Applesauce is Fun to Wear, illustrated by Jane Massey/Cameron Kids, April 6, 2021
What’s more fun than eating your food? Wearing it, and toddlers are especially talented at that. This adorable picture book features a diverse cast of babies making a delightful mess at mealtime.
“In a silly, rollicking rhyme, Day explores the many ways that highchair-time can go awry…but the unbridled joy of messiness shines through. Dive into the spaghetti with gusto.” ― Kirkus
Pirate Jack Gets Dressed, illustrated by Allison Black/Beach Lane Books, September 18, 2018
In this colorful yarrrn, jaunty Pirate Jack narrates as he puts on his pirate gear, piece by piece.
Kirkus said in part: “The rhyming text is spunky and humorous, filled with familiar pirate lingo…illustrations use bright, saturated colors and an oversized format that provides lots of room for amusing details in Jack’s well-furnished stateroom aboard ship. A tiny mouse character with a teeny-tiny eye patch is hidden somewhere within each spread. Yer pirate-lovin’ tender-aged readers will give Pirate Jack a thumbs-up….”
Today I’ll wear a sash that’s RED and scarf that’s ORANGE upon me head.
Baby’s Firsts, illustrated by Michael Emberley/Charlesbridge, September 4, 2018
Endearing rhyming text highlights the developmental milestones babies encounter before their first birthday–crying, smiling, eating, teething,rolling, crawling, walking, and talking.
Kirkus says:
From the first, Day’s verse has the appeal and feel of an original nursery rhyme: “First cry. / First meal. / First burp. / Warm feel.” Emberley’s accompanying pencil-and-digital illustrations are gorgeously human in their depictions of parents caring for their babies….An excellent first book for baby—and parents, too.
Hoorade Day! Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright/Star Bright Books, June 26, 2018
Hoorade Day cover
Waking up. Hooray, hooray!
This will be a special day.
Pack some water, hats for shade.
We are off to the hoorade!
Enjoy a young girl’s experience of her small, diverse community’s Fourth of July parade with her family.
Reviewers say: A perfect read aloud for the 4th of July
What in the World? Numbers in Nature, illustrated by Kurt Cyrus/Beach Lane Books, September 1, 2015
What in the World comes one by one?
A nose. A mouth.
The moon. The sun.
Discover the wonders that come two by two through ten by ten–and beyond!
Reviewers say:
“The numerical nature of nature forms the basis of this elegant rhymed counting book, which calls attention to orderly patterns all around us.”–New York Times Book Review
“Textured, visually rich, and gracefully simple, this is a fine blend of informative poetry and illustration.”–Kirkus Reviews
Day’s simple rhyming text encourages children to count natural phenomena. From one moon and sun to stars in “sets too big to count,” her examples give viewers opportunities to hone their skills.”–School Library Journal
“Pleasant and diverting, this numerical list may well encourage readers to notice patterns in natural phenomena.”–Publishers Weekly
Way Down Below Deep, illustrated by David Sheldon/Pelican Publishing, 2014
Way Down Below Deep cover
Face a giant squid, look a fangtooth in its terrifying mouth, and meet a vampire squid that is not after blood. See tiny worms that munch on whale bones, and greet a grazing herd of sea cucumbers. The author has spun careful research into rollicking rhyme, and the illustrator has captured the mystery of this place and its creatures.
Reviewers say:
Daniel Kraus calls the information “consistently startling” and the illustrations “luminous….an eyeopening offering.”–Booklist
Debbie Glade says the book “introduces readers to a sector of animal science they may not have known about before. It shows them that we do not know all there is to know about our planet, and that there’s always more to learn and more species to discover. In addition to being wowed by the unusual sea creatures that live in such challenging environments, this book also teaches children about ecology and the ecosystem of our oceans. It opens the door to possibilities of exciting science careers down the road.”–www.smartbooksforsmartkids.com
Penny Parker Klostermann blogs, “Teeming with information, Nancy Raines Day’s clever rhymes transport readers to the extraordinary world at the bottom of the sea….Accompanied by stunning artwork, the strange depths of Earth’s oceans have never been closer and more inviting.”
A is for Alliguitar: Musical Alphabeasts, illustrated by Herb Leonhard/Pelican Publishing, 2012
A musical romp through the alphabet, from “A is for alliguitar, who has his own picks” to “Z is for zebrass, getting teir kicks.” From the swamp, a luau, a circus, a church, and more, they gather on a concert stage to “make music together/like you’ve never heard.”
Reviewers say:
Kris Hickey called it “a fun read-aloud…and creative alternative to the standard ABC.–School Library Journal
Joan Broerman blogged, “Picture books, including the ever-popular alphabet books, should always work on several levels, and of course, this one does. Light, happy A-Z rhymes, animals, musical instruments, and an imagination on the loose make this one of those books you’ll be handed by your toddler over and over again. Get ready to read.”–Book Log
On A Windy Night, illustrated by George Bates/Abrams, 2010
This is a book about facing fears–a great read-aloud all year.
A boy walking home from trick-or-treating hears a voice that grows louder as he runs faster–“Cracklety-clack, bones in a sack. They could be yours–if you look back.” He thinks he sees dancing skeletons, a dead head, and a hairy monster, but what are they really?
The critics say:
“There’s enough Halloween fright to satisfy adventurous young readers, and a comforting ending for those with jangled nerves.” —Publishers Weekly
“For preschoolers, this book will likely be the source of repeated read-alouds filled with spine-tingling squeals of fright and delight.”–BookPage
“A rhythmic, atmospheric read-aloud.”–School Library Journal
Flamingo’s First Christmas
Illustrated by Fiona Robinson / Abrams, 2005
This young Miami flamingo is determined to find out what Christmas is all about. After he gets run over by shoppers, brushed aside by a busy Santa, and tangled up in an elegant hotel Christmas tree, can he find a place in a live Nativity play?
The critics say: “The novice’s viewpoint brings comic perspective to the holiday…. Robinson’s tall oil paintings emphasize Flamingo’s lanky legs—and all the good-natured silliness of the book’s scenario.” —Publisher’s Weekly
Double Those Wheels
Illustrated by Steve Haskamp / Dutton, 2003
“One lone wheel comes wobbling though. Double that wheel and you’ve got…two!” In this rhyming romp, a monkey sets off to make a special delivery by unicycle. Mishaps lead him to move on to a bicycle, car, trucks, car carrier, and finally a 64-wheel train, but he finally arrives at a birthday party in a hot air balloon.
The critics say:
“Whether admiring the ingenuity of the monkey, memorizing the snappy rhymes or mastering a new math concept, children will find this book a joy.” —Publishers Weekly
“A young monkey illustrates the power of doubling in an ingenious early math title. Nicely delivered.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Children who love vehicles will adore this book. The text is very simple, and the math lesson painless. A fun choice for storytimes.” —School Library Journal
Piecing Earth and Sky Together
Illustrated by Genna Panzarella / Shen’s Books, 2001
In this myth from the Mien people of Laos, two siblings create earth and sky with needle and thread. At first, they compete, embroidering in secret. However, when the brother’s shimmering sky turns out to be too small for the sister’s abundant earth, they must work together to find a solution.
The critics say:
“The book should be useful where creation myths are compared, where stitchery is valued, and where Southeast Asian stories are needed.” —School Library Journal
“An intriguing presentation that should reach a wide audience.” —Booklist
A Kitten’s Year
Illustrated by Anne Mortimer / HarperCollins, 2000
Peeking, pawing, and pouncing, a curious kitten spends its first year exploring the sights, sounds, and smells of its world. Poetic text and exquisite illustrations capture moments and movements as a kitten grows—month by month—into a cat.
The critics say:
“Clear, realistic pictures, bright colors, short text, and the concept presented make this a great book for read-alouds.” —School Library Journal
“The minimalist text centers on catlike verbs…. Children will appreciate the kitten’s lifelike poses and its gradual progress toward cathood.” —Publishers Weekly
The Lion’s Whiskers
Illustrated by Ann Grifalconi / Scholastic, 1995
A rare folktale about a good stepmother, this was a New York Times notable book of the year.
The critics say:
“Nancy Raines Day has told a wonderful story, with dignity and warmth.”
—New York Times Book Review
