たくさんのドア

by Alison McGhee

You are stronger than you know. You are wilder than you know.You are braver than you know. And you are capable of more than you could ever imagine. Life is full of surprises, big and small, both along the roads we take and where these winding paths eventually lead us. So Many Days will remind you to notice all the joy and love along the way, because it's all there, helping to bring out the strongest, wildest, bravest YOU.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Love, Fiction, Juvenile, Middle Grade

Tankobon Softcover

First published January 5, 2010

About the author

Alison McGhee writes novels, picture books, poems, and essays for all ages, including the just-published THE OPPOSITE OF FATE, a novel, and the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller SOMEDAY, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Her work has been translated into more than 20 languages. She lives in Minneapolis and California.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being wowed by Taeeun Yoo's beautiful linoleum block prints in the recent Only a Witch Can Fly (named one of the ten Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2009 by The New York Times), I was delighted to discover that she had a new picture-book due for publication in early 2010, and even more excited when I found an advance reviewer's copy.

Unfortunately, while I found the illustrations quite appealing - they're not as striking as those done for Only a Witch Can Fly , but then, they were created with a softer, less dramatic palette - the text of So Many Days did not impress me. This is the second Alison McGhee and Taeeun Yoo collaboration whose narrative left me indifferent, leading me to suspect that McGhee isn't the "right" author for Yoo. On the other hand, it's also possible that, having read this so soon after Joy Harjo's lyrical For a Girl Becoming - another recent inspirational picture-book - I was simply expecting too much. Taeeun Yoo fans will definitely want to take a look at this one, but other readers probably don't need to rush right out to find it.

[Linda]

It's always amazing when something so simple can convey so much meaning with so little ado. So Many Days is one of those special books. Quiet and calming, especially in its repetition, it encourages children to hold on to their curiosity and sense of wonder as they grow and begin to branch out into the world at large. The beautifully tinted, whimsical illustrations do much to transmit the meaning of the poetry. Explore, experience, and be careful but not afraid. Isn't that the message most of us would like to convey to our children and grandchildren?

[Aneesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seemed like it was written for parents. I liked the illustrations. 7yo noted that it was repetitive.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's no real story here, just poetic text encouraging a child to dream and do, reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! Taeeun Yoo's digitally-manipulated linocuts of a little girl going about her day with her dog are nice, with large blocks of blues and greens, and a cozy feel to some of the pages. Overall, this reminds me of a book people might give a teenager for high school graduation. Not much too it other than, "Hey, you never know what you can achieve, we love you, so get out there and try". Which isn't a bad message, it's just not too terribly exciting. :/

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. It's a book about noticing the things around you. I imagine a parent reading this to their child, and then discussing what it might mean to each of them. I loved it. However, I do think that this is the type of book that may be better geared toward older children, not picture book aged children.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The refrain, "Who will you be and where will you go? And how will you know?" provides a foundation for this book about the challenges we face in life and the qualities we have that support us. Wonderful for teaching metaphor. Read the text and then picture walk the illustrations a second time.

[Axl Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Many Days is a beautiful, poetic picture book that I absolutely loved as a college student. Its gentle, affirming message reminded me that it's okay not to have everything figured out yet and that it's okay to be uncertain about where I'm going. The book reassured me that I am braver, stronger, and more loved than I often realize. With its soothing words and comforting illustrations, it’s a perfect read for anyone—young or old—navigating life's big and small transitions. Absolutely loved!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's Classic
Target Audience: Either Kindergarten or 1st grade or recent graduates.

Summary:

Main Characters: Un-named young girl and her dog.

Setting: The wide outdoors

Narrative: Charming illustrations of a young girl exploring the natural world with her dog accompany age-appropriate musings about what it's like to be alive and experience/explore the world.

Strengths & Weaknesses:
The artwork is simple, charming and cute. The muted colors match the more philosophical tone of the book and the illustrations' whimsy help keep the text uplifting and sweet. It's easy for these types of inspirational books to feel heavy handed but juxtaposing text like "You are wilder than you know" with a drawing of a little girl and a dog clinging to a runaway kite or "You are loved more than you know" with the little girl and dog being rescued by a huge whale, keep it accessible and light.

Some of the text could be a little too metaphorical for a small reader. For example, "You are the beat of the sun at noon" might go over a little one's head.

Personal critique:
While I love the illustrations and find the overall message about life being big and full of discovery appealing, I wonder how much of this book a younger reader would really appreciate while reading it without context from an adult. I would recommend this to teachers or parents who want to read an inspiring book together but not necessarily to a child alone.

Illustrations:
Color Illustrations

Notable awards:
None.

Lesson Planning:
This book would be good to teach children about being brave and open to trying new things. It would also be a cute way to introduce metaphors and similes to older students.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little motivational speech, telling the reader they are wonderful, loved, and full of potential. Cute visuals to go with an inspiring message. Would be great to share with a child at a big event, such as kindergarten graduation or a birthday.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reader gets to follow a child as questions are presented: Who will you be and where will you go? And how will you know? Wonderful illustrations take the reader along with the child wondering about what life has in store. Bravery, kindness, hope, strength, adventure, love, and discovery.

[Abby Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book!! One of the reasons I love it is because it starts off by saying, "You are stronger than you know, You are wilder than you know, You are braver than you know, and you are capable of more than you can imagine." This book can be very inspiring for young readers.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how it shows a kid's imagination

[Lynne Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and lyrical, with engaging illustrations. It offers a quiet, lyrical and whimsical adventure for little ones to go on and take their imaginations with them.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute read! I read this on Tumbebooks.

[skcocnaH · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations. I didn’t care for the story.

[Gayle Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison McGhee collaborated on So Many Days with illustrator Taeen Yoo to create a lovely tale of encouragement, possibility, and affirmation. A refrain that repeats throughout text asks, “Who will you be and where will you go? And how will you know?” This invitation to consider one’s life dream is then followed by important advice, “Words will open your heart and kindness will open your soul.”
Yoo’s detailed illustrations embody these wise words and depict the child’s diminutive size in a way that suggests his bravery while confronting difficult odds instead succumbing to helplessness and fear. In one two-page spread we see the boy in his tiny rowboat as he navigates a storm-tossed sea and encounters a gigantic whale. His bravery vanquishes his fears!
Like the other titles reviewed in this post, So Many Days concludes with an affirmation: “You are loved more than you know.” Five Stars! -Gayle H. Swift, "ABC, Adoption & Me: A Multicultural Picture Book"
AQ* Lens In the illustrations mentioned above–the boy with the whale–the moment captures the feeling of immense odds and the boy’s formidable ability to survive. This page can lead to an important discussion about the storm-tossed moments of the child’s life–if they feel up to and open to that discussion. If that is too strong, the conversation can take a more removed tack and discuss how “some kids” face difficulties and how they survive them.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those "great picture books for grown-ups". The writing is flowy and lovely:
"You are earth that hungers for sun.
You are song that longs to be sung.
You are loved more than you know."
It's all about the possibilities, the doors that open in every day. The art is simple and clean - and most kids I know wouldn't get it. I'd buy it for one of my adult girlfriends, but only the sensitive, poetic child will sit still for this book more than once.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually give books 5 stars. It has to have something different or special- this has both. I read it twice just to capture the essence of it. Not only are there encouraging words, you could look through just the pictures and get a whole new perspective of the story. It is an easy reader and even though the artwork isn't the most amazing thing I have ever seen, the thought that went into the pictures are great! I really liked this book!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice rhythm to the verse and chorus, very prayer-like, with broad, general, inspirational phrases. A sweet book for adults and teens, definitely. And I think children might enjoy looking at all the very specific activities depicted in the illustrations, but I'm not sure telling a young child that they are "braver/stronger/wilder than they know" is something that ultimately makes a lot of sense to their concrete, pragmatic selves.

[Foxytocin · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those precious, precocious books written for children about possibilities and dreams, growing up, potential.....most definitely way over the head of the average child (and many adults too), but a content well worth sharing because it kicks the listening mind into gear, so to speak.
Aboslutely love Taeeun Yoo's illustrations...simple and sweet, they are a delight.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about the potential in all of us, no matter the age. The illustrations indicate a small child, but really, this speaks to anyone needing some inspiration, trying to find their way in the world. The concept is rather deep for young children, I think this book would actually make a great high school/college graduation gift.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be a nice one for a parent to share with a child, perhaps at bedtime. The rhythmic text gently celebrates all of the choices and opportunities that are possible in life. The illustrations, rendered as limo cuts and then manipulated digitally, are just lovely and accompany the text nicely.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this is one of those books that adult thing would be great for young readers and kids, but it is not. I don’t think kids think about their future maybe till they’re in second or third grade. The format of this book lend it self to be read to young readers with a repetitive phrase and short text yet I don’t think I’ll get it.

[Gwen the Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Taeeun Yoo is becoming one of my favorite illustrators; I just love the linocut blocks she uses and how very old-fashioned her lovely books look. Sadly, I am not at all a fan of Alison McGhee's text here. It's just kind of trite and blah and not at all for children.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poetic romp through forests and gardens, oceans and puddles, this book is simple, short, yet very uplifting and soothing. We enjoyed this book, especially the ending: You are loved more than you know.

[Sandybear76]

I had to read this one a couple times to rally appreciate it. It is on the list to read to 1st graders nest week. I like the lines You are braver than you know, and you are wilder than you know. Great illustrations with movement across the pages.

[Lartemis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book, but probably not one I'd buy for my grandchildren. It would be good for a children's sermon or other spiritual event.

This author is coming to the Fox Cities Reads 2013 event. I plan to go see her, so want to read some of her books.

[Annajune · Rating 5 out of 5]

This falls in with the "Oh the Places you will go" and "I love you this much." Simply tells of how you have so many days in your life and so many choices and ending with the statement: "You are loved more than you know."

[Bayleigh Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book had a theme to teach children to be confident and believe they can do anything they want. I think this is a good inspirational book. The story is put into simple terms so young children can enjoy it as well. It would be good for ages 4-7.

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book tries to be like Dr. Seuss "Oh the Place You'll Go" but falls short.