostering a lifelong bond with nature.
Example Lesson: Importance of seizing the day
Explanation: The story's focus on the activities of a single day highlights the concept of making the most of every moment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value the present and are encouraged to engage fully in daily activities, whether playing, learning, or spending time with family.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Through interactions between characters, the book showcases the importance of being kind and understanding towards others.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's behavior as they interact with peers and adults, promoting a more empathetic and inclusive attitude.