On That Day: A Book of Hope for Children

by Andrea Patel

Sometimes bad things happen in the world. But there will always be good things in the world, too. You are one of those good things. With simple language and a heart-felt message, Andrea Patel addresses a timely and timeless What can you do when bad things happen? "Whatever we as teachers, and as adults, can offer the children-and each other-in the way of reassurance, and hope, and optimism, can only help heal us all." -author, Andrea Patel

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction

16 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Patel created a book that explains that sometimes bad things happen but the world is not completely broken and there is hope. A great message for wee little ones who have questions about events that are difficult to explain and understand.

The illustrations were made with tissue paper which emphasizes that this book was intended to be shared with young preschool-aged children.

I feel that the author's message is important for all children to learn. Not everyone is good, some people are bad, those bad people sometimes do bad things, that doesn't mean we should be afraid, we should be cautious but still have hope because the world is mostly good.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is wonderful in the way that it explains what happened on 9-11 in terms for children.

[Devina Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this wonderful book, Patel begins by describing a peaceful and simple world. This world is then demolished by a terrible event but then eventually mended through the kind and thoughtful actions of children. Patel’s simplicity in this book, which I thought was very well thought-out, helps diffuse specific conversation away from what exactly happened in the attacks of the twin towers. I appreciated how Patel took an approach where she emphasizes a focus on teaching children how to be hopeful, kind, and nurturing in order to help repair the world. I thought that this method of portrayal was very creative as it helps children to focus on how to react positively to a tragic situation rather than just dwelling on the situation and being angry. Great book to start a conversation about 9/11 and also teach children to be kind.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you do when bad things happen? That's the question Andrea Patel aims to help children answer.

We can help, she assures readers. Then she gives examples:

You can help by sharing.
You can help by playing and laughing.

I agree with the author:

"Whether you're three years old,
or thirteen years old,
or thirty years old
or one-hundred-and-three years old,
you can help."

FIVE STARS for this deeply spiritual book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though written in the wake of September 11th, this book could be used to talk with children when they have questions about certain tragedies in the world. It emphasizes on kindness and peace and leaves the reader with a positive message. It is simple and sensitive enough for young readers.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short book about things that kids can do after something bad (not a natural disaster) happens. It was inspired by September 11, but is general enough that it would be as applicable to a school or church shooting or another act of terrorism.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s lovely to have a book to share about 9/11 with young children. Great words to introduce how some things in our history aren’t pretty but by being a good person we can ensure a better future for our communities.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This simple book helps provide healing and hope and a simple understanding of September 11 for young children.

[Lex]

A good way to begin talking about tragedies such as 9/11 with young kids.

[kirkesque · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even for the target age group, this is a simplistic book that doesn't really do much to inform nor educate. It seems to have been written by (and was) someone who is not versed in writing for children. It comes off as being saccharin for what the author thinks that parents want to believe about their children.

Its intent is good, and the author's heart may be in the "right place", but it falls short of what it seems it is trying to do.

[Olivia Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book that helps children understand world disasters/tragedies . This book is directed towards the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 and explains to children that sometimes people do bad things but there is always something you can do, i.e. sharing, caring, helping. This heartwarming read teaches children that when tragedies break us down, we will rise again stronger and the good will always overcome the bad.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just wasn't moved by it--not sure why.

[Kelly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bok about September 11th for children. Great collage pictures, and goes over ways an individual can prevent hate.

[Shannon Kitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this book focuses on hope. It is very simple but beautiful. Plus, I love torn paper illustrations.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember feeling the way that this author felt after 9/11 and I remember looking for some solid footing. This is a simple book, really simple, but I totally get that.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice resource for parents/educators teaching their children about the events of September 11th; sending a lovely message of hope and rebuilding.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice way to remember the attacks of September 11th. Beautifully written and sensitively done. Hope is what the world needs!