For yummy eye candy, This is the Day! by Nancy White Carlstrom is a favorite book in our house.
Written in free verse style, this gorgeous volume celebrates Psalm 118:24 ("This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.") by highlighting the beauty and wonder of God's creation. The text is airy, asking us to appreciate some aspect of nature each day of the week:
"Sniff the garden's sweet rose,
and your nose might meet a tiny tree frog.
Clap for the river otter who flaps in water
but waddles across the grass
through cottonwood fuzz,
finding his way from the pond to the bay."
But it's the splendid illustrations by Richard Cowdrey, focusing on breath-taking landscapes and amazing animals, that really makes this book special. Each page brings "ooohs" and "ahhs," from the deer shown nibbling red apples, to the fox eyeing some rabbits, to orca whales playing in the ocean. Even the endpapers, showing a bird's eye view of luscious green islands at sunset, are spectacular.
What I Like: The illustrations in this book are exceptional. My daughter also loves pointing out the blue heron found on every two page spread. The reminder to
"Let all creation lift its voice.
This is the day the Lord has made.
Rejoice! Rejoice!"
is also appreciated.
What I Dislike: For the most part, I find the text a bit fluffy. More substance would make this book a classic.
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but many toddlers will love the illustrations in this book...Adults will, too!
Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 0310714281; hardback; $15.99
Buy it Now from ChristianBook.com for $11.99,
Special Info: Read other reviews of books by Nancy White Carlstrom. To see some of illustrator Richard Cowdrey's work (including a peek at illustrations from This is the Day!, visit his website.
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