The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and eight

I must confess that I, like so many people, really don't like Mondays. Yes, this is partly because I would rather not get up at 6: 15 am, and yes I would also prefer to spend the day hiking, reading, gardening, or playing the violin instead of working. There is another reason why I don't Mondays though. I don't like Mondays because my husband and daughter have to leave the house to go to work and school. We are apart, and quite frankly I don't like it. This book was written for children and their families who have to face the Monday morning blues, and it offers a new way of looking at the first day of the work week.

Monday is One day

Arthur A. Levin

Illustrated by Julian Hector

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Scholastic, 2011, 978-0-439-78924-0

   All over the world Monday is the day when grownups go back to work and when children get ready for five days when at least one of their parents or guardians will not be around to spend time with. There is no doubt that being apart is hard for both children and their grownups, but perhaps it can be made easier if we “count the days till we’re both at home with a special thing to do.”

   It all begins on Monday when we share a “safe snuggly cuddle” before we part. On Tuesday the day begins with “Two stomps in a puddle.” On Wednesday, “three raspberries on the nose” are just what we need to get us going in the morning, and there are only two more days to go before the work week is over and it is Saturday.

   This delightful book will surely offer comfort to both children and their grownups as they get themselves ready for the five work days in the week. The book reminds us to enjoy those special moments together that we share from Monday to Friday, and it is a celebration of all kinds of families.

   With an uplifting rhyming text and warm illustrations throughout, this is a picture book that family members will enjoy sharing.