#blogbookaday: The Day You Begin

Summary:  “National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.

There will be times when you walk into a room
and no one there is quite like you.

There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.

Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael López’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway. ” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: Jacqueline Woodson weaves a beautiful story of standing out and feeling different when all you want is to find your place. She gives wonderful descriptions of how you can feel different in so many ways in school and the very small steps it takes to feel a part of something. The art in this story is absolutely beautiful, filled with characters from all walks of life and a beautiful color palette that makes you want to smile.

Personal Reaction: I had heard so many amazing things about this book and with two powerhouse creative talents collaborating, how could it not be? And it did not disappoint. The lyrical text is just perfect and as I said the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous with bright and muted tones that blend effortlessly together. This is a must read title and one that I’ll be adding to my personal collection. It’s also a perfect title to read in a classroom or activity to teach kids about friendship and kindness.

Title: The Day You Begin
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Date: August 28, 2018

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!