Dark Day, Light Night

by Jan Carr

Manda's Aunt Ruby helps her to deal with some angry feelings by making lists of all the things that they like in the world

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Katie Logonauts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book helps kids deal with their frustrations in a positive, thoughtful way. After the main character, 'Manda rushes inside and pouts about a perceived slight from a friend, her Aunt Ruby helps her put a different spin on it by starting a list of things she likes in the world. This is a great book for helping kids deal with anger and frustration, as well as celebrating diverse kids and families.

[Miss Perry]

Beautifully illustrated.
A book that will help children who experience a negative mindset to remind them of all the things they love in this world, that they are not alone and that their feelings are valid by expressing that adults feel it to.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story that helps kids to look on the bright side of life rather than the dark and ugliness of life. Shows a way to turn your darkness into light. Beautiful illustrations. Great for children to read and adults as well.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story. A little girl is frustrated by one of her playmates and doesn't want to play any more. She just wants to hide away in her room. Her beloved aunt coaxes her to change her mind.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book about recognizing and loving the good around you.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations and it was great to read a story encouraging children to think about what they are thankful for and count their little blessings to help them when they are feeling low.

"Some days the whole world seems hateful, and there's nothing to do but get under the covers and stay there. When 'Manda is feeling this way, she's lucky to have Aunt Ruby around to help her pull her out a dark mood. Aunt Ruby says "Manda might feel better if she could think of thinks she likes, but 'Manda is in no humor for liking anything. So, instead, Aunt Ruby reads her own list of things she likes, folded and worn and handy for days when she's feeling low. "Manda snuggles close while Aunt Ruby describes things like a cream-colored tomcat licking his paws for after dinner and the beautiful colors of juicy fresh fruit all blended together in a big bowl."

"And music!" "Manda pipes in. And sunshine, and storms blowing in...and pretty soon, 'Manda's got a list nearly as long as Aunt Ruby's. And just who do you think''s at the very top? "

[Nancy Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Manda is very angry at one of her teammates because he took the ball out of her hands while they were playing basketball. 'Manda goes into her room, and decides she hates everything. But her Aunt shares important wisdom with her. She challenges 'Manda to make a list of things she likes in the world. 'Manda at first is not in the mood, and is annoyed, but once both her and her Aunt put their heads together, 'Manda begins to talk about the things she likes, and realizes there are a lot of things in the world that she enjoys.

I would use this book to help students with anger management issues because this story touches up on children who become easily angered about small problems. They will learn a strategy that will help them with their emotional turmoils.