What do you think?
Rate this book
All in a Day
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.
F&P N
F&P RF
F&P N
F&P RF
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
539 books851 followersAn author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.
Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.
from bookrags.com
Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.
from bookrags.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
March 26, 2019
A day is a perfect piece of time
to live a life,
to plant a seed,
to watch the sun go by.
A day starts early,
work to do,
beneath a brand-new sky.
These are all the words that appear on the book's first six pages.
They are representative of the slight amount of text I read to finish the book.
Not a door-stop.
I enjoyed the book. Obviously a children's book, but many older readers, I am sure, keep the book handy to page through at the start of a new day, providing to themselves some peaceful inspiration to face – well, whatever …
A single illustration covers each set of facing pages. Illustrations alternate light blue and bright yellow backgrounds, and picture a child, occasionally a parent, and usually bits of the natural world – animals, birds, trees, flowers, rain, the sun.
About the only thing I wished had been different was the drawings of the (single) main character, the child. To me, seemed obviously white, obviously male. Why not some variety? Yes, that would make the text apply to numerous children, rather than a single one. So what? The sentiments expressed in the book don't seem to be specifically about a specific child, rather to children in general. Oh well.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Previous review: West-Running Brook
Next review: A Further Range
Older review: The French Revolution Very Short Introduction series
Previous library review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Getaway
Next library review: Science and Human Values
to live a life,
to plant a seed,
to watch the sun go by.
A day starts early,
work to do,
beneath a brand-new sky.
These are all the words that appear on the book's first six pages.
They are representative of the slight amount of text I read to finish the book.
Not a door-stop.
I enjoyed the book. Obviously a children's book, but many older readers, I am sure, keep the book handy to page through at the start of a new day, providing to themselves some peaceful inspiration to face – well, whatever …
A single illustration covers each set of facing pages. Illustrations alternate light blue and bright yellow backgrounds, and picture a child, occasionally a parent, and usually bits of the natural world – animals, birds, trees, flowers, rain, the sun.
About the only thing I wished had been different was the drawings of the (single) main character, the child. To me, seemed obviously white, obviously male. Why not some variety? Yes, that would make the text apply to numerous children, rather than a single one. So what? The sentiments expressed in the book don't seem to be specifically about a specific child, rather to children in general. Oh well.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Previous review: West-Running Brook
Next review: A Further Range
Older review: The French Revolution Very Short Introduction series
Previous library review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Getaway
Next library review: Science and Human Values
March 20, 2009
All in a Day is a throwback, no question. A simple storyline with gentle, poetic text, a limited color palate of black, blue, and yellow, and bold paper-cut illustrations all add up to a retro feel. By appearances, it looks like it could have fit in if it was published right alongside Marcia Brown’s 1961 masterpiece Once a Mouse. For those reasons (as so often things that seem “old-fashioned” tend to be) it’s not a crowd-pleaser. All in a Day isn’t a book kids will be begging their parents to buy. It is, however, a stunningly illustrated book that deserves to be shared.
The theme here is living life to its fullest. The tone is one of wonderment. As the title implies, the storyline follows a dark-haired boy through one long, beautiful summer day in the country. Working in the garden, feeding the animals, playing games, taking a nap, exploring the wilderness – it’s a full day. The spare text is a rhyming poem that appears in small bursts on each two-page spread. It may not please all readers. The first time reading, I was one of them. I thought the text might tackle themes too difficult for children to wrap their heads around. Cynthia Rylant challenges the reader here, it it may be off-putting to some, but the illustrations lend a good dose of clarity.
Aside from enhancing the text, the artwork is just plain beautiful. Nikki McClure employs a time consuming cut-paper technique where every line on the page is interconnected. The colors are later added by computer. Each turn of the page brings a switch in the background color from blue to yellow. It’s the sort of art that takes on a whole new meaning when you consider how it was created. Look no further than the rainstorm scene – it will have you wondering how McClure pulled it off. The children’s lit blog A Fuse #8 Production recently mentioned All in a Day as a possible early Caldecott contender – the illustrations absolutely merit that sort of discussion.
Now this isn’t the kind of book that will jump up and down and declare its presence, slaying during read-aloud and wowing you with hipness or humor. But give it a chance. Quiet, beautiful books like this have a tendency to grow on readers.
The theme here is living life to its fullest. The tone is one of wonderment. As the title implies, the storyline follows a dark-haired boy through one long, beautiful summer day in the country. Working in the garden, feeding the animals, playing games, taking a nap, exploring the wilderness – it’s a full day. The spare text is a rhyming poem that appears in small bursts on each two-page spread. It may not please all readers. The first time reading, I was one of them. I thought the text might tackle themes too difficult for children to wrap their heads around. Cynthia Rylant challenges the reader here, it it may be off-putting to some, but the illustrations lend a good dose of clarity.
Aside from enhancing the text, the artwork is just plain beautiful. Nikki McClure employs a time consuming cut-paper technique where every line on the page is interconnected. The colors are later added by computer. Each turn of the page brings a switch in the background color from blue to yellow. It’s the sort of art that takes on a whole new meaning when you consider how it was created. Look no further than the rainstorm scene – it will have you wondering how McClure pulled it off. The children’s lit blog A Fuse #8 Production recently mentioned All in a Day as a possible early Caldecott contender – the illustrations absolutely merit that sort of discussion.
Now this isn’t the kind of book that will jump up and down and declare its presence, slaying during read-aloud and wowing you with hipness or humor. But give it a chance. Quiet, beautiful books like this have a tendency to grow on readers.
March 4, 2019
This is a simple children's book focusing on all the ways a new day can be creative and fun. What can a child do with a day?
The past is sailing off to sea,
the future's fast asleep.
A day is all you have to be,
it's all you get to keep.
The paper cuts by Nikki McClure are lovely, with bright yellows framing black silhouettes. The verses from Cynthia Rylant are easy enough for a child to remember or for a parent to read along. For children, a day lasts forever, so this is a sweet book for a bedtime story and to help them understand how precious time really is in our lives.
Underneath that great big sky
the earth is all a-spin.
This day will soon be over
and it won't come back again.
Book Season = Spring (faith in morningtime)
The past is sailing off to sea,
the future's fast asleep.
A day is all you have to be,
it's all you get to keep.
The paper cuts by Nikki McClure are lovely, with bright yellows framing black silhouettes. The verses from Cynthia Rylant are easy enough for a child to remember or for a parent to read along. For children, a day lasts forever, so this is a sweet book for a bedtime story and to help them understand how precious time really is in our lives.
Underneath that great big sky
the earth is all a-spin.
This day will soon be over
and it won't come back again.
Book Season = Spring (faith in morningtime)
February 18, 2013
I found this book because the author, Cynthia Rylant, was highlighted in our class book text. This charming book illuminates all the possibilities a day offers. It also sends a mild message to take care of our planet. The illustrations are crafted cut-paper art. This is a timeless, rhyming book that would be a great read aloud to any age. I was actually thinking of reading it at a work meeting. It takes you back into the moment and reminds you that the past is gone, and you have the opportunity to make today be a day you want it to be. This day will never come again, so make the most of it.
March 24, 2009
Sorry, but I am under impressed. It's all lofty concepts wrapped in a lovely book that looks as if it came off of your grandma's bookshelf.
I would bet that parents and librarians will rave over this one and it will end up on the Caldecott List. Meanwhile kids will toss it over for "Fancy Nancy" or another truck book.
I would bet that parents and librarians will rave over this one and it will end up on the Caldecott List. Meanwhile kids will toss it over for "Fancy Nancy" or another truck book.
February 17, 2020
Not my favorite Rylant book, it felt awkward to read aloud.
January 21, 2010
Each day is an opportunity. The reader gets to follow one boy's day and see the wonders and happiness he encounters.
It took me half of this book to realize it is written in rhyming couplets, which I think is at least partly because of the awkward pacing of the lines in the first few pages. (The first couplet is broken up over too many pages.... and since the first few pages didn't rhyme, I assumed that the rest of the book didn't either. The first time that a couplet appeared in its entirety on one page, I suddenly realized that things did rhyme.) Overall, I was not thrilled by the text of this book. I can't see myself reading this to a storytime, for example, because I suspect that the children would be bored by it. At least, I know I would be.
I did like the style of the illustrations, however. I am intrigued by the use of paper cut-outs.
It took me half of this book to realize it is written in rhyming couplets, which I think is at least partly because of the awkward pacing of the lines in the first few pages. (The first couplet is broken up over too many pages.... and since the first few pages didn't rhyme, I assumed that the rest of the book didn't either. The first time that a couplet appeared in its entirety on one page, I suddenly realized that things did rhyme.) Overall, I was not thrilled by the text of this book. I can't see myself reading this to a storytime, for example, because I suspect that the children would be bored by it. At least, I know I would be.
I did like the style of the illustrations, however. I am intrigued by the use of paper cut-outs.
February 25, 2009
Rylant's poetry moves through a day filled with work, blue sky, kindness, faith and rest. It is accompanied by the stunning paper cut artwork of McClure, which elevates this simple book to a new level. The tiny details are what make this book work so well. Children will enjoy poring over the illustrations as Rylant's poem carries them on to the next.
Personally, I love all of the little touches. The untied shoelace, the beauty of birchbark, the small whorls of peas, and dandelion fuzz blowing past. All of these small pieces combine to create a world that we will all recognize and embrace, just as Rylant's poem unites us all in a single day.
Highly recommended, this book is a lovely gem that has a similar palate to The House in the Night. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Personally, I love all of the little touches. The untied shoelace, the beauty of birchbark, the small whorls of peas, and dandelion fuzz blowing past. All of these small pieces combine to create a world that we will all recognize and embrace, just as Rylant's poem unites us all in a single day.
Highly recommended, this book is a lovely gem that has a similar palate to The House in the Night. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
May 16, 2009
Erm. I hate to be heard saying I don't care for a Cynthia Rylant Book.
I'll have to whisper it. >>I don't care for this one.<<
Text is okay, seems like a poem the valedictorian reads at graduation. I like the thick, blocky lines of the illustrations, and the old-fashioned look. The animals are lovely, especially the little deer peeking out on one page.
The people are a tad freaky. Thick cheek marks make them look odd. On one page the man seems to have donned a stereotypical burglar's mask, and at one point I swear the boy is feeding a headless chicken.
I believe I will stick with the many other Rylant works I love.
I'll have to whisper it. >>I don't care for this one.<<
Text is okay, seems like a poem the valedictorian reads at graduation. I like the thick, blocky lines of the illustrations, and the old-fashioned look. The animals are lovely, especially the little deer peeking out on one page.
The people are a tad freaky. Thick cheek marks make them look odd. On one page the man seems to have donned a stereotypical burglar's mask, and at one point I swear the boy is feeding a headless chicken.
I believe I will stick with the many other Rylant works I love.
March 19, 2009
Both me and my daughter liked this book. My daughter liked it enough to ask me to read it again this morning. We first read it last night before bed after finding it and checking it out of our local library.
The message within was nice and simple enough for toddlers to grasp which I liked a lot. The illustrations were awesome- so many books these days seem so thrown together and sometimes the illustration is just awful. This had beautiful pictures in it.
I'd definitely recommend for toddlers.
The message within was nice and simple enough for toddlers to grasp which I liked a lot. The illustrations were awesome- so many books these days seem so thrown together and sometimes the illustration is just awful. This had beautiful pictures in it.
I'd definitely recommend for toddlers.
November 9, 2017
What a wonderful, joyful little book this is. I am so happy that it celebrated taking joy in the little things, such as the natural world all around you. I was also very pleased that it depicted kindness to a chicken with the image of a little boy feeding and exploring the world with his hen friend, emphasized by text on the importance of kindness...as well as lines about how every living thing greets a new day with joy and exuberance.
Wonderful, valuable stuff to encourage the values of compassion and good stewardship in the littlest book fans.
Wonderful, valuable stuff to encourage the values of compassion and good stewardship in the littlest book fans.
December 16, 2011
A book I thought I read . . . I'm glad I decided to "reread" it! A perfect reminder to be ready and willing for each new day.
"This day will soon be over and it won't come back again.
So live it well, make it count, fill it up with you.
The day's all yours, it's waiting now . . .
See what you can do."
"This day will soon be over and it won't come back again.
So live it well, make it count, fill it up with you.
The day's all yours, it's waiting now . . .
See what you can do."
January 31, 2015
What a sweet and simple book. So much a day has to offer. This book poetically explains the significance of a day. The lyrics of the poem are the equivalent of there's always tomorrow, except to say there's always today. The illustrations as usual for Nikki McClure are spot on, capturing the rapt attention of my six month old with the bold contrast and intriguing detail.
February 18, 2025
Poetic text festooned with cut-paper art. Mostly made for adult readers, I gather.
There's no law against publishing picture books that are ostensibly for children, yet they will only make much sense to the adults who do the reading aloud.
For example, this book begins with a feelgood statement:
A day is a perfect piece of time
to live a life,
to plant a seed.
How much sense will this make to a five-year-old? Or a two-year-old?
Young children are literal, since they're still learning about human reality at this time in their childhoods. So let's count the abstractions in those three lines, shall we?
1. A day is any kind of piece of time?
2. A day is a PERFECT piece of time?
3. Has the child ever seen a PERFECT piece of time? How would it smell?
4. Is there such a thing as a piece of time?
5. Is one piece of time better than others, if you're going to "live a life"?
And so it goes. Pleasantly philosophical ideas for adult readers. For children, perhaps this book counts as aspirational reading. Like, some day, they will understand all kinds of grownup things. Even this book.
RATING THIS BOOK
Unless I absolutely love or loathe a book, my policy is to rate it in terms of my imagined response of the intended readers.
FOUR STARS, since the young 'uns might feel quite flattered to be brought along to this word party, where everything (in the illustrations) looks really strange.
There's no law against publishing picture books that are ostensibly for children, yet they will only make much sense to the adults who do the reading aloud.
For example, this book begins with a feelgood statement:
A day is a perfect piece of time
to live a life,
to plant a seed.
How much sense will this make to a five-year-old? Or a two-year-old?
Young children are literal, since they're still learning about human reality at this time in their childhoods. So let's count the abstractions in those three lines, shall we?
1. A day is any kind of piece of time?
2. A day is a PERFECT piece of time?
3. Has the child ever seen a PERFECT piece of time? How would it smell?
4. Is there such a thing as a piece of time?
5. Is one piece of time better than others, if you're going to "live a life"?
And so it goes. Pleasantly philosophical ideas for adult readers. For children, perhaps this book counts as aspirational reading. Like, some day, they will understand all kinds of grownup things. Even this book.
RATING THIS BOOK
Unless I absolutely love or loathe a book, my policy is to rate it in terms of my imagined response of the intended readers.
FOUR STARS, since the young 'uns might feel quite flattered to be brought along to this word party, where everything (in the illustrations) looks really strange.
July 10, 2017
"There is a faith in morning time, there is belief in noon."
Each day is full of possibilities and this book is such a great reminder that we can choose to find the happy in each day. I loved sharing that message with my children! We loved the pictures and simple illustrations that follow the day of child who makes the day count. There is a lot of focus on the illustrations because they are few colors used to draw away attention. The flow of the book is very complementary to the simplicity of the message and images. It is a read enjoyable for the whole family.
I love the durability of this board book. It will last in your library for a long time and you will want to read this book over and over again to get lost in the moment. You will definitely want to share this feel-good book!
http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2017/0...
Each day is full of possibilities and this book is such a great reminder that we can choose to find the happy in each day. I loved sharing that message with my children! We loved the pictures and simple illustrations that follow the day of child who makes the day count. There is a lot of focus on the illustrations because they are few colors used to draw away attention. The flow of the book is very complementary to the simplicity of the message and images. It is a read enjoyable for the whole family.
I love the durability of this board book. It will last in your library for a long time and you will want to read this book over and over again to get lost in the moment. You will definitely want to share this feel-good book!
http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2017/0...
September 4, 2017
Rylant, Cynthia All In a Day Illustrated by Nikki McClure BOARD BOOK $8.95 Content: G.
This book is about all the possibilities that a day brings. Whether working or enjoying the sun a new day brings hope and promises. At the end of the book, it encourages the reader to make the most of their day because there is only one day like today.
This board book doesn’t have a story line and is more of a poem about the beauty of a day. The illustrations are black with yellow or pale blue backgrounds. It has the feel of a goodnight story-soothing and reflective, but it’s about the beginning of a day.
PREK – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
This book is about all the possibilities that a day brings. Whether working or enjoying the sun a new day brings hope and promises. At the end of the book, it encourages the reader to make the most of their day because there is only one day like today.
This board book doesn’t have a story line and is more of a poem about the beauty of a day. The illustrations are black with yellow or pale blue backgrounds. It has the feel of a goodnight story-soothing and reflective, but it’s about the beginning of a day.
PREK – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
September 16, 2020
I really loved this book about what all can happen in a day. This story is a way to show to readers that every day is a new one and brings new opportunities. It is very inspirational for anyone that might be feeling down and can even spark an interest in those who live their lives one day at a time. I really liked the simplicity of the illustrations as well since there were only four colors used throughout. I would highly recommend this book to someone looking for a boost of motivation or just on a rainy day.
January 25, 2023
This book inspires me to day back the day and value every moment we have. As always, the paper cut illustrations tell such a simplistic, yet beautifully communicating a deep story. I felt empowered to be optimism’s and see the potential each day has I believe this book is a great reminder that we should be thankful for the gift of life, or air, of rain and all the things we may take for granted. The solemn tone was filed with a sense out gratitude which I felt was so calming and inspiring. This book left me speechless. Phenomenal literature!
December 13, 2017
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.
February 6, 2018
All in a Day is a charming tale that reminds readers to embrace each day and the beautiful gifts it offers.
Written in soothing verse, the words inspire and give hope in facing the day. The book also reminds us that days come to a close and tomorrow is a chance to experience the wonder once again.
All in a Day is a delightful story with lovely illustrations that are certain to captivate young readers. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Written in soothing verse, the words inspire and give hope in facing the day. The book also reminds us that days come to a close and tomorrow is a chance to experience the wonder once again.
All in a Day is a delightful story with lovely illustrations that are certain to captivate young readers. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
July 3, 2019
I want to like this more than I do. I feel like the combination of Cynthia Rylant and Nikki McClure should be magic.
The illustrations are phenomenal, of course. Could I love her more?
The text is...off. The rhyme scheme seems to change halfway through...or maybe how it's laid out on the page does, I can't really tell. And it doesn't feel real to a kid's day somehow. It's fine, but less than what I expect from Cynthia Rylant.
The illustrations are phenomenal, of course. Could I love her more?
The text is...off. The rhyme scheme seems to change halfway through...or maybe how it's laid out on the page does, I can't really tell. And it doesn't feel real to a kid's day somehow. It's fine, but less than what I expect from Cynthia Rylant.
July 31, 2017
This is a book about working hard and appreciating every single moment of life. It is an important lesson that many adults never master, so the idea of teaching it from a very early age is appropriate. The illustrations are in black and white with single color backgrounds which emphasize old-fashioned values.
February 4, 2019
The art for this book caught my attention while at the library. Since I’m trying to work on my own illustrations I was curious and have intended to check out others work.
I enjoyed the cut paper art and the simple color scheme which made me not feel so bad about my own. The text was decent but probably only felt moved at certain parts, mostly near the end.
I enjoyed the cut paper art and the simple color scheme which made me not feel so bad about my own. The text was decent but probably only felt moved at certain parts, mostly near the end.
September 4, 2022
Lovely message of making the most of a day through simple pleasures. The illustrations are large and clear and work really well in a group setting. The cut paper style does create some off-looking images but overall they are nice. The page "a day brings hope" is lovely enough to be art for the classroom wall.
September 27, 2022
As I heard a child say "that book looks old". It is not a cover that will draw a child in, but hopefully their parent will pick it up, sit their child down and share this wonderfully simple and poetic story of a boy's day. Maybe it will give the parent an idea or two of something they can go out and do with their kid!
May 12, 2018
I really enjoyed everything this book offered. The message is wonderful, one worth re-reading regularly! The process of how the illustrations are created was interesting to read about also! Wonderful read aloud.
September 10, 2020
A simple book with black and white illustrations that show all about the magic and wonder of a day. You can wish, you can dream. You can reflect. But above all, you don't get it back, so don't waste a day.
August 27, 2021
Like the boy's chicken that is on every page with him.
Each page is black, white, and one color. Gives it a slightly old-timey look.
Text rhymes although there's an awkward rhythm (for me) around "you can find your way back home".
About making the most use of a day.
Each page is black, white, and one color. Gives it a slightly old-timey look.
Text rhymes although there's an awkward rhythm (for me) around "you can find your way back home".
About making the most use of a day.
November 24, 2021
Might have been my mood, but this seems pretty heavy for a picture book.
Listed in "Stories, Songs, and Stretches!:...storytimes w/yoga and movement"
described as "A gentle rhyming celebration of all that can be enjoyed in a single day, one m9ment at a time."
Listed in "Stories, Songs, and Stretches!:...storytimes w/yoga and movement"
described as "A gentle rhyming celebration of all that can be enjoyed in a single day, one m9ment at a time."
July 1, 2022
(2022 - #48, reread)
1) Picture book, 4 color artwork
2) Reflective, appreciation, aspirational
3) Boy goes about his daily routine.
Enjoyment: 4
Quote: "There is a faith in morningtime,
there is belief in noon.
Evening will come whispering
and shine a bright round moon."
1) Picture book, 4 color artwork
2) Reflective, appreciation, aspirational
3) Boy goes about his daily routine.
Enjoyment: 4
Quote: "There is a faith in morningtime,
there is belief in noon.
Evening will come whispering
and shine a bright round moon."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews