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A New Day
Sunday quit, just like that. She said she was tired of being a day. And so the other days of the week had no choice but to advertise: "WANTED: A NEW DAY. Must be relaxing, tranquil, and replenishing. Serious inquires only." Soon lots of hopefuls arrived with their suggestions, such as Funday, Bunday, Acrobaturday, SuperheroDay, and even MonstersWhoResembleJellyfishDay! Things quickly got out of hand . . . until one more candidate showed up: a little girl with a thank-you gift for Sunday.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 2021
13 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
322 books7,407 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
March 6, 2021
My favorite author and a spectacular artist in Dan Santat. I love and will never tire of writing biased reviews.
August 29, 2021
Read for my 365 Kids Book challenge. You can see all the books on their own shelf.
Didn't really work for me. Most of the days didn't really get personalities: if they didn't have distinctive colors and their days written on you wouldn't be able to guess. Where did Sunday come from all of a sudden? I like the art though.
Library copy
Didn't really work for me. Most of the days didn't really get personalities: if they didn't have distinctive colors and their days written on you wouldn't be able to guess. Where did Sunday come from all of a sudden? I like the art though.
Library copy
June 21, 2021
What happens to the other six days of the week if Sunday quit??
Join Monday the Planner as they hold auditions for the NEW Day? Every possible type of Day shows up...From Run Day to Super Hero Day to Dogs...what about the cats?
Will they ever find another DAY?
Popular author Brad Meltzer has written a fun and humorous story (not unlike Inside Out, in terms of characters) as the other days struggle to find a replacement.
Award winning animator and illustrator Dan Santat brings the unique personalities of each day, from Monday's perky yellow take-charge to Saturday's violet lounge-in-pajamas to Thursday's disgruntled disgust and Tuesday's neurotic nerd, or Friday's let's party vibes. The illustrations of competitors are equally as delightful, vibrant and silly. It also begs the question to the readers of which is their favorite.
This is a great read about compassion, colors, the days of the week, and celebrating every day for its worth.
Join Monday the Planner as they hold auditions for the NEW Day? Every possible type of Day shows up...From Run Day to Super Hero Day to Dogs...what about the cats?
Will they ever find another DAY?
Popular author Brad Meltzer has written a fun and humorous story (not unlike Inside Out, in terms of characters) as the other days struggle to find a replacement.
Award winning animator and illustrator Dan Santat brings the unique personalities of each day, from Monday's perky yellow take-charge to Saturday's violet lounge-in-pajamas to Thursday's disgruntled disgust and Tuesday's neurotic nerd, or Friday's let's party vibes. The illustrations of competitors are equally as delightful, vibrant and silly. It also begs the question to the readers of which is their favorite.
This is a great read about compassion, colors, the days of the week, and celebrating every day for its worth.
March 5, 2021
Love this picture book, though it is probably a bit long for the target age. Cute, funny, and has a great ending.
August 22, 2021
Everyone should read at least a few picture books a year. It gives you perspective and reminds you how you saw the world as a child. A New Day is filled with fantastic imaginative thinking that has you laughing and smiling. Find this book and read it to a child in your life. Talk about your favorite day of the week, your favorite day of the year, the holiday that you want to make up and celebrate every year (for my nephew it's Doopla-Doopla Day...we have no idea where that name came from...and involves eating chocolate cupcakes and no parades). Thank you, Brad Meltzer.
February 28, 2023
Sunday quits. She's tired of being taken for granted, and she wants to do some things for herself (like bake sourdough and learn Sanskrit...like the Buddhists). Off she goes, and the rest of the days must find a replacement. The auditions begin, with over-the-top ideas for a new day including WorstVice-PresidentsDay and Big-BurpDay and SnowmenInABlizzardEatingMarshmallowsDay...so many wacky days strut their stuff in front of the other days...but nothing seems quite right until...
Yes, I hesitated a bit before falling into adoration of this book (wasn't there another book where the crayons decided to leave their profession?) but once I actually got into the story, I couldn't put it down, with all its silliness and quirky humor and rollicking good fun.
Yes, I hesitated a bit before falling into adoration of this book (wasn't there another book where the crayons decided to leave their profession?) but once I actually got into the story, I couldn't put it down, with all its silliness and quirky humor and rollicking good fun.
March 10, 2021
I am honestly surprised that none of the reviews I've read have mentioned what seems incredibly obvious to me that the characters and illustrations in this book seem to have been directly lifted from the movie, "Inside Out"!! When I initially saw the cover, I thought it was a book inspired by the movie. I think this is really obvious and strange that he wouldn't realize this or that he would so blatantly use the exact same idea? The actual storyline is cute but using speech bubbles to carry the majority of the story is problematic in a picture book format for me. Overall, didn't really care for this book.
February 27, 2021
This is a really fun picture book based on the idea that Sunday just quit... yes, she quit her day and they had to look for a new day of the week. There are so many fun and silly suggestions that kids will love and then it's gets even more creative with combinations of ideas for different days. And the pictures by Dan Santat are fabulously amazing as always! I know this will be a HUGE hit in our library and need to be preordered ASAP!
Thanks to Edleweiss for the digital ARC.
Thanks to Edleweiss for the digital ARC.
March 6, 2021
Love!!! Love!!! Love this book! I was fortunate to hear the author Brad Meltzer read his book aloud during The Children’s Literature Breakfast with Anderson’s Bookstore! I cannot wait to read this one to my class!
March 3, 2023
I don't typically post children's picture books here, but once in awhile there are some just cute enough, filled with good messages for all ages, great illustrations, that I want to pass them along!
Meltzer is a good one, who has strong morals mixed with great illustrations ( of course credited to his even better illustrators!).
And this title was no exception.
With the moral being the reminder to add some kindness into each day and you will always have New Days!
Remember to show real genuine appreciation and care to those in your week.
I loved the idea, trying to find a new day to take over for over-worked, under-appreciated Sunday.
The ideas they are given in their auditions are crazy, pointless, not helpful to the rest of the week, while others were ideas I'd LOVE to incorporate into each week!
What would you choose?
One of the options in the book or one all your own idea?
If I could choose....hum...I liked their idea of Flyday, when I could fly each week!
But one of my own design would be Bookday, a day each week everyone choses one new book to dive into!
No work.
All chill and read and snacks!
What about you? Your day of choice?
Meltzer is a good one, who has strong morals mixed with great illustrations ( of course credited to his even better illustrators!).
And this title was no exception.
With the moral being the reminder to add some kindness into each day and you will always have New Days!
Remember to show real genuine appreciation and care to those in your week.
I loved the idea, trying to find a new day to take over for over-worked, under-appreciated Sunday.
The ideas they are given in their auditions are crazy, pointless, not helpful to the rest of the week, while others were ideas I'd LOVE to incorporate into each week!
What would you choose?
One of the options in the book or one all your own idea?
If I could choose....hum...I liked their idea of Flyday, when I could fly each week!
But one of my own design would be Bookday, a day each week everyone choses one new book to dive into!
No work.
All chill and read and snacks!
What about you? Your day of choice?
May 18, 2021
Ok so I originally thought to myself, "is this a ripoff of Inside Out?" and at first blush it is. Each day of the week is a different colored anthropomorphic character, much like the emotions in said movie. However, it's not really about these days of the week as a whole. It's about finding appreciation for each day as it comes.
Nobody appreciates Sunday, so she decides to quit her job and take some time for herself. She wants to do things she's always wanted to do. So the other six days of the week hold auditions for a new day of the week. Commence shenanigans. What starts out with simple ideas ('DogDay," "FunDay," etc...) devolves into sillier and sillier hijinks ("FirepoleSlidingIntoPoolsOfCottonCandyDay" and some hilarious unicorn battles). How will this slap-happiness resolve? Read & find out. This sometimes-Twitter-user has to wonder if @dsantat is poking fun at the often ridiculous hashtags on said social media platform.
Nobody appreciates Sunday, so she decides to quit her job and take some time for herself. She wants to do things she's always wanted to do. So the other six days of the week hold auditions for a new day of the week. Commence shenanigans. What starts out with simple ideas ('DogDay," "FunDay," etc...) devolves into sillier and sillier hijinks ("FirepoleSlidingIntoPoolsOfCottonCandyDay" and some hilarious unicorn battles). How will this slap-happiness resolve? Read & find out. This sometimes-Twitter-user has to wonder if @dsantat is poking fun at the often ridiculous hashtags on said social media platform.
October 24, 2022
This is a very cute book about how any day can be tired when nothing is appreciated. It teaches kids that any day can be better when you show appreciation and a little thanks. It is an often overlooked fact that a simple "thank you" can turn a person's day around and when you appreciate a day you can make it a new day.
I think kids around four or five will enjoy the colorful pictures and some of the witty banter.
I think kids around four or five will enjoy the colorful pictures and some of the witty banter.
August 9, 2021
In the spirit of THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT, Sunday wants to quit. The other days audition replacement days. The proposals are wacky and a lot of fun. This book is crying out for children to create their own day. I'd picked BOOK DAY, of course....Oh, pair this YES DAY by Amy Rosenthal.
September 12, 2021
The over-the-top narrative of Mr. Meltzer is topped by the over-the-top-top illustrations of Mr. Santat!
September 29, 2021
Age Group: 3 - 5 Years
November 8, 2022
Vibrant illustrations but difficult format for 7 year old to read with mashing up of words. In the end a nice message.
June 12, 2025
Very funny with great illustrations!
November 23, 2021
Maybe a 3.5, but rounded down since I found it a bit heavy handed and over the top.
Sunday quits, and the auditions start for a new day. A little girl offers Sunday a plant as a thank you. "lesson...with a little more kindness in it. every day can be a NEW DAY."
Sunday quits, and the auditions start for a new day. A little girl offers Sunday a plant as a thank you. "lesson...with a little more kindness in it. every day can be a NEW DAY."
February 9, 2022
[REVIEW]
I never took Brad Meltzer as a children’s book author, but I will now read every one he publishes in the future. I was smiling the entire time while reading this. The illustrations were loud and colorful, and I loved the message about learning to appreciate every day.
I recommend this to everyone!
I never took Brad Meltzer as a children’s book author, but I will now read every one he publishes in the future. I was smiling the entire time while reading this. The illustrations were loud and colorful, and I loved the message about learning to appreciate every day.
I recommend this to everyone!
May 14, 2021
What would happen if Inside Out met The Day the Crayons Quit? This book. It's all a little bit too much. But Dan Santat is--as ever--very good here.
Read
February 28, 2021This is a bright and funny book about the days of the week. When Sunday has had enough of being taken for granted and quits, the other days come together to hear pitches for replacement days. Some are more general (like Funday), while others are quite specific (like FirepoleSlidingIntoPoolsofCottonCandyDay) but none of them seem quite right. This funny take on the days of the week will please fans of The Day the Crayons Quit, Runaway Signs, and E-Mergency.
June 28, 2021
Sunday is burned out and quits so the other days of the week hold tryouts for a replacement. This is a laugh-out-loud humorous picture book with plenty of clever wordplay and an uplifting message about kindness. With wonderfully clever illustrations, there is plenty of storytelling on each page. Readers will especially appreciate the rivalry between the dogs and the cats. An entertaining story that will appeal to readers who enjoy The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywait.
November 2, 2020
Great book to have read on Sunday! What if one of the days of the week was feeling unappreciated and quit. Would another day be found to fill the void? Or will a new solution be found. A good story filled with humour and great art.
March 11, 2021
Quite creative and imaginative to think of all the different themed days you could have but we found it went on a bit too much.
April 9, 2021
Art is great, story so-so.
April 28, 2021
I just don't like these types of books. I feel like this would have been better as a Pixar short than a text book. Also got major Inside Out vibes from the art.
July 19, 2021
Just when you think Santat can't top himself, oops! He did it again....
When Sunday quits her slot in the days of the week, the other days scramble to audition prospective replacements for her.
Meltzer's text is all over the place with his humor in this one. He uses rhyming sentences initially for Sunday, with someone else aiding her make the rhyme once or twice. Yes, he includes a mention of body parts that will elicit a giggle. He jumps on the reality TV bandwagon with his auditions for her replacement. And goes cray-zee with his made-up names for days of the week, including NakedMoleRatBaturdaySkittitySkatilyDatBaturday. (Say that in one breath!) He includes several trending pop culture suggestions.
I really think it is Santat's treatment of the text that brings this up to the top level. Treating many pages like a graphic novel (with conversations in word bubbles) and pages broken up into multiple frames, he makes visual sense of what could be a jumbled text.
This might make a fun Reader's Theater production for a class studying days of the week, as each day has a distinct personality and the prospects being auditioned are a bizarre mix of weird and nonsensical (see above day!). Or a fun read on its own merit any day!
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3.
When Sunday quits her slot in the days of the week, the other days scramble to audition prospective replacements for her.
Meltzer's text is all over the place with his humor in this one. He uses rhyming sentences initially for Sunday, with someone else aiding her make the rhyme once or twice. Yes, he includes a mention of body parts that will elicit a giggle. He jumps on the reality TV bandwagon with his auditions for her replacement. And goes cray-zee with his made-up names for days of the week, including NakedMoleRatBaturdaySkittitySkatilyDatBaturday. (Say that in one breath!) He includes several trending pop culture suggestions.
I really think it is Santat's treatment of the text that brings this up to the top level. Treating many pages like a graphic novel (with conversations in word bubbles) and pages broken up into multiple frames, he makes visual sense of what could be a jumbled text.
This might make a fun Reader's Theater production for a class studying days of the week, as each day has a distinct personality and the prospects being auditioned are a bizarre mix of weird and nonsensical (see above day!). Or a fun read on its own merit any day!
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3.
March 17, 2021
This picture book imagines what would happen if Sunday quit, and if the other days of the week tried to recruit a new member to their crew. The story is humorous, but the constant rotation of ridiculous day ideas dragged on too long, in my opinion. The gorgeous, colorful illustrations still made this a three-star book for me, but it isn't something that I would want to read again.
However, many children will love this, find it hilarious, and make their parents read it to them again and again until the end of days. My review is just my personal opinion, and doesn't reflect the entertainment value for kids, who will enjoy this even more if an adult reads this aloud with silly voices and great drama.
On an idiosyncratic note, it was interesting for me to see illustrations that depict the days of the week in different colors. There was some overlap with my mental images, and some differences. I've always thought of Sunday and Saturday as yellow, Monday as purple, Tuesday and Thursday as orange, Wednesday as blue, and Friday as red. I have no idea where this came from, or what the reasons are, but those have been my color associations since early childhood.
However, many children will love this, find it hilarious, and make their parents read it to them again and again until the end of days. My review is just my personal opinion, and doesn't reflect the entertainment value for kids, who will enjoy this even more if an adult reads this aloud with silly voices and great drama.
On an idiosyncratic note, it was interesting for me to see illustrations that depict the days of the week in different colors. There was some overlap with my mental images, and some differences. I've always thought of Sunday and Saturday as yellow, Monday as purple, Tuesday and Thursday as orange, Wednesday as blue, and Friday as red. I have no idea where this came from, or what the reasons are, but those have been my color associations since early childhood.
June 2, 2021
Sunday is tired of being a day. Feeling underappreciated and needing a break, she "retires" and the other days hold open auditions for new days.
Acrobaturday? Caturday? Dogs and Puppies Day? Slide Down a FirePole into Tubs of Cotton Candy Day? Candaayyy? (Candy Day) Superhero Day/Fly Day? All these are the types of days that try to replace Sunday.
Ultimately, a young girl who shows Sunday some kindness by bringing a potted plant convinces Sunday to come back. All the days get to enjoy some "time off" relaxing, welding, repairing cars, and learning Sanskrit.
This book has some humor to capture the adult readers but as a result it feels a bit too fast-paced and spastic. It would be better as an animated short, for me. I feel that way about much of Dan Santat's work in general. I am a fan of Brad Meltzer's "Ordinary People Change the World" series, but in this book, lots and lots of speech bubbles from different characters along with the busy, busy illustrations make it a tough focus for a read aloud. I would definitely say second grade and up would understand.
Acrobaturday? Caturday? Dogs and Puppies Day? Slide Down a FirePole into Tubs of Cotton Candy Day? Candaayyy? (Candy Day) Superhero Day/Fly Day? All these are the types of days that try to replace Sunday.
Ultimately, a young girl who shows Sunday some kindness by bringing a potted plant convinces Sunday to come back. All the days get to enjoy some "time off" relaxing, welding, repairing cars, and learning Sanskrit.
This book has some humor to capture the adult readers but as a result it feels a bit too fast-paced and spastic. It would be better as an animated short, for me. I feel that way about much of Dan Santat's work in general. I am a fan of Brad Meltzer's "Ordinary People Change the World" series, but in this book, lots and lots of speech bubbles from different characters along with the busy, busy illustrations make it a tough focus for a read aloud. I would definitely say second grade and up would understand.
June 6, 2021
“... with a little more kindness in it, every day can be a NEW DAY.”
Sunday is “tired of being a day.” It’s hard work to give the world a carefree day week after week. Sunday is providing everyone else with their free time, but she never gets any free time for herself. She has so much she wants to do and never has the opportunity. So she quits, which is something that hadn’t happened since Marsday.
The other days decide to recruit a new day and the auditions begin. Ideas range from Funday to DogDay (puppies for everyone.) The competition is fierce and the ideas get crazier: DogsWhoLoveFrogsDay and SnowmenInABlizzardEatingMarshmallowsDay. And always in the wings are a group of cats waiting to pitch Caturday but never getting the chance. Finally, a simple gesture of gratitude brings Sunday back to the week.
A fun read with a serious message.
Sunday is “tired of being a day.” It’s hard work to give the world a carefree day week after week. Sunday is providing everyone else with their free time, but she never gets any free time for herself. She has so much she wants to do and never has the opportunity. So she quits, which is something that hadn’t happened since Marsday.
The other days decide to recruit a new day and the auditions begin. Ideas range from Funday to DogDay (puppies for everyone.) The competition is fierce and the ideas get crazier: DogsWhoLoveFrogsDay and SnowmenInABlizzardEatingMarshmallowsDay. And always in the wings are a group of cats waiting to pitch Caturday but never getting the chance. Finally, a simple gesture of gratitude brings Sunday back to the week.
A fun read with a serious message.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews