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A Child's Calendar
One of the first major award-winning titles to feature an interracial family, A Child's Calendar combines the star power of John Updike and Trina Schart Hyman.
Celebrate the little moments that make each month special in this Caldecott Honor book, featuring twelve poems about a family and the turn of the seasons. From the short, frozen days of January, through the light of summer, to the first snowflakes of December, Updike's poems rejoices in the familiar, wondrous qualities that make each part of the year unique.
Hyman's award-winning paintings--modeled after her own daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren--depict an interracial family going about the business of their lives throughout the sledding in January, watching fireworks in July, and playing in the autumn leaves.
A perfect read-aloud for the family, throughout the whole year.
Celebrate the little moments that make each month special in this Caldecott Honor book, featuring twelve poems about a family and the turn of the seasons. From the short, frozen days of January, through the light of summer, to the first snowflakes of December, Updike's poems rejoices in the familiar, wondrous qualities that make each part of the year unique.
Hyman's award-winning paintings--modeled after her own daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren--depict an interracial family going about the business of their lives throughout the sledding in January, watching fireworks in July, and playing in the autumn leaves.
A perfect read-aloud for the family, throughout the whole year.
32 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 1965
11 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
John Updike
870 books2,462 followersJohn Hoyer Updike was an American writer. Updike's most famous work is his Rabbit series (Rabbit, Run; Rabbit Redux; Rabbit Is Rich; Rabbit At Rest; and Rabbit Remembered). Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest both won Pulitzer Prizes for Updike. Describing his subject as "the American small town, Protestant middle class," Updike is well known for his careful craftsmanship and prolific writing, having published 22 novels and more than a dozen short story collections as well as poetry, literary criticism and children's books. Hundreds of his stories, reviews, and poems have appeared in The New Yorker since the 1950s. His works often explore sex, faith, and death, and their inter-relationships.
He died of lung cancer at age 76.
He died of lung cancer at age 76.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
July 18, 2019
I love this ode to each month. Picking out what stands out and then using a scene that floods me with memories. It’s a lovely story and it reads easy. The poem was written in the 60s by John Updike.
The artwork is lovely. It seems to take place more up in the northern part of the country like PA to VT. We’re in July now. It’s been a really good year this year as far as weather goes, well, it’s also been very unpredictable. I can’t decide which one’s my favorite - October probably.
The nephew laughed at August, which has a young kid naked on the beach and you see the behind. He cracked up and made all kinds of ruckus. That was his favorite month. He thought this was a little slow, so he gave this barely 3 stars for the laugh. The niece enjoyed going through the year this way. She gave this 3 stars too. Her favorite month was Christmas because she loves Christmas right now.
The artwork is lovely. It seems to take place more up in the northern part of the country like PA to VT. We’re in July now. It’s been a really good year this year as far as weather goes, well, it’s also been very unpredictable. I can’t decide which one’s my favorite - October probably.
The nephew laughed at August, which has a young kid naked on the beach and you see the behind. He cracked up and made all kinds of ruckus. That was his favorite month. He thought this was a little slow, so he gave this barely 3 stars for the laugh. The niece enjoyed going through the year this way. She gave this 3 stars too. Her favorite month was Christmas because she loves Christmas right now.
December 19, 2016
One of my favorite writers and one of my favorite illustrators made a children's book together in 1965 and it took me this long to find it?
Well, Happy Christmas to me!!
This is my new love. If you enjoy great children's books, you should just trust me and order yourself a copy.
Well, Happy Christmas to me!!
This is my new love. If you enjoy great children's books, you should just trust me and order yourself a copy.
October 16, 2010
This collection of modern-day poems convey the experiences of one year, with one poem for each month. Written skillfully in a gentle rhyming rhythm, and full of tactile, aesthetic details that will resonate with children, this is a fine way to observe the turning of the calendar's pages. Some children have difficulty with the compressed meaning of well-written poetry, but Trina Schart Hyman's award-winning artwork helps supply visual interest while interpreting the poetry so that younger listeners can understand the sense of each poem. Her pictures feature a secure, loving interracial family in scenes which are richly beautiful, yet candid enough to be approachable.
Some parents will wish to be alerted that the month for October features a traditional trick-or-treating scene, with children dressed as monsters and witches, and cheerful jack-o-lanterns lighting a wooden front porch. On the December page, some parents will be disappointed that the holiday scene features a small Santa Claus but no creche, and the "miracle" the shepherds and kings await is explained to be "another year" rather than the Christ child. Similarly, July's Independence Day celebration contains no historical background: the fireworks and parade "makes us think/ of hot dogs, fries,/ and Coke to drink." One might expect that such significant celebrations would evoke more serious reflections, but the focus is on concrete details of each experience, leaving interpretation to others.
The book is not transcendent in its mood, but it is especially good at capturing the details of life on earth. It's best suited for an elementary audience.
Some parents will wish to be alerted that the month for October features a traditional trick-or-treating scene, with children dressed as monsters and witches, and cheerful jack-o-lanterns lighting a wooden front porch. On the December page, some parents will be disappointed that the holiday scene features a small Santa Claus but no creche, and the "miracle" the shepherds and kings await is explained to be "another year" rather than the Christ child. Similarly, July's Independence Day celebration contains no historical background: the fireworks and parade "makes us think/ of hot dogs, fries,/ and Coke to drink." One might expect that such significant celebrations would evoke more serious reflections, but the focus is on concrete details of each experience, leaving interpretation to others.
The book is not transcendent in its mood, but it is especially good at capturing the details of life on earth. It's best suited for an elementary audience.
December 3, 2012
The poems in this book are simple and charming. They depict a traditional or stereotypical vision of New England. If you have a childhood connection to that region, they may evoke sentimental feelings, either good or bad, perhaps depending on your viewpoint.
Updike used a variety of poetic techniques, so the book is useful for introducing them to children.
A poem for each month. The passing of seasons. Beautiful and satisfying.
Updike used a variety of poetic techniques, so the book is useful for introducing them to children.
A poem for each month. The passing of seasons. Beautiful and satisfying.
May 5, 2012
My favorate month is June which is The sun is rich and gladly pays in golden hours, silver days, and long green weeks that never end. School's out. The time is ours to spend. There's little league, hopscotch, the creek, and, after supper, hide-and-seek. The live-long light is like a dream, and freckles come like flies to cream.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2008
My five year old and I enjoyed the illustrations, but I think that the poetry went over his head. I would recommend this to an older child (8 - 10) or even just an adult reminiscing about their own childhood.
September 10, 2016
1. This is a poetry book focused on the months within a Calendar year. Each month has it's own unique poem that encompasses what happens in each month. For example, in February, it mentions there is snow still and the children make Valentines, in July, they watch fireworks, in November, they celebrate Thanksgiving, etc.
2. Appropriate grade level for this book would be 2-5. It has some advanced works, so an independent reader could read it, but may have some questions about some vocabulary and how to say them like chrysanthemums.
3. This book could be used in aid to children learning the months of the year. It could also be used in a unit about poetry.
4. Students who like nature would probably like this book because it does mention a lot of nature aspects. Students who love poetry would also benefit from reading this book.
5. This book could be used in small circles especially if you were having them compare the different types of rhyme schemes.
6. This book could be read aloud. If read aloud I think it could even be used in the younger grades, especially when teaching the months in a year.
7. Related books include: The Small, Small Pond, Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type, etc.
8. This book comes in hardback print, and there are videos available that are read aloud videos of this book.
2. Appropriate grade level for this book would be 2-5. It has some advanced works, so an independent reader could read it, but may have some questions about some vocabulary and how to say them like chrysanthemums.
3. This book could be used in aid to children learning the months of the year. It could also be used in a unit about poetry.
4. Students who like nature would probably like this book because it does mention a lot of nature aspects. Students who love poetry would also benefit from reading this book.
5. This book could be used in small circles especially if you were having them compare the different types of rhyme schemes.
6. This book could be read aloud. If read aloud I think it could even be used in the younger grades, especially when teaching the months in a year.
7. Related books include: The Small, Small Pond, Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type, etc.
8. This book comes in hardback print, and there are videos available that are read aloud videos of this book.
February 14, 2012
"A Child's Calendar" by John Updike is a nice collection of poems about each month of the year. In the book, Updike goes through every month and shares a little about it and describes it in a poem. The poems are very child-friendly and are fun to read aloud. Additionally, they point out the "highlights" of each month and say something positive about each one.
The illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman are phenomenal and certainly enhance the book. I loved the way she captured the author's description of each month and think her portrayal is beautiful to look at. Additionally, it is apparent why the book is a Caldecott Honor award winner. I really enjoyed the illustrator's use of bright colors and appreciated the way she drew humans, animals, flowers, and snow in a realistic yet playful manner.
I would consider reading this book to my future class during the first day of each month. I would read just one poem from it (depending on which month we were starting) and think it would be a great way to engage my students and get them thinking about all the month will bring. I think the poems and illustrations would be a big hit amongst my students!
The illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman are phenomenal and certainly enhance the book. I loved the way she captured the author's description of each month and think her portrayal is beautiful to look at. Additionally, it is apparent why the book is a Caldecott Honor award winner. I really enjoyed the illustrator's use of bright colors and appreciated the way she drew humans, animals, flowers, and snow in a realistic yet playful manner.
I would consider reading this book to my future class during the first day of each month. I would read just one poem from it (depending on which month we were starting) and think it would be a great way to engage my students and get them thinking about all the month will bring. I think the poems and illustrations would be a big hit amongst my students!
March 8, 2017
Poetry is just one of those things that I don't love anymore. However, this book is really not bad as a poetry book for children. The rhymes aren't clunky and they are easily read aloud. The only awkward one is the one for November. The illustrations are nice, they have an old-fashioned feel to them but don't look too dated.
If it was up to me though, I prefer humorous poetry over sentimental poetry for children. I would rather read Silverstein or Prelutsky to children.
If it was up to me though, I prefer humorous poetry over sentimental poetry for children. I would rather read Silverstein or Prelutsky to children.
April 24, 2017
Caldecott honor picture book. Sure it was nice. Pretty good art, readable poems. A bit too rural for me. And plain. But it just didn't seem to have any zing. It just felt fake and flat. Which is too bad because the art deserved better than that. Worth reading as a months of the year book, at least it is different and not trivial. But still just a thud of a book.
February 23, 2017
A poem for each month is combined with detailed illustrations of a family participating in a variety of activities throughout the year (making valentines, flying a kite, riding bikes, barbecuing, trick-or-treating, and many others.)
February 6, 2014
A Poem for each month. The collection describes each month through poems. Simple and easy read with illustrations. Those who like poetry go for this mostly suitable to children.
September 2, 2014
Lovely poems and images.
July 5, 2023
I’m convinced this is one of the best poetry collections out there. It has the rare quality of being endlessly enjoyable for children, while perhaps being even more enjoyable, well-written, and interesting for parents. I’ve loved reading this out loud to my daughter hundreds of times, and I find myself repeating stanzas in my head throughout the day. The illustrations are also beautiful to admire!
October 5, 2020
Updike's poetry combined with Hyman's illustrations will delight a new generation of young readers.
The book is made up of one poem for each month and readers will enjoy studying the illustration and matching the poetry to what they see.
The book is made up of one poem for each month and readers will enjoy studying the illustration and matching the poetry to what they see.
February 28, 2022
This book is beautiful and I am so sad I have only just discovered it now. I would have loved to have read this to my children when they were little.
Each month gets its own short rhyming poem, describing weather changes and holidays. The details are northern hemisphere and United States specific, with mentions of Fourth of July and Thanksgiving (in November). The illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman are glorious, full of charming details and scenes of an interracial family (modeled after the illustrator's daughter and her family) moving happily through the year as they make Valentine's, go for walks, go to the beach, and rake leaves.
When this book of poetry was originally published in 1965, it had a different illustrator. I'd be interested in seeing that version for comparison's sake, but this updated version by Trina Schart Hyman is outstanding.
Each month gets its own short rhyming poem, describing weather changes and holidays. The details are northern hemisphere and United States specific, with mentions of Fourth of July and Thanksgiving (in November). The illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman are glorious, full of charming details and scenes of an interracial family (modeled after the illustrator's daughter and her family) moving happily through the year as they make Valentine's, go for walks, go to the beach, and rake leaves.
When this book of poetry was originally published in 1965, it had a different illustrator. I'd be interested in seeing that version for comparison's sake, but this updated version by Trina Schart Hyman is outstanding.
October 20, 2020
A Child's Calendar describes the 12 months of the year through poetic verses. John Updike writes beautiful poems about each month, while Trina Schart Hyman brings the poems to life with her watercolor illustrations. Together they both create a picture book that takes the reader through every month of the year to reminisce about the best parts of each month.
Since the people in the pictures for each month change, Hyman definitely focuses on the setting while creating her illustrations. She also uses a realism artistic style because I believe she presented the world as realistically as possible. She uses Updike's words to help guide her to create the perfect pictures for each month. For example, in September Updike writes that the month smells of "New books and blackboard, chalk in class" and also "The breezes taste of apple peel". With these two verses, Hyman illustrated two pictures, one of students on a bus and one of a family at a farmer's market carrying apples and looking at flowers. With the use of single page spreads, Hyman is able to incorporate many of the details Updike writes in his poems. This helps bring the poems to life.
A Child's Calendar was a 2000 Caldecott honor book and I found it on Epic!. I enjoyed reading it on this application because I think it is easy to navigate, although it does not have a read aloud function for all books. This book would be great to read with younger students, such as 1st-3rd. It would be an excellent read aloud when discussing the months of the year or changes of the seasons. This book allows the readers to pause for a moment and reflect on the beautiful world we live. I think younger students would enjoy it while also connecting to it with their own ideas on each season!
Since the people in the pictures for each month change, Hyman definitely focuses on the setting while creating her illustrations. She also uses a realism artistic style because I believe she presented the world as realistically as possible. She uses Updike's words to help guide her to create the perfect pictures for each month. For example, in September Updike writes that the month smells of "New books and blackboard, chalk in class" and also "The breezes taste of apple peel". With these two verses, Hyman illustrated two pictures, one of students on a bus and one of a family at a farmer's market carrying apples and looking at flowers. With the use of single page spreads, Hyman is able to incorporate many of the details Updike writes in his poems. This helps bring the poems to life.
A Child's Calendar was a 2000 Caldecott honor book and I found it on Epic!. I enjoyed reading it on this application because I think it is easy to navigate, although it does not have a read aloud function for all books. This book would be great to read with younger students, such as 1st-3rd. It would be an excellent read aloud when discussing the months of the year or changes of the seasons. This book allows the readers to pause for a moment and reflect on the beautiful world we live. I think younger students would enjoy it while also connecting to it with their own ideas on each season!
May 11, 2020
I read this book on Epic. It is a 2000 Caldecott Honor book.
A Child's Calendar is book of poetry. There is a rhyming poem for each month of the year. The illustrations have feel of a classic children's book, but show both black and white children. Some illustrations also seem to depict interracial families. While the illustrations, are racially diverse, different perspectives are not presented. The months favor the part of the world that experience the traditional 4 seasons. This could be a great teaching tool for early elementary and learning the months, but I would emphasis that the seasons, weather, and activities presented are not the same for all parts of the world.
A Child's Calendar is book of poetry. There is a rhyming poem for each month of the year. The illustrations have feel of a classic children's book, but show both black and white children. Some illustrations also seem to depict interracial families. While the illustrations, are racially diverse, different perspectives are not presented. The months favor the part of the world that experience the traditional 4 seasons. This could be a great teaching tool for early elementary and learning the months, but I would emphasis that the seasons, weather, and activities presented are not the same for all parts of the world.
April 20, 2013
My version sadly did not have the lovely book jacket cover. I had to get an interlibrary loan of this book because the only version they had in my public library was a braille edition. I loved this book! The poems were great and short, and the illustrations were fabulous. The book was originally published in 1965 by the same author but different illustrator (Nancy Ekholm Burkert who was a Caldecott Honor recipient and also the original illustrator of "James and the Giant Peach"). This one won a 2000 Caldecott Honor award. While the poems are great on their own, the illustrations of a bi-racial family living in Vermont, just bring them to life. The book features one poem for every month of the year, plus one full color full page and one quarter page illustration. My favorite poems were March, April, September, October, and November. The best illustrations were the full page February, April, June, August (I can totally see my son doing what the little boy did in the painting), and November. I also like the quarter page illustration for October, with the kids jumping a giant pile of fallen yellow and orange leaves. Highly recommended for ages 3-8, 5 stars.
October 24, 2011
This is a beautiful book. I dreamed of the picture for September after I read the book of the mother waiting at the bus. Trina actually used her family members for the illustrations. It's a magical, funny, wonderful book. I did get the pleasure to eat dinner with Trina and meet her daughter and good friend/partner.
I also had the privilege to hear John Updike speak in the early 80's at John Carroll University in Cleveland. I enjoyed his Rabbit books and also the Witches of Eastwick. My father liked to read his books and I did buy him a lot for his birhday.
I also had the privilege to hear John Updike speak in the early 80's at John Carroll University in Cleveland. I enjoyed his Rabbit books and also the Witches of Eastwick. My father liked to read his books and I did buy him a lot for his birhday.
September 9, 2012
Pleasant look at what each month is like through the eyes of a child in rhyming verse. It is easy to appreciate the art of Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator), whose illustrations are colorful, whimsical and full of delightful detail. My favorite picture is that for August, a day at the beach, in which a young mother looks in horror as her little one goes au natural on the beach.
May 18, 2017
This was a sweet collection of poetry dedicated to each month. Each poem sticks to the same format, and highlights the themes of each month and season. It's pretty easy for kids to follow along with, and relates to things that children will recognize. The illustrations were also pretty, and I really appreciated the inclusion of an interracial family as the main subject of the pictures.
January 9, 2009
A book of nice enough poems - one for each month - with accompanying illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman. The August picture (featuring a naked baby at the beach) makes me laugh every time I read the book. So cute!
August 30, 2018
The pictures in this book are hilarious... check out August :) lol! Very fun book to read with beautiful artwork. I also loved the sentiment behind each month... oh if we could only go back and live according to childhood days.
August 26, 2011
Beautiful book that features Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations of family and friends. I dreamed of the picture that features a bus and illustrates the poem of September.
August 5, 2018
A collection of 12 poems describing the activities in a child’s life and the changes in the weather as the year moves from January to December.
Great illustrations.
Great illustrations.
March 13, 2019
Beautiful poems and lovely illustrations. I really enjoyed this book a lot!
April 29, 2020
A Child's Calendar by John Updike is a children's book in the Poetry genre. This book is fit for elementary students, grades K-5. Updike takes a lyrical approach to the descriptions of the 12 calendar months of the year. Through illustrations and words, the author takes us on a journey of emotions, memories and activities that occur within a family for each month. Reading this book will bring you back to your childhood and each emotion that was felt as you spent your time with your family from month to month.
In the classroom (specifically Kindergarten) , this book could be used for the purpose of teaching the calendar months to your students. As we reviewed the months, I would have the students create a collage of different things they associate with each month. Along with the collage, they will need to write one word/phrase/sentence that sums up their feelings about this month. This would fulfill Art standards and Common Core Standards.
Another activity this book can be used for is to provide instruction for descriptive language in your writing. A Child's Calendar can be used as a mentor text for helping students apply descriptive language to their writing. As a class, we will read through the text and we will highlight, or point out, words that provide description to what the author is talking about. After we review the students will then apply this descriptiveness to their own poetry. This will fulfill ELA Standards.
This is a WOW book for me because the author truly was able to bring me back to my own childhood memories. Each poem for the month I could imagine all the activities I would participate in and each feeling I would feel during that specific month. The author's descriptive and lyrical nature made this book very enjoyable to read. I know my students will enjoy this book and I can't wait to be able to use this in my classroom.
In the classroom (specifically Kindergarten) , this book could be used for the purpose of teaching the calendar months to your students. As we reviewed the months, I would have the students create a collage of different things they associate with each month. Along with the collage, they will need to write one word/phrase/sentence that sums up their feelings about this month. This would fulfill Art standards and Common Core Standards.
Another activity this book can be used for is to provide instruction for descriptive language in your writing. A Child's Calendar can be used as a mentor text for helping students apply descriptive language to their writing. As a class, we will read through the text and we will highlight, or point out, words that provide description to what the author is talking about. After we review the students will then apply this descriptiveness to their own poetry. This will fulfill ELA Standards.
This is a WOW book for me because the author truly was able to bring me back to my own childhood memories. Each poem for the month I could imagine all the activities I would participate in and each feeling I would feel during that specific month. The author's descriptive and lyrical nature made this book very enjoyable to read. I know my students will enjoy this book and I can't wait to be able to use this in my classroom.
March 19, 2019
Genre- Poetry: Collection of Poetry
Awards- Caldecott Honor Book
Audience- ages 5-9
A. The poetry in this book is lyric. It describes each month: the weather, the events and holidays, the feelings, and the objects and images associated with it. Each poem is also written in quatrains.
B. The author uses rhyme in each poem. He alternates the rhymes within his stanzas. The first and third lines rhyme, and the second and fourth lines rhyme as well. He also uses extensive sensory imagery. He describes how each month looks (through the weather and the scenery), feels (emotions, temperature, and activities), and smells (foods and the smell of mud or flowers).
C. (I would separate my classroom into twelve groups and assign each one a month.)
The Assignment/Question: Using the poems and the extensive amounts of descriptive imagery within them, draw a picture of your month.
Answer: For May, I would draw a house with a father and his children planting tomatoes, a tree blossoming in the side of the yard, and a window into the house with a baseball game playing on the television. Each of these elements are described in the poem, but are not the illustrations drawn on the spread. After each group is finished, I would make the drawings into a 12-month calendar—the drawings on the top page and the days of the month on the bottom.
Awards- Caldecott Honor Book
Audience- ages 5-9
A. The poetry in this book is lyric. It describes each month: the weather, the events and holidays, the feelings, and the objects and images associated with it. Each poem is also written in quatrains.
B. The author uses rhyme in each poem. He alternates the rhymes within his stanzas. The first and third lines rhyme, and the second and fourth lines rhyme as well. He also uses extensive sensory imagery. He describes how each month looks (through the weather and the scenery), feels (emotions, temperature, and activities), and smells (foods and the smell of mud or flowers).
C. (I would separate my classroom into twelve groups and assign each one a month.)
The Assignment/Question: Using the poems and the extensive amounts of descriptive imagery within them, draw a picture of your month.
Answer: For May, I would draw a house with a father and his children planting tomatoes, a tree blossoming in the side of the yard, and a window into the house with a baseball game playing on the television. Each of these elements are described in the poem, but are not the illustrations drawn on the spread. After each group is finished, I would make the drawings into a 12-month calendar—the drawings on the top page and the days of the month on the bottom.
April 20, 2020
I gave this book 5 stars because of the poetry that was the same for each month yet so different. I really enjoyed how the pattern of rhyming did not change month to month and how the images reflected each month perfectly. The book really reminded me of Michigan as well, so five stars from me for sure.
A Child's Calendar is an award winning children's poetry book that dives into each of the months and talks about a child's favorite things during the time. It also has a lot of relatable events to children, such as September being the month when they go back to school, and October being the month in which they get dressed up for Halloween. I loved the illustrations for each month as well. They capture the beauty of each month even when it is hard to do for some. It starts with January and all of the fun snow, and comes full circle when it goes to December with the snow as well. I really enjoyed how the rhyme scheme stayed the same for each month with ABCB. It helps the child stay interested and develop a rhythm. It can also help them expect what word will come next, with it having to do with the months and what is associated with that part of the season. This is such a great book!
A Child's Calendar is an award winning children's poetry book that dives into each of the months and talks about a child's favorite things during the time. It also has a lot of relatable events to children, such as September being the month when they go back to school, and October being the month in which they get dressed up for Halloween. I loved the illustrations for each month as well. They capture the beauty of each month even when it is hard to do for some. It starts with January and all of the fun snow, and comes full circle when it goes to December with the snow as well. I really enjoyed how the rhyme scheme stayed the same for each month with ABCB. It helps the child stay interested and develop a rhythm. It can also help them expect what word will come next, with it having to do with the months and what is associated with that part of the season. This is such a great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews