My Amazing Day: A Celebration of Wonder and Gratitude
Karin Fisher-Golton, Author
Lori A. Cheung, Photographer and Elizabeth Iwamiya, Designer
Pacific Dogwood Press, Fiction, Nov. 1, 2013
Suitable for ages: 0-3
Themes: Wonder, Beauty, Gratitude
Opening: “Today was amazing. In the morning, I heard singing.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: Every day is amazing! The ordinary world is extraordinary when seen through little one’s eyes. My Amazing Day is a remarkable everyday journey that ends with a happy burst of gratitude. People have long experienced that expressing gratitude brings them happiness. Now scientific studies show that expressing gratitude leads to many health benefits as well. Sharing My Amazing Day can be a joyful way to help establish habits of gratitude with the youngest people in your life.
Why I like this book: Karin Fisher-Golton has written a charming and beautiful story about a toddler who experiences wonder in her day. Young children easily live in the moment. The text is very vivid and simple as a little girl awakens to a bird singing, eats a squishy banana for breakfast, bursts bubbles, plays with a furry pet and sees pictures in the clouds. The book ends with a beautiful “thank you” from the child for each experience she’s had during her day. This book is a gem and a perfect first book to gift a new mother. The photographs by Lori A Cheung are luminous, joyful and a feast for the eyes. The design by Elizabeth Iwamiya is clean and fun. It is a board book toddlers can easily hold in their hands.
Resources: Visit Karin Fisher-Golton at her website. Use this book as a starting point because it is a resource to help your child notice the beauty and joy in the world around them–jumping in a puddle, eating an ice cream cone or picking a fistful of flowers. Show them how to cultivate gratitude by saying thank to the puddle, the ice cream cone and flower. This will come easily for children and be a good reminder for parents to cultivate the same virtue within themselves.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Gorgeous book with such a special message and a reminder to us all about what makes our day so special, to be grateful for even the little things around us. As the saying goes… “Out of the mouths of babes..” Also this is truly a lovely review. Thank you, Pat.
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This is the first board book I’ve reviewed. It is exceptional for young children.
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What a lovely choice! My husband (who is a pastor) can share statistics about upbeat, thankful people who recover quicker from major illness than those who complain. And how wonderful to teach our little ones from an early age to rejoice and be thankful. I want to buy this book. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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Laura, I agree with your husband’s observations. It is such a simple way to begin teaching gratitude early — and keeping it a part of your family life.
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We sooooo love this book that helps children AND adults celebrate the ordinary as extraordinary, learning to be grateful for all that is, in fact, wonderful in our lives. The photography is captivating with pure joy jumping off of every page. Experience the world through the eyes of a joyous child and you can’t help but smile.
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Yes, I appreciaite your comments about the book. It is a beautiful book that celebrates the wonder in ordinary activities. The photography is joyful and gorgeous.
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This is a beautiful message. The youngest kids tend to be so cheerful, I wonder if the parents reading it to them will get even more out of it? That’s a beautiful moment to share with your child.
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It is a beautiful moment to share with your child. I imagine parents will get a lot from this book and hopefully will use it in their own lives.
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We don’t hear much about books for this youngest set. This one sound great.
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This book is filled with wonder and joy. Perfect for younger children.
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A sweet review about a sweet book for little ones! Love the message!
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It is a beautiful and meaningful message. I love this book!
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I forget to look at board books, so nice to see one reviewed here.
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Yes, I do too. This is the first one I’ve reviewed. It was so special and the message so wonderful, I wanted to review the book.
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An attitude of gratitude cannot be established too early. What a wonderful introduction to a lifelong habit.
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Yes, isn’t this a wonderful book that teaches gratitude to toddlers.
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I can’t wait to find this one and share it with my preK kiddos. I’m thinking it’ll be a hit – thanks!
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It’s a gem, Barbara. It will be a hit with you younger kids.
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I love the idea of getting a toddler to start learning gratitude! My church counseller was just asking me for book recommendations on the book topics you review so I’m passing her your url 🙂 Thanks for coming over to my PPBF post too!
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Emily, I’m glad you’re joining us for PPBF. I’m happy you liked the book, as well as the books I share. Thanks for passing my info along.
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I love photo-illustrated books. And this one looks perfect for the preschool set. Thanks for the recommendation.
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The photography and design are beautiful. This is a great book for preschoolers.
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This book makes me smile. It sounds wonderful. 🙂
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It makes me smile too — it’s filled with joy and wonder as seen through the eyes of a child.
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I agree with the sentiment! Every day IS full of wonder and joy! I’ll have to look for this one. Thanks!
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It is a beautiful book for children and adults.
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I hope my library has this. Probably a good reminder for adults too! (I was just listening to my son explain a drawing he made … the imagination is amazing…exciting and a great reminder.)
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I wasn’t able to find it at the library. I put it in my cart for Amazon for a future purchase. Looks like the book was a kickstarted project … neat https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1015918712/my-amazing-day-a-celebration-of-wonder-and-gratitu
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I’m glad you found it on Amazon. I didn’t realize it was a kickstarter campaign.
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Yes, I agree with you about imagination. I was stunned by this beautiful book.
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This sounds like a beautiful, simple little book that carries an important message. Sorry I didn’t see this one Patricia. I have been offline for a few weeks.
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Yes, you would enjoy the wonder in this book. I thought of your own books as I was reviewing it.
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