Though today is its one-month birthday, today’s perfect picture book already has garnered many starred reviews and is on several lists as a future award winner. Once you read it, I think you’ll know why!
Title: The Day You Begin
Written By: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated By: Rafael López
Publisher/Date: Nancy Paulsen Books (an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group)/2018
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes/Topics: feeling different; diversity; self-image; self-esteem; fear; bravery
Opening:
There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.
Brief Synopsis: Several unnamed young narrators reflect on how it’s not easy to take the first steps into a place where nobody knows you, especially when you feel different because of how you look or talk, where you’re from or even what you eat.
Links to Resources:
- Think of a favorite relative or friend. Think of a few ways you are the same (age, skin or hair color, favorite color, etc.) and a few ways you differ (gender or types of music you enjoy, for instance). Draw a picture of your friend or relative and you;
- Watch the Book Trailer;
- Look for some things that López includes in several illustrations, such as a ruler, books and bluebirds. Why do you think López includes these things? What do you think they mean?
- Check out the Educator Guide (specific ideas about The Day You Begin appear on pp 4-5).
Why I Like this Book:
The Day You Begin is a lyrical exploration of a problem that plagues many young children and even adults: entering a room or joining a group when you feel different from others in one or more ways. As Woodson points out, this feeling can arise for many reasons. I think everyone will discover a reason that resonates with them. I particularly appreciate that Woodson reaches beyond appearance and athletic prowess and highlights language and socio-economic differences, among many others.
But Woodson doesn’t just point out the uneasy feelings. She also shows how, with bravery, you will find that when you “share your stories” you’ll discover some similarities among new friends who have “something a little like you” and something “fabulously not quite like you”. This acknowledgement of our individual gifts celebrates the uniqueness of individuals and the contributions everyone makes to the group or community. That stories and books run through The Day You Begin makes it extra special.
López’ multi-media illustrations are vibrant and joyful, bringing Woodson’s text to life. I especially appreciated how he pictured one boy alone in a right-hand spread dominated by a beige, rather lifeless background while the facing spread includes smiling children playing in a colorful, lush school yard. I think even young children will see immediately that this young boy feels alone and different. López also includes in many spreads gorgeous flowers and greenery that help show how the characters are feeling.
A Note about Craft:
The text of The Day You Begin began with a line from Woodson’s Newbery Honor novel in verse, Brown Girl Dreaming (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014) that refers to the courage of her great-grandfather. That line, A moment when you walk into a room and no one there is like you” is altered slightly to become the opening line of The Day You Begin. I love how Woodson reaches back into her family history and her past work to give life to this line in a setting for younger readers.
When I first read the title, The Day You Begin, and saw the pensive face on the cover, I thought the book was focused solely on that feeling of dread when you encounter a new situation or group. But I realize now that the title also refers to the day you overcome your fears, when you realize that you have stories to tell and that you are a unique and wonderful person. I love that the title can have both of these meanings.
Read López’ blog post that shares many interior spreads and includes his thoughts on illustrating Woodson’s text.
Visit Woodson’s website to learn more about this award-winning author and 2018-19 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Visit López’ website to see more of his illustrations and artwork. And see also my review of Bravo!: Poems about Amazing Hispanics, a book that López illustrated and that would be a wonderful read for National Hispanic Heritage Month.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 
This book is at the top of my list to read/review. I am reviewing her new MG novel, Habor Me, Monday with a more developed theme. Can’t wait to read this picture book. Both focus on telling your story.
So glad to learn you are reviewing Harbor Me on Monday! I loved that book and agree that these two complement each other. I actually finished Harbor Me while waiting for a commuter bus out of NYC – and had tears streaming down my face! Woodson will be an award winner with one or both of these I think.
Have to agree about the likelihood of one or both winning awards. She manages to tug just the right heart strings then lift the soul to soar.
Oh Joanna, you wrote that so eloquently! She is such an amazing writer, I’ve loved everything she’s written.
I LOVE everything of JW’s I’ve ever read. It’s awesome how she made the connection between her grandfather’s statement and the opening line of this book. Talk about using things from your life that are important to you in your writing. I’ll be adding this book to my TBR pile. Thank you!
I agree about Woodson’s writing. I just finished Harbor Me – can’t recommend it enough, and I generally read very little MG.
Yes! That one is on my TBR pile, too!
Loved, loved the illustrations in this book. And a good message, too.
I did, too! I really think this will be an award winner!
I can’t wait to see this book! Such an important book for all kids to experience how it feels to be different.
I agree! We are all wonderfully unique!
I bought this the other day, but haven’t had time to really read it yet. Great review . I know what book I’m curling up with tonight. Thank you.
Thanks, Maria. Hope you enjoyed reading The Day You Begin, too!
I have heard so many good things about this book – definitely need to read it!
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, Sue!