Most Days

by Michael Leannah, Megan Elizabeth Baratta

One of Kirkus Best Picture Books of 2021 One of Kirkus Best Picture Books about Community 2021 Kirkus Star "Good things happen in the ordinary minutes of an ordinary day." This is a book about mindfulness. About relishing the magic of the here and now. About enjoying the extraordinary unfoldings of an ordinary day. Moving from morning to night, the narrator becomes, by turns, boy or girl, of ever-changing ethnicity and ability, inhabiting city, country, or suburb. They are all children everywhere, opening themselves to the gift of time.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 5, 2021

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Good things happen in the ordinary minutes of an ordinary day.”

A special book will often reveal itself in small, quiet ways to me. It’s in the way I flip back through the pages right after reading it almost as if I’m not ready to leave. Or the way I jot down line after line. Or more often than I like to admit, in the way I can’t seem to bring myself to return it to the library. :)

Most Days by Michael Leannah reminds us that each new day brings a world of possibilities. Both big and small. From the first step and stretch out of bed to the moon shining bright over head. If we take the time to look, we’ll see that joy is there most days. Just LOOK. It’s there! In the murmur of voices, sunlight, and smell of toast. And so much more!

These pages are filled with inspiring words and beautiful, soft illustrations that soothe the soul. It was just what I needed. Because even though the days might feel like one big blur right now, “things don’t happen the same way twice”. Each day is different. I definitely forgot that this past year. Enjoy each and every one!

Please go read this book. It will leave an impression like no other.

HIGHLY recommended.

**Re-read 3/11/25**

“The wind has blown yesterday’s air far away, and the air we’re breathing now will be miles from here tomorrow.”

Most Days wholeheartedly urges readers to enjoy each and every new day with all it’s small, ordinary sights and sounds. These pages will inspire you to look and listen. LOOK for the beauty in life moving all around you every single day. From birds chirping to your reflection in the mirror to the sounds of breakfast happening downstairs. Little moments that seem so common and simple that you might miss just how special they are. Moments I don’t want to take for granted.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book with a good message perfect for early readers or as a read-aloud. It's a great way to show kids to notice the everyday things and enjoy them.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tilbury House Publishers for the advance copy.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely follow up to Most People (2017) focusing on mindfulness and featuring a diverse cast
being in the moment and enjoying the extraordinary happenings of an ordinary day.

[Lisa Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet illustrated children's book about appreciating each day. The author and illustrator highlight the quiet beauty of ordinary days and point out our ability to notice new and different things when we are intentional in our observations.

I especially love Ms. Baratta's illustrations in Most Days, which is her debut illustrated children's book. Mr. Leannah's words are appropriate for all children and share an important message.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Michael Leannah, and illustrator Megan Baratta for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a 3.5 for me and a great reminder about how attitude and mindfulness can shape our lives for the better. Complemented with pencil, watercolor and digital illustrations, the book acknowledges that some days will be tougher than others, but for the most part, most days will be quite ordinary and that very ordinariness makes them worth savoring and extraordinary. The book begins with ordinary tasks such as brushing teeth and getting dressed before highlighting the small things--little wonders such as a web woven by a spider or a plant's new leaf--that are a little bit different from the day before. The rest of the book identifies those small, but important moments that we tend to miss because we're so busy or in such a rush. While there are those among us who are thrill-seekers, there is something to be sad for these ordinary days as depicted in the illustrations of a girl braiding her hair, a woman feeding her dog, a boy putting on his socks, and a girl and her cat stretching in bed. Even managing to get a sweatshirt over one's head and glasses without too much trouble is worth celebrating. This picture book provides many small reminders to stop for a moment and smell those roses and pay attention to the beauty in each day's small delights, often unnoticed because of those flashier moments but important, nevertheless.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a book in praise of ordinary days. Yay!

Some people interpret this book as being a way to cultivate "mindfulness." I sure don't.

As an Enlightenment Teacher, I am not a big fan of "mindfulness." According to research that I've done, mindfulness practices make people dull. Moreover, I don't know of a single proponent of mindfulness who has a magnificent consciousness lifestyle. (See comments below for link ideas to back up both of these statements.)

Otherwise, I really, really like this book. It's full of descriptions about what human beings do. Learning about human life.

We can't have too much of that. And describing everyday things in words is so helpful for children who are learning how to name things, how to talk, how to read.

Here's a sample of why I like this book so much:

The world puts on a
show, as it does every day.

A man plays a saxophone on a porch.
The bakery on the corner fills the air
with the aroma of fresh bread.
Trucks rumble. Bulldozers roar.

Here's to that. I really like this FIVE STAR book.

Goodreads librarians, this is my third review of the day where the Bookshelves/tags function is broken. I would have shelved this one under READ and GROWTH and NONFICTION.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book too, too long from the library. Sometimes life gets in the way and I've wanted to read it because I loved Michael Leannah's earlier book "Most People" where he reminds us that “Most people in the world know that…most people are very good.” This time, a book that is wonderful now but would have been special all this past year, again with a reminder that ordinary days can become extraordinary if all of us pay attention, become mindful. His words show that a plant has added a leaf, a 'splash of sunlight plays on the kitchen floor' as a father and daughter eat breakfast. Favorite lines are "The wind has blown yesterday's air far away, and the air we're breathing now will be miles from here tomorrow." Illustrator Megan Elizabeth Baratta manages to include a myriad of special details with a diversity of people, mostly children, including those of color, those who ride in wheelchairs and sign to communicate. Of course, kitties and dogs and birds also appear. There's a saxophonist on a porch, bulldozers roaring, and a cloud making shadows. Both Michael and Megan show well how an ordinary day can fill with extraordinary things when one looks. I loved it!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book about all the little things that make life wonderful.

While everything seems to be the same, we wake up to a new day and everything is just a little bit different. We are a day older, the air we breathed in yesterday is far away today, we hear new music, new buildings, an extra leaf on the plant... We are reminded to pay attention to what is happening around us in a gentle, loving way.

Our day to day lives may not seem exciting or thrilling, but when we begin to slow down and appreciate all that life gives us, these quiet days should be celebrated more.

I loved the illustrations. They bring up feelings of comfort, love, family and hope. I absolutely love the blue jay who appears in nearly every page whether as a bird, a pin, a mug or a drawing.

*** Received as an ARC from NetGalley

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed how the message is not 'preachy' and gives examples that children (and adults) will be familiar with, as well as the first person narration paired with illustrations showing a different child on each page. Halfway through the book you realize there is a blue jay on each page, often as an actual bird, but sometimes as a pin or drawing. I absolutely love how there is a page with two characters using ASL.
I do wonder if the concept is a too abstract, and this explanation too vague for pre-k children to fully understand the message the author is trying to convey. That being said, this book can be enjoyed as a book about little details children notice through out their days. I can see this book being used with others which talk about mindfulness as a way of focusing on positive things from the day, or noticing what is going on in the moment as a grounding tool.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Tilbury House Publishers through NetGalley.
Delightful book that takes elementary level readers through an ordinary day. Leannah reminds all of us to appreciate the simple daily moments that occur around us. To take time to see the little pieces of life that keep the world moving forward. The illustrations capture a wide variety of people being in the present and sharing together.
Terrific book to read early in the school year and to re-read throughout whenever classes need a reminder about mindfulness. Also a terrific book to share as a family when life may be out of balance.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Most Days" provides a reassuring message for children about the routines and changes in everyday life. This book has sweet, gentle imagery featuring diverse people, families and activities. This is a good read-aloud for kids who enjoy routine or would benefit from mindfulness. It's also a good reminder for adults to acknowledge and appreciate the little, predictable things in life. Even though the world can be a scary or uncertain place, some things are certain. Like leaves on an autumn day.

Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Leannah (author), and Megan Baratta (illustrator) for a digital copy of this book.

[Maurice M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased multiple copies of this book to read and give to my grandchildren. It is a wonderful book that encourages a new perspective of gratefulness in everyday life. Filled with imaginative, colorful, and relevant illustrations this book will delight the child and grownup as well. It is one of the few refreshing, high-quality children's books available in today's market. I love how the blue jay of gratefulness quietly appears each day. Both author and illustrator show a unique and meaningful understanding of the concept of mindfulness and gratefulness even for the small and seemingly insignificant things of "most days".

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching the importance of embracing our ordinary lives, this book embraces the reality of routine while highlighting the unique power of nature, the changing of the seasons, and the ordinary magic of everyday life. Portraying diverse characters and settings, this book will be one you will want to have on your shelves.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher Spotlight, Tilbury House Publishers for the free digital copy for my review.

[Evelyn]

As pointed out in reviews, MOST DAYS is a picture book about reflecting on the small moments that make up our lives, and how meaningful they are. What caught me off guard are the gently existential reflections that you rarely see in a book for small children. This is a moment that won't come again, the breath you've exhaled will travel far etc. I'm paraphrasing because I read the book over a week ago, but I was really intrigued. Will revisit soon.

[Chris G.]

“Most People” was a positive, encouraging look at humankind, and “Most Days” is probably equally positive and lovely, but could not form an opinion because of the way the EARC downloaded. Every page was only partially visible, pages appeared out of order. I hope to see it in physical form when it is published! EARC from NetGalley.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book about appreciating the little things and being in the moment. Could work well with mindfulness or even for enhancing students' writing ( I remember when I taught 2nd grade we use Owl Moon to teach writing about 'small moments')

[Trisha Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book! I adored the soft watercolor style of the art and the way it provides kids with an accessible introduction to the concept of mindfulness. There really is so much beauty in everything ordinary around us.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, calming book that details the little ways we can notice the world. Fits very well into a common tactic to fight anxiety - ground yourself in the here and now by paying attention to what you see, hear, taste, and touch.

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most days are ordinary days, but there is plenty to notice and experience and enjoy in even the most ordinary of days. Among the usual are the new and everything is slightly different than the day before. Comforting and joyful.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. It is a simple look at “most days”. What happens everyday, but also how the days slightly change from day to day. The representation in this book is awesome. Almost everyone will be able to see themselves and find something that reminds them of most of their days.

[Lupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book about looking for the small things in life and cherishing them. It is perfect to read during this COVID pandemic. I plan to buy it for my library and I might even buy it for some adults in my life.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

During this past year, when one day turns into the next without much difference between the two, it is has been more important than ever to be mindful of the seemingly ordinary moments and see the extraordinary.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Days may feel the same, but each day is different if we take the time to notice. A good book about mindfulness, focusing on the little changes that happen each and every day. Most days aren't big, exciting, or bad, they are just average, and that's okay.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Good things happen in the ordinary minutes of an ordinary day.” 💛⭐️

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book received for free through NetGalley

This book was adorable and I loved reading it with my kids. Love the inordinary within the ordinary.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ordinary is extraordinary in this simple, mindful book. Love the diversity of characters. Super appealing illustrations--just lovely!

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ordinary days have special moments if you take the time to think about them.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story about the beauty of ordinary days.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Reflects on the small beauty in ordinary moments that happen on most days.