A Day that’s Ours
The most beautiful love song from parent to child, ‘A Day That’s Ours’ is absolutely gorgeous. In it, a father takes a day to be completely with his daughter, seemingly doing nothing much, but building memories of precious time shared. His happiness in her innocent joy at the little things is perfectly captured as he reflects that this time parents have with their children is so fleeting and ‘these magic years’ will come to an end as she begins school where she will ‘make her way alone’.
Told in perfect rhyme, the rich and evocative text is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations which add all the little details you would hope for. Having decided to ‘steal a day’, the pair emerge from the little girl’s wonderfully messy and lived-in bedroom to make a pile of pancakes for breakfast. The picture shows dad whisking the mixture whilst his daughter spills milk everywhere and the cat enjoying this unexpected treat! The little girl’s face is full of joy at the stack of pancakes she can’t possibly eat as her father gazes on adoringly and we can imagine her endless, excited chatter filling his world.
Their day doing ‘nothing much’ is bursting with simple, pleasurable activities which need nothing but time and togetherness. Their ‘slow again’ walk along the pavement brings the untold excitement of discovery- a beetle, a flower ‘shyly smiling’, a leaf dancing in the air- as they make their way to the park. Around them, the world continues at its normal busy pace whilst they are cocooned in their togetherness, absorbed in each other. With their ‘slow day fading’, they head home where they share a story and a cuddle before bed- the end of a perfect day.
There are no gadgets, no technology- the father gives his child his full attention and is rewarded so completely in return. Natural curiosity, wonder at the world and fun provide all the entertainment needed. I used to love days like this with my son and this book perfectly encapsulates that special feeling.
A lovely story to return to again and again- as much for grown-ups as for children!
A Day That’s Ours
Blake Nuto, illustrated by Vyara Boyadjieva
Out in August 2022.
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740757