Oh, What A Busy Day!

by Gyo Fujikawa

Delicate illustrations complemented by a simple text explore the joys and amusements of being a child during the course of a day

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Childrens, Classics, Fiction, Juvenile, Art

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Gyo Fujikawa was an American illustrator and children's book author. A prolific creator of more than 50 books for children, her work is regularly in reprint and has been translated into 17 languages and published in 22 countries. Her most popular books, Babies and Baby Animals, have sold over 1.7 million copies in the U.S. Fujikawa is recognized for being the earliest mainstream illustrator of picture books to include children of many races in her work, before it was politically correct to do so.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was bought to me in 1976, when I was a child. It's been well-used and I recently found it again. The rhymes and texts are easy, and the pictures are beautiful - not too busy but full of fun details. The book doesn't completely shy from sad stuff, but it's only a few instances. Various seasons, celebrations, times of day, activities and hopes/wishes are mentioned. The emphases is on fun and enthusiasm, not forgetting to mention good manners now and then. I loved the book back then, and do so even now. I cherish this book.

[Manny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply don't understand why some terrible children's books become famous, while others, which are quite brilliant, are virtually unknown. This was one of our kids' favourites when they were very small, and it is terrific. Most children's books that attempt to instil wisdom and moral principles are nauseating, but Stora Bilderboken delivers.

The page I like best is about uncontrollable emotions, and, I am honestly not exaggerating, is just one of the best and most insightful pieces of writing I have ever seen on this subject. The title is Ibland ("Sometimes"), and it is a series of single sentences, each with an accompanying picture. Typical examples, I translate, are the following:

Sometimes you just want to annoy people and be bad.

Sometimes you feel shy and don't dare talk to anyone.

Sometimes you have scary dreams.

Sometimes it feels nice to cry.

At the end, there's a couplet often quoted in our household:

Ibland gråter killar, ibland slåss en tjej
Så är det för alla, för dig och för mig

Sometimes boys cry, and sometimes girls fight
It's like that for everyone, for me and you as well.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The busy-ness and variety of Richard Scarry meets the whimsy and randomness of Ruth Krauss meets animé-like cuteness, with a little bit of Eloise Wilkin's homey charm thrown in for good measure. How have I never read anything by Gyo Fujikawa before?

[Jake Yaniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I became a parent I gave very little thought to the quality of children's books. But when you have to read the same book again and again, sometimes in the same sitting, it becomes VERY important that the book be well crafted, both pleasant to read and pleasant to look at.

'Oh What A Busy Day' is an extremely fun book both for parents and for children. It is a bit long for just one sitting, though. As in most of the children's books I've read by Gyo Fujikawa there are no adults, no parents. My child said that it 'is like Kid-World or something.' The children in the book are completely unfettered as they go through their day, playing, scheming, building, dreaming about the future etc. I think this makes it all the more interesting to the kids - it removes what is probably the chief source of stress in a child's life - their parents!

The content of the book runs the gamut, from poems to games, from stories and whimsical make-believe to stark terror. There is one page of the book that will likely scare your child sober - this is a good thing, and in the context of such a captivating book it offers an excellent opportunity to reinforce certain very important lessons.

Like all of Gyo Fujikawa's works, this book is a work of art, with each page beautifully illustrated. The children are very cute, and their actions are depicted masterfully, revealing not only an understanding of art, but an understanding of children and the nuances of their behavior.

If you are a parent accustomed to hearing, at the end of a LONG day the words, 'Again, again!' I highly recommend you pick up a few of Fujikawa's works. And if you want something long enough to satisfy an imaginative child without repetition, then you will not be disappointed with 'Oh What A Busy Day'.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is darling and covers just about everything that toddlers will do in a day; even throughout the various seasons. Getting dressed, playing games, handling your feelings, thinking of what you’ll be when you grow up, and more!

The illustrations are so, so, (and just one more) SO cute - you and your kiddo will love pouring over the book for long spells at a time.

Ages: 2 - 5

Cleanliness: three small images with children without clothes/pants. A picture of children dressed in semi-scary costumes for Halloween. One page spread talks about various feelings and/or wrongs we’ll do; but it’s ok - as long as we don’t do it often. There’s one page spread that some parents might want to read to only the older ones or just skip altogether - it’s a story about two children who get lost in the woods and die!

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that loves children. Loved the love of simple childhood stories, ideas of play and games.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up after reading It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear.
I still have to spend some time perusing this with my grandkids, but I adore all the illustrations and little bits of verse and rhyme.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Delightful pictures, capturing beautifully the energy and wonder and troubles of children.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute picture book with several short stories and beautiful illustrations. My dad gave it to me to find a few moments of respite in a stressful day, and it provided just that!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The four stars are for Fujikawa's illustrations -- I really love the style. Looks retro -- but that's because it is retro! Poems are uneven quality, and I'm not sure about reading Babes in the Woods to preschoolers, but some are really charming -- "Happiness is a goeey mud puddle," "Susie's secrets" about secret places, and "Guess What?" bout the imagination & pretend play.

[Adrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming and impressively detailed drawings provide a lot to see and talk about with a little one. The prose is clunky and, at times, strange, but serves a good enough excuse to pore over the drawings. There's no need to read the whole book in one setting as each spread is dedicated to it's own theme and can quite easily stand alone.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the illustrations but the content was horrendous

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much crammed into one book, it just didn't work for me.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 1976, this picture book was ahead of its time with regards to diversity. It takes children through the possibilities of every facet of childhood, from make-believe, to fighting with friends, to enjoying the different seasons. I literally spent years trying to recall the author or title before I finally stumbled across our original beloved copy at my parents’ house — I immediately bought a reprint. Her own words describing how she felt about her audience sum up her beautiful work:

“In illustrating for children, what I relish most is trying to satisfy the constant question in the back of my mind–will this picture capture a child’s imagination? What can I do to enhance it further? Does it help to tell a story? I am far from being successful (whatever that means), but I am ever so grateful to small readers who find ‘something’ in any book of mine.”

made my list, "Gorgeous Picture Books Capturing Magical, Independent Childhoods:" http://honorsgradu.com/6-gorgeous-pic...

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of activities, rhymes, and typical experiences a child might do or say or imagine during a day. Half of the book is playground and nursery rhymes. The other are situational vignettes a child can likely relate to. Half of the spreads are in black and white, while the other half are in full color.

This picture book has aged impressively well. Modern kids can still relate to just about all of the activities included. Some of the rhymes may be new to kids, but others are still very common. I love how diverse the kids are in Fujikawa's books. It is part of her legacy in the picture book world, she was the first one to illustrate a multicultural picture book which is why we are trying to get more of her books back in our library.

Notes on content: Some of the rhymes are about luck, and there's one statement about it is ok to be a little naughty but say sorry afterwards that I could've done without. Also one naked child getting dressed at the end (though strategically positioned so it isn't too scandalous).

[Brigid Devney-rye · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just looked at this book again for the first time in a long time as I was deciding if I wanted to keep it or not. What a strange book for children. The illustrations, most of them anyway, are delightful. Gyo always pleases in that way and I have several other books of hers. But this one! For children! #1 it is overwhelming and I am sure not meant to be read in one sitting. I was exhausted after reading about this busy day. #2 some of the content is completely inappropriate. It was written in 1976 but even then, there is a story about two children getting lost in the woods. Spoiler alert: they die at the end. There is an illustration of a young children changing a babies diaper. Can you imagine?! These are just two examples as it was a very busy day. Stick to other books by this author. She's a wonderful illustrator (thus the two stars) but this is NOT a good book.

[Steve Martinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a strange book for children. Going along all happy and nice, showing all different kinds of children's busy activities, and then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, there's a one page story of two little kids who basically get lost in the woods and DIE! Really?! I'm glad I wasn't reading this to a child when I came across this. Yes, there's a time and place for a story like this, but this wasn't it! The rest is a good children's book. Oh, one other question I had. At the end of the day, they all go home to their separate homes. But at the beginning, they were all eating in the same house. I was wondering, at the time, if these were supposed to be kids in an orphanage or some kind of group home. Oh well.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is written as poetry, which covers themes such as eating, playing, gardening, grown-up jobs, secret hiding spots, and having a bad day. Some themes offer wisdom, such as it's OK to sulk some times, but it makes a person's face look ugly, while another theme describes how we sometimes fight with a best friend. Young readers can relate to the themes and engage with the detailed pictures of children engaged in activities. While typically more playful or light hearted, there is one especially dark theme about two children that were lost in the woods, cried bitterly, and died.

[Christine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brothers and sister and I loved this book as a child. My mother and I were remembering it because of the poem the babes in the woods which she remembers her grandmother telling her when she was a little girl. I was able to find a copy for her on Amazon and now my 3 year old nephew is hooked as well. This is a book that really stands the test of time.

[Kit Feral · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a strange mixed bag. I'm not entirely sure how to feel. I think I need to read it a few times to be sure. The poem about the children who got lost in the woods, cried, and died was rather surprising.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really is a busy day for children in this book. From the time they say good morning until they say goodnight, they are busy playing and squabbling, and having fun being creative and exploring. Many pages of beautiful illustrations.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the stars are for the illustrations that have stuck with me for decades. They are whimsical and sweet and saturated with color. This is kind of an abstract thing to say but: if I could have my childhood illustrated, it would be in exactly Gyo Fujikawa’s style.

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not meant to be read in one sitting, this is a collection of short stories, rhymes, and thoughts about play, friendship, and the struggles that go with being little.

Note: the sad story called "The Babes in the Wood" is included.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the Babes in the Woods poem is morbid, but this book is a gem. The illustrations win best of the day so far as I’m going through a lot of vintage children’s books to post in my eBay store. Had to keep this one for myself. Love it!

[Tavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baba can't even count the number of times he read this to Tavia. She gets to pick the books she wanted to read and for years she picked this book almost every time baba read to her (Micah and Erin alternate reading every night)

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has so much hype among the Waldorf/Montessori industrial complex, and it’s cute and retro, but ultimately just ok. Definitely skip the Babes In The Woods chapter if you don’t want to throw off the vibe with your kids.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book from my childhood. My mother just gave it to my daughter. I'm so excited to share it with her!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book since childhood. It is great with all the pictures, little poems and such.

[Anne Bettina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books as a child. Now I get to read it with my own child. I love the pictures.

[Quan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuốn này nét vẽ rất yêu thích hợp mua tặng các bạn gái.