Days Like This - Hardcover

James, Simon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0763608122 ISBN 13: 9780763608125

Publisher: Candlewick, 2000

Synopsis

DAYS LIKE THIS is a book of celebration—whether it's the novelty of sleeping outdoors, the delight of picnicking on the beach, or the sheer joy of bouncing on the bed in the afternoon. These small poems, some familiar, some new, have been carefully selected by Simon James, the acclaimed author-illustrator of LEON AND BOB, whose expressive line and watercolors portray an everyday world overflowing with wonder and possibility. With words and pictures given space to breathe, this is a collection of poems to read and revel in from beginning to end.

About this title

About the Author

Simon James says, "Over the years I have come across many delightful small poems and have always wanted to give them room and expand on them visually. In DAYS LIKE THIS, I set out to make a genuine picture book of poetry."

Reviews

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons reflect the everyday world as expressed in poems by writers such as Eve Merriam, Ogden Nash, Aileen Fisher, Charlotte Zolotow, and the selector himself. The soft art embellishes the short, playful rhymes and free verse about love, adventure, music, and nature. A multicultural cast of characters brings pizzazz to settings like a swimming hole or snowy hill, creating unique visual interpretations of each verse. A lively variety of perspectives and flashes of humor make this book worth many returns. This wholesome collection is fine for the younger set, yet provides a seedling for older budding writers as well.
Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

James (Leon and Bob) here collects and illustrates 19 brief poems that capture the rhythm of diverse days and emphasize the power of a child's imagination. The spontaneous quality of the watercolor and pen-and-inks recalls the work of James Stevenson, and the artwork runs the gamut from spreads bursting with sunshine and endless stretches of sand to full-page cityscapes in effectively claustrophobic compositions of neutral and gray tones. The opening spread opposite a poem called "The Adventurers" (one of three James penned himself), introduces this contrast within the book with a sprawling illustration of three children foraging through a waist-high field, bounded to one side by towering city buildings. Other poets, including Eve Merriam, Charlotte Zolotow and Ogden Nash, cover subjects that span sleeping under the stars, bouncing on a bed and a child's musings on his first day at school ("...I don't think I'll go back," wryly concludes this endearing entry by Rod Hull). Readers will likely turn to the final page with the hope that there will be more days like this. Ages 7-12. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Its the small things that count in these snapshots of random moments that are captured here by James (Leon and Bob, 1996, etc.) in poetic form. Guppy hunting, stepping over stones across a creek, puzzling over the wonder of seeds, sledding, sleeping under the stars, and bouncing on the bed are a few favorite delights gathered for this collection. From Eve Merriam and Ogden Nash to traditional verse, and rounded out by the author himself, each poem glimpses a timeless moment with quiet, warmth, and good humor. Small gems offer readers wee wisdom, such as It takes a lot / Of slow / To grow in Merriams A Lazy Thought or, A seed is so small / where do you suppose / it stores up all / of the things it knows? in Aileen Fishers The Seed. Loose pen-and-ink line drawings reminiscent of James Stevenson are washed lightly with watercolor. Whether its lazing under the spread of a tree or rushing amidst the hustle-bustle of a city street, James uses line freely to convey the movement. Each small poem allows for pause, inviting readers to look, listen, and linger. (Poetry. 4-10)-- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

The light, scribbly line-and-watercolor illustrations remind you of James Stevenson as do the the 19 simple, unpretentious poems that capture the physical joy and the wonder of a small child's everyday world. Some of the best children's poets are here, and they speak directly in casual words that sing with rhyme and rhythm and sounds that reinforce the sense. James himself writes about the exuberance of "Bouncing" on the bed. Aileen Fisher's "Seed" expresses the elemental mystery of a tiny seed" ("How does it know / this little seed, if it is to grow / to a flower or weed . . ."). Words and pictures leave space for the child's imagination. The scenes range from the seashore and the woods to the crowded city sidewalk. Always the kids are having fun, whether running with the wind, sledding with friends, watching the rain from a window, or sleeping outdoors. This anthology is a natural companion to Mother Goose for reading aloud together. Hazel Rochman

Edition details

• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0763608122
• ISBN 13: 9780763608125
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: James Simon
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 48