All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Nikki McClure
All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Nikki McClure is a nostalgic picture book. One that almost feels as though it could have been published decades ago, but it still feels fresh. Told in a simple rhythmic verse, All in a Day follows a little boy as he works out in the garden, feeds the chickens, naps with his mother, explores the forest with his father, and plays games after a rainstorm.
Rylant shows us that each day is full of hope and promise. We must act now and live life to the fullest. Once the day is behind is, it will have slipped away. But each new dawn gives us more opportunities.
Underneath that great big sky
the earth is all a-spin.
This day will soon be over
and it won’t come back again.So live it well, make it count,
fill it up with you.
The day’s all yours, it’s waiting now . . .
See what you can do.
The illustrations by Nikki McClure are done with cut paper and the pages alternate between black and yellow and black and blue. If you are unfamiliar with the cut paper technique, Nikki states,
First, I draw the image on black paper, and then I cut it out with an X-Acto knife. I keep everything connected by a path of black paper. The paper becomes lace-like as the image emerges. I decide the width of the line and what will be black or white as Icut. There is no erasing, so if I make a mistake, I just have to keep cutting and find a solution. The cut paper is then scanned, and the color is added by computer.
Looking at the illustrations, I’m astounded with the detail that goes into this type of technique. It really made me pause and look over them carefully.
All in a Day is the type of book that I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Caldecott sticker on. It just has that Caldecott feel. Is it kid friendly? I’d say yes and no. I don’t see kids jumping up and down to read this book over the other exciting books they may have in their home library, but if you have a quiet, contemplative moment this would be a nice book to reflect upon. It’s soft and gentle. It makes me feel all peaceful inside.
Other books by Cynthia Rylant reviewed on the Maw Books Blog: Missing May and Snow. Nikki McClure website and Cynthia Rylant on Abrams Books for Young Readers.
Now i just wish it would warm up so I can pull out my own hammock!
Hey you! Yes. You! I've noticed that you've stopped by to visit a few times! But I don't know who you are. Why don't you take a moment and introduce yourself. Don't be scared. I try not to bite. I know you're a lurker but I'd love to hear your thoughts about what's been bringing you here. And if you haven't done so already, don't forget to never miss a post by subscribing to my feed or receiving updates by email. Thanks for visiting!
Category: Book Reviews, Fiction, Picture & Board Books
Tags: A-D Title, female author, Fiction, published 2009, Q-T Author, review copy
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I want it to warm up too. Yesterday was nice, but of course it didn’t last. A hammock sounds nice. The kids would never let me relax in one though.
I read Snow by Rylant, and I liked it a lot. I loved the illustrations the most.
on April 8th, 2009 at 2:43 pmI have a very big soft spot in my heart for Cynthia Rylant. She has such a sweet demeanor in her writing. I’d probably buy this just for me, never mind the kids! She wrote one, don’t remember the name, about losing a pet, that made me cry for weeks.
on April 8th, 2009 at 4:03 pmOK, so I’ve been lurking around this website and here’s why: I keep trying to figure out if you’re part of the Maw family from East Millcreek. I still can’t tell no matter how long I stare at your husband’s face.
What else? Thinking your very high-in-the-air couch bouncing kids would like to make their own glowing name star, print it up and color it in. It might give you time to fix dinner.
The name star thing is on http://www.SecretSpeakers.com.
Great blog, Natasha! By the way, Natasha Maw is so fun to say outloud.
Karey
on April 9th, 2009 at 11:33 amAmy – The best time to buy a hammock is at the end of summer which we did. One of the best purchases I ever made.
Sandy – Isn’t she so prolific?
Karey – He could be. My husband’s father married into a Chinese family. So that one line certainly doesn’t look like the rest of the family.
on April 9th, 2009 at 11:52 amThat explains my bewilderment and wonder. And I’m so glad to have discovered Cynthia Rylant. Thanks. It’s like looking at Blueberries for Sal, in a fresh, clean way. I can’t wait to discover what each page looks and feels like.
on April 9th, 2009 at 12:04 pmSounds like a cute book – always on the lookout for kids books for my son. Thanks!
on April 9th, 2009 at 1:07 pmI picked this up at the library yesterday, and paged through it, and I have to agree with your assessment. I do think that it’s one that will (should) win awards, but not one that kids will especially get in to. How can it compare with Big Bad Wolves? (At least in our house.) But it’s good for a quiet moment, and perhaps, as the kids get older, they’ll learn to appreciate it more.
on April 9th, 2009 at 2:22 pmHello,
on September 10th, 2009 at 7:19 amJust found you via BBAW and wanted to drop you a line to say how much I like your site. I’ve just started reviewing kids books and writing about the play they inspire in me and my kids, including another Cynthia Rylant book (http://www.kuvik.net/ztoft/playingbythebook/2009/09/06/home-is-where-the-heart-is/). Best of luck with the voting.
Zoe
[...] All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant [MY REVIEW] [...]
on November 16th, 2009 at 2:58 am