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Imagine a...
Imagine a Day
Imagine a day when your swing swings you higher than the highest treetops. Imagine a day when you can ride your bike up a path of falling leaves into the very tree they are falling from. Imagine a day when you release a handful of blue balloons into a cloudy, gray sky to create a postcard-perfect day. Imagine a day when the ordinary becomes the extraordinary...a day when anything is possible.
Imagine a Day is the companion book to the critically acclaimed Imagine a Night , which School Library Journal declared "a fascinating foray into the imagination." Renowned Canadian artist Rob Gonsalves once again stretches the limits of visual exploration with his breathtaking paintings and encourages parents and children alike to look beyond the limits of the everyday world and imagine.
Imagine a Day is the companion book to the critically acclaimed Imagine a Night , which School Library Journal declared "a fascinating foray into the imagination." Renowned Canadian artist Rob Gonsalves once again stretches the limits of visual exploration with his breathtaking paintings and encourages parents and children alike to look beyond the limits of the everyday world and imagine.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2005
7 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Sarah L. Thomson
70 books83 followersSarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
October 15, 2010
I love puzzles, and Escher, and mazes, and optical illusions .... so it figures that I'd be drawn to this, even as an adult. It's one of those picture books that doesn't tell a story but instead looks to engage with children's imaginations and inspire them.
Each page features an "imagine a day..." and a matching illustration.
A sample:
"Imagine a day ...
... when you can dive
down through branches
or swim up
to the sun."
I find myself drawn more to the pictures - like I would be as a child - than to the words. Without the illustrations, the words would be quite empty I think.
Another:
"Imagine a day ...
... when autumn is
a yellow canopy above you,
a burnt orange carpet underneath,
a road you have never ridden on before."
I like that one, perhaps because I can relate to it more - it's a lovely description of, well, this very season. Just yesterday I was walking home from the subway, I take the back streets that go up and down; it's an old neighbourhood from the 30s, with big maple trees lining the streets. They're turning yellow and orange, just like in this picture, though there's still plenty of green around, and filling the gutters where the wind has tossed them. I was walking home and it was that lovely blue dusky twilight, the air was fresh and cool and it had been raining, and I just felt so at peace with myself and the world. It was a moment I wanted to hold in my palms for longer than it lasted in reality.
I do have a quibble, though: all the kids in these illustrations are white. Very white, and slightly androgynous, and their homes are all upper class homes in posh neighbourhoods... I don't know if young kids would notice or care, and as a child I know I would have been more fascinated with seeing images of another part of the world (it's very Toronto, most of the time), but it jumped out at me the first time I was reading it. It's especially odd, considering the illustrator is Ontarian (the author, Thomson, lives in Maine - I've never been, but I'm guessing it's fairly white and affluent?), as well as standard racial diversity these days.
I also find the style of the illustrations to be strangely flat - it's the style, it's too perfect or something. Everything is so meticulously drawn. Although, it reminds me a lot of the Anthony Browne picture books we loved so much as kids - Piggybook I think was one - which also had very neat drawings but with so much detail, where you could go hunting for little details like a puzzle or a treasure hunt. (Though perhaps my memory is at fault and I'm thinking of a different book - either that or we had a different edition than what's around now, because I looked it up and it just doesn't look the same.) So I guess the end note is that, as an adult, I'm no judge as to what children will like, because my own tastes seem to have changed markedly as I've matured. Despite not being wholly drawn to the pictures, I still think they're great and convey wonderful imagery.
This book won the Governor General's Literary Awards, in the children's category. The author and illustrator have also teamed up and produced two others: Imagine a Night and Imagine a Place .
Each page features an "imagine a day..." and a matching illustration.
A sample:
"Imagine a day ...
... when you can dive
down through branches
or swim up
to the sun."
I find myself drawn more to the pictures - like I would be as a child - than to the words. Without the illustrations, the words would be quite empty I think.
Another:
"Imagine a day ...
... when autumn is
a yellow canopy above you,
a burnt orange carpet underneath,
a road you have never ridden on before."
I like that one, perhaps because I can relate to it more - it's a lovely description of, well, this very season. Just yesterday I was walking home from the subway, I take the back streets that go up and down; it's an old neighbourhood from the 30s, with big maple trees lining the streets. They're turning yellow and orange, just like in this picture, though there's still plenty of green around, and filling the gutters where the wind has tossed them. I was walking home and it was that lovely blue dusky twilight, the air was fresh and cool and it had been raining, and I just felt so at peace with myself and the world. It was a moment I wanted to hold in my palms for longer than it lasted in reality.
I do have a quibble, though: all the kids in these illustrations are white. Very white, and slightly androgynous, and their homes are all upper class homes in posh neighbourhoods... I don't know if young kids would notice or care, and as a child I know I would have been more fascinated with seeing images of another part of the world (it's very Toronto, most of the time), but it jumped out at me the first time I was reading it. It's especially odd, considering the illustrator is Ontarian (the author, Thomson, lives in Maine - I've never been, but I'm guessing it's fairly white and affluent?), as well as standard racial diversity these days.
I also find the style of the illustrations to be strangely flat - it's the style, it's too perfect or something. Everything is so meticulously drawn. Although, it reminds me a lot of the Anthony Browne picture books we loved so much as kids - Piggybook I think was one - which also had very neat drawings but with so much detail, where you could go hunting for little details like a puzzle or a treasure hunt. (Though perhaps my memory is at fault and I'm thinking of a different book - either that or we had a different edition than what's around now, because I looked it up and it just doesn't look the same.) So I guess the end note is that, as an adult, I'm no judge as to what children will like, because my own tastes seem to have changed markedly as I've matured. Despite not being wholly drawn to the pictures, I still think they're great and convey wonderful imagery.
This book won the Governor General's Literary Awards, in the children's category. The author and illustrator have also teamed up and produced two others: Imagine a Night and Imagine a Place .
January 17, 2024
Beautiful....good enough to own and add to your children's collection!
August 9, 2013
Wow, this is lyrical book is beautifully illustrated. “Imagine a day… …when your house enfolds you like a nest, rocking gently in the autumn wind.” “Imagine a day… …when you don’t need wings to soar.” “…when the edge of the map is only the beginning of what we can explore.” Open up your mind and heart, take courage, and imagine making your dreams come true. This is a wonderful book. The surrealistic illustrations are a gorgeous mingling of reality and, what’s just beyond. Maybe not quite real, but not quite out of reach, either. This book speaks of possibilities.
This is the second book by Sarah L. Thomson and rob Gonsalves, and I feel the theme of possibilities holds together a bit more strongly in this book than in the first.
This is the second book by Sarah L. Thomson and rob Gonsalves, and I feel the theme of possibilities holds together a bit more strongly in this book than in the first.
December 11, 2015
A picture book.
The text, I'm afraid, is flat-footed and too closely connected to the paintings.
However, the paintings themselves are marvels of tromp l'oeil transitions between one thing and the next. Like a sand castle -- or is it a castle? A couple seemed uninspired to me, but most work well.
The text, I'm afraid, is flat-footed and too closely connected to the paintings.
However, the paintings themselves are marvels of tromp l'oeil transitions between one thing and the next. Like a sand castle -- or is it a castle? A couple seemed uninspired to me, but most work well.
June 8, 2017
I was drawn in by the cover, and then adored every page. This is a great read for children and adults alike, and both of my children and I were thrilled with every page. We look forward to seeing the other books in the series too.
November 8, 2017
Amazing. Imaginative sparks on every page.
October 27, 2022
Are you looking for a fantasy book that will make you think about your imagination and creativity? If so, the book Imagine a Day is just for you. This story talks about imagining a day of things that make you happy while having amazing media to go along with each page. Throughout the book there is informal and formal arrangements that get you to think creatively. This book would be perfect for a interactive read-aloud in the classroom to get the students to imagine a day and connect a day they have had to the story. This book would be best in fourth to fifth grade classrooms with the high fantasy. This five star book will not disappoint.
October 27, 2022
"Imagine a Day" is a 5 star fantasy picture book. Even with a traditional and formal arrangement, this book will get any imagination flowing. The illustrator's craft is surreal and captivating. The creative images merge seamlessly with prose to create a must- read book.
March 21, 2019
I thought this would go over really well with Kait, but it wasn’t as big a hit as expected. She got really into a few of the illustrations, but had zero interest in the text (and neither did I really). It didn’t hold Maddie’s interest at all.
March 18, 2023
I love this book so much, and more every time I read it... every time I turn a page... every time I THINK about it, I love it more.
http://lunawings.blogspot.com/2023/03...
http://lunawings.blogspot.com/2023/03...
September 9, 2016
1. Imagine a day is a picture book that challenges children to use their imagination to imagine impossible things. It is filled with wonderful artwork and pictures that are optical illusions.
2. I would say the grade level for this book would be 1-4th grade. The some words are advanced. I think this book would have a high interest level because the pictures are very captivating.
3. This book would be good to use in a lesson about thinking of different ways to do things.
4. I think students who are artistic would love this book, and students with large imaginations would also love to read this one.
5. You could use this book in a small group setting if you were comparing illustrator styles.
6. This could be read aloud, and I think the students would like it. You would just have to make sure that the students can see all the pages and the beauty within the pages.
7. Other related books are Imagine a Night and Imagine a Place.
8. This book comes in hardback and kindle version.
2. I would say the grade level for this book would be 1-4th grade. The some words are advanced. I think this book would have a high interest level because the pictures are very captivating.
3. This book would be good to use in a lesson about thinking of different ways to do things.
4. I think students who are artistic would love this book, and students with large imaginations would also love to read this one.
5. You could use this book in a small group setting if you were comparing illustrator styles.
6. This could be read aloud, and I think the students would like it. You would just have to make sure that the students can see all the pages and the beauty within the pages.
7. Other related books are Imagine a Night and Imagine a Place.
8. This book comes in hardback and kindle version.
July 13, 2010
all i can say is… well read it. it’s mostly pictures, so little to no effort on the reader, but it’s worth it. there’s a phrase on every page which enhances and ties together a collection of amazingly well done pictures. the pictures are somewhat surreal, like those pictures where there is a face and it can either be an old woman or a young woman, have we all been exposed to these? but optical illusions i guess. they are brightly coloured and imaginative and give the reader a lot to look at. the phrases don’t exactly make a story out of the pictures, but there is a logical order to the presentation that can be almost thought provoking. it’s a great book. to be flipped through by both young and old.
July 15, 2011
Great message for children and adults. Imagine a day when anything and everything is possible...
September 26, 2016
WOW. These surreal illustrations are amazing! I think my favorite is the very last: a library with books that become doors taking their readers to unlimited worlds. <3
June 3, 2019
Imagine A Night
Author: Sarah L. Thomson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright 2003
Illustrator: Rob Gonsalves
Interest Level: age 7-12
Personal Rating: 4
Genre: Poetry / Fantasy
Extras: Winner of the GG's
Annotation: All three of these books are a combination of poetry and illustrations that encourage the reader to find magic in everyday activities.
Imagine A Place
Author: Sarah L. Thomson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright 2005
Illustrator: Rob Gonsalves
Interest Level: age 7-12
Personal Rating: 4.3
Genre: Poetry / Fantasy
Extras: Winner of the GG's
Imagine A Day
Author: Sarah L. Thomson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright 2008
Illustrator: Rob Gonsalves
Interest Level: age 7-12
Personal Rating: 4.8
Genre: Poetry / Fantasy
Extras: Winner of the GG's
Part I: These books are a “must read” because of the outstanding illustrations produced by Rob Gonsalves. He uses acrylics to paint representational images that take on a surrealistic quality when he morphs real life objects into magical scenes. He also uses a technique that plays tricks on the eye by playing with depth perception. A small bird landing on a water fountain can look like a large bird landing on the lawn in the distance, for example.
Part II: The three books are worth studying together because they show how the artist has grown and developed his talent and technique over time. For example, Sharon Cummings (my classmate) and I read Imagine A Night first and recorded our initial impressions, which were mostly about the text. The second book we read was Imagine A Place and we found ourselves making many more comments about the illustration and how it illuminates the text. We could see improvements between the two books, such as the level of detail in the pictures that were either direct translations of the text or more figurative interpretations. An “avalanche of blossoms” was painted literally as an avalanche fading into blossom trees. At this point we formed the hypothesis that the Day book was created after the Night book, and this was confirmed by the five year gap in between the two books. Since it was such a long stretch between the two, we wondered if there was a book that came between them – this is how we discovered the Place book.
One element of poetry that I learned when I was young is that you cut out words that aren't really needed. Words like “a,” “the,” and “and” can often be omitted and the poetry is enhanced because the extra sounds and syllables that are required for verse often tarnish the quality of the sound of the poem or create breaks in the flow of the words. For example, compare the original stanza to one I have edited:
“Imagine a night...
...when the darkness
of meadow and lake
feels too quiet and deep,
and so you cut and stitch a city
from the starry sky.”
Imagine A Night
Imagine a Night
when darkness
of meadow and lake
feels quiet and deep,
so you stitch a city
from starry sky.
I cannot understand Thomson's choice to keep the smaller words in her poetry, unless it is to help younger readers understand what the text is saying in a grammatical way... except it isn't the point of poetry to teach those concepts, but to invoke feelings and wonder in the reader. Galda, Cullen and Sipe says, “Poetry is intense, an intricate combination of the sounds, meanings, and arrangement of words to call attention to something in a fresh, compelling manner.” (139). However, sometimes she uses great alliterations such as “cut and stitch a city from the starry sky” which uses the “S,” “T,” and “St” sounds repetitively. Her metaphors and similes make sense and can be understood by younger readers (“wheels grow wings”) which is very important when it comes to poetry for younger ages because if the metaphors are way too complicated, the author risks losing their audience's attention and understanding of what they've written.
Part III:
Idea #1: Share the Night book with your students first. Read it and show the pictures so they become familiar with the way the book works. Then, introduce them to the Day book, only this time, have them close their eyes as you read the poetry and try to imagine what the picture could look like. Have them describe what they think it could be, or what they would draw/paint if they were creating the illustrations. This could lead into a discussion about metaphors and similes as they try to explain with words what they see in their minds (soft like a cloud, etc). It should also help them to focus on the poetry which is overshadowed by the dramatic illustrations.
Idea #2: Using the books (and others that develop the concept of blending one scene into another, graffiti, murals, etc) have the students design a mural that could be painted on a very large piece of paper or canvas (or even the walls of the school if there is space and permission). The mural could be about ANY topic being covered in the curriculum. You could create small groups and assign each a different topic within a unit. This project could (and probably should) enlist the help of the art teacher and come after students have been taught various elements of art so that they have a wide range of techniques to choose from. When it comes to the actual creation of the mural, try to focus on techniques of paint use that students grades 3-6 can easily do such as sponge stamping. Leave the details to older students or supervise carefully, or do it yourself if there is concern about mistakes being on the school wall.
Author: Sarah L. Thomson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright 2003
Illustrator: Rob Gonsalves
Interest Level: age 7-12
Personal Rating: 4
Genre: Poetry / Fantasy
Extras: Winner of the GG's
Annotation: All three of these books are a combination of poetry and illustrations that encourage the reader to find magic in everyday activities.
Imagine A Place
Author: Sarah L. Thomson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright 2005
Illustrator: Rob Gonsalves
Interest Level: age 7-12
Personal Rating: 4.3
Genre: Poetry / Fantasy
Extras: Winner of the GG's
Imagine A Day
Author: Sarah L. Thomson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright 2008
Illustrator: Rob Gonsalves
Interest Level: age 7-12
Personal Rating: 4.8
Genre: Poetry / Fantasy
Extras: Winner of the GG's
Part I: These books are a “must read” because of the outstanding illustrations produced by Rob Gonsalves. He uses acrylics to paint representational images that take on a surrealistic quality when he morphs real life objects into magical scenes. He also uses a technique that plays tricks on the eye by playing with depth perception. A small bird landing on a water fountain can look like a large bird landing on the lawn in the distance, for example.
Part II: The three books are worth studying together because they show how the artist has grown and developed his talent and technique over time. For example, Sharon Cummings (my classmate) and I read Imagine A Night first and recorded our initial impressions, which were mostly about the text. The second book we read was Imagine A Place and we found ourselves making many more comments about the illustration and how it illuminates the text. We could see improvements between the two books, such as the level of detail in the pictures that were either direct translations of the text or more figurative interpretations. An “avalanche of blossoms” was painted literally as an avalanche fading into blossom trees. At this point we formed the hypothesis that the Day book was created after the Night book, and this was confirmed by the five year gap in between the two books. Since it was such a long stretch between the two, we wondered if there was a book that came between them – this is how we discovered the Place book.
One element of poetry that I learned when I was young is that you cut out words that aren't really needed. Words like “a,” “the,” and “and” can often be omitted and the poetry is enhanced because the extra sounds and syllables that are required for verse often tarnish the quality of the sound of the poem or create breaks in the flow of the words. For example, compare the original stanza to one I have edited:
“Imagine a night...
...when the darkness
of meadow and lake
feels too quiet and deep,
and so you cut and stitch a city
from the starry sky.”
Imagine A Night
Imagine a Night
when darkness
of meadow and lake
feels quiet and deep,
so you stitch a city
from starry sky.
I cannot understand Thomson's choice to keep the smaller words in her poetry, unless it is to help younger readers understand what the text is saying in a grammatical way... except it isn't the point of poetry to teach those concepts, but to invoke feelings and wonder in the reader. Galda, Cullen and Sipe says, “Poetry is intense, an intricate combination of the sounds, meanings, and arrangement of words to call attention to something in a fresh, compelling manner.” (139). However, sometimes she uses great alliterations such as “cut and stitch a city from the starry sky” which uses the “S,” “T,” and “St” sounds repetitively. Her metaphors and similes make sense and can be understood by younger readers (“wheels grow wings”) which is very important when it comes to poetry for younger ages because if the metaphors are way too complicated, the author risks losing their audience's attention and understanding of what they've written.
Part III:
Idea #1: Share the Night book with your students first. Read it and show the pictures so they become familiar with the way the book works. Then, introduce them to the Day book, only this time, have them close their eyes as you read the poetry and try to imagine what the picture could look like. Have them describe what they think it could be, or what they would draw/paint if they were creating the illustrations. This could lead into a discussion about metaphors and similes as they try to explain with words what they see in their minds (soft like a cloud, etc). It should also help them to focus on the poetry which is overshadowed by the dramatic illustrations.
Idea #2: Using the books (and others that develop the concept of blending one scene into another, graffiti, murals, etc) have the students design a mural that could be painted on a very large piece of paper or canvas (or even the walls of the school if there is space and permission). The mural could be about ANY topic being covered in the curriculum. You could create small groups and assign each a different topic within a unit. This project could (and probably should) enlist the help of the art teacher and come after students have been taught various elements of art so that they have a wide range of techniques to choose from. When it comes to the actual creation of the mural, try to focus on techniques of paint use that students grades 3-6 can easily do such as sponge stamping. Leave the details to older students or supervise carefully, or do it yourself if there is concern about mistakes being on the school wall.
December 27, 2016
I very rarely rate a book a 1, however, this book completely fell flat. The illustrations initially attracted the children’s attention. But, after a couple of pages even the art failed to hold their attention. The story was virtually non-existent and the prose was nowhere near imaginative enough to keep anyone hooked.
Rating 1 out of 5
Read@Book
Rating 1 out of 5
Read@Book
July 10, 2019
“Mom,” my daughter rushed in to my room, “you have to see this book.” She couldn’t choose one page to focus on, she kept flipping from one to another. The art is captivating with multiple stories within. The text is gentle and inspiring, each passage suited to the artwork it accompanies. But which is my favorite? Lke my daughter, I cannot choose.
January 23, 2020
Thomson wants the reader to use their imagination to visualize something better than the state of the world today. There are hints about looking after the environment, being kind to others, cooperating with people, and appreciating nature. I'm sure there are other topics addressed but these are the ones that stood out for me.
April 14, 2019
This book was captivating. The artistry is something that you have only seen in your imagination. This book elegant and also inspiring with the way the words are paired with the illustrations.
Guided reading: N/A
DRA Level: N/A
Traits: presentation
Guided reading: N/A
DRA Level: N/A
Traits: presentation
September 12, 2019
This book is about the boys imagining a day without things that are impossible to do. For example, it has imagine a day where you did not fall. It talks about several different things to just imagine us not having. I would use this book to show the students that everyone can imagine something different and no idea is wrong
February 6, 2020
This lyrical book is filled with beautiful illustrations. The book requires you to think deeper and take a closer look at the photos that are optical illusions. This book is beautifully written and very creative!
July 14, 2020
Hasta la fecha este es uno de los libros visualmente mas hermosos que he leido en mi vida. No por el texto que desde qeu soy niña lo he pensado terriblemente cursi y que estorba a un libro bello.
Todo el credito de este libro va al ilustrador, si el libro no tuviera texto igual seria maravilloso.
Todo el credito de este libro va al ilustrador, si el libro no tuviera texto igual seria maravilloso.
August 7, 2025
Unforgettable artwork, and openings for enjoyable discussions about what is possible. I remember the bridge to ship painting was in another book we owned growing up called masters of illusion with artworks from Escher and others.
November 26, 2025
My grandsons were absolutely captivated by the illusionary illustrations, but paid little attention to the words. It almost felt as if the text was written after the pictures: sometimes it worked, sometimes not as much. However, the pictures really are such fun.
June 18, 2017
Beautiful, tricky illustrations and ideas to use as a prompts for more imaginative writing.
September 29, 2017
Really nice pictures, full of color and imagination, much inspired by the works of M. C. Escher.
November 15, 2017
The images and words that are just wonderful.
January 27, 2018
Surrealist paintings are paired with aspirational phrases; while it sounds cheesy, this book is truly evocative.
April 10, 2018
Those illustrations, though.
June 7, 2018
The artwork is stunning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews