Et cetera : Book Review: A New Day

A New Day
                    Brad Meltzer
                                                   Hardcover
                                                   Children's Fiction
                                                   Reviewed By
                                                   Connie Bennett               "Sunday quit.  Just like that.  She said she was tired of being a day."
          So begins this delightful story about the days of the week, depicted as children, and how the remaining days cope with the sudden loss of their first-of-the-week member.  Can you imagine a group of seven friends, always together and in order, and then, suddenly, one just walks away?  This was a new experience for all of them, because "no day had ever quit ~ not since Marsday, but that was so long ago," states the book.
          The other days are in a panic! They put posters up all over town, advertising for a new day, and get lots of offers!  (You can't imagine some of the ideas they get in the tryouts!)  But, in the end, all of their work and worry wasn't needed; all it took was some cooperation, along with kindness and appreciation for each other!  Great book with a message, without being "preachy".  Read this book with your own little ones!                                 Published 2022
                                                   Dial Books for
                                                       Young Readers
                                                   New York, NY
            We Want Snow- A Wintery Chant
                          Jamie A. Swenson
                                                   Hardcover
                                                   Children's Fiction
                                                    Reviewed by
                                                    Connie Bennett
          Adults may want to avoid this book, since it features a group of cute but unruly children, demanding snow!  And, not only are they campaigning in a loud, repetitive chant for snow, they aren't talking about just a few flakes!  Oh my, no! These little Ankle-biters want a huge amount, as the book says, "Up to our ankles. Up to our shins.  Up to our knees. Up to our chins."
          Not only do these snow-loving Rugrats get their wish (in spades), they get to drink hot cocoa, dance around a crackling bonfire, and spend the night in a cozy igloo with a friendly polar bear- in their imagination!  And then...the snow begins to fall!  Will they get as much as they wanted?  What will they do?  How does this adventure end?  You'll have to read it to answer these questions! Enjoy!
                                               Published 2021
                                               Sleeping Bear Press
                                               Ann Arbor, MI
                           Dad Bakes
                       Katie Yamasaki
                                                   Hardcover
                                                   Children's Fiction
                                                   Reviewed by
                                                   Connie Bennett
          On the surface, this book is an account of a day and evening between Father and daughter.  However, it is so much more.  Dad works in a bakery, so he goes to work at night and comes home in the morning.  After he rests, he spends time with his little girl, doing a variety of different, fun-filled activities.  First, they mix, knead, and roll out dough, and leave it to rise.  While they wait, they read, exercise, and play games.  When it is time, Dad rolls out the dough and shapes it....Surprise! 
          Equally important to the story is the underlying message, outlined on the last page as "Author's Note."  Now, we learn the bakery at which Father works is called On the Rise Bakery in Detroit, where people who have been incarcerated are given a chance to get a fresh start on their lives.  The author of the book is a muralist, and through her work in jails and prisons, recognizes that at least one in twelve children in America have had a parent locked up at some time. This book highlights the challenges experienced by these families. Read this book for pleasure; then, read the Notes to learn more about this situation.  Children will enjoy the beautiful pictures, and the simple story of a child's day with her Dad!  Don't miss this one!
                                                Published 2021
                                                W.W. Norton & Co.
                                                New York, NY