A Perfect Day

Lane Smith's "A Perfect Day" is a charming and humorous picture book that invites young readers and their parents to consider the concept of perspective. The story follows several backyard animals, each delighting in their own version of a perfect day, until a large bear arrives and, without malice, consumes and enjoys all the things that made the other animals' days special. The book skillfully uses this simple premise to open conversations about empathy, understanding that others may have different needs or desires, and how one person's joy might inadvertently impact another's. It's an excellent tool for discussing social dynamics and emotional intelligence in a lighthearted way.

Today is a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel. Cat is lounging among the daffodils. Dog is sitting in the wading pool, deep in the cool water. Chickadee is eating fresh seed from the birdfeeder. Squirrel is munching on his very own corncob. Today is a perfect day in Bert's backyard. Until Bear comes along, that is. Bear crushes the daffodils, drinks the pool water, and happily gobbles up the birdseed and corncob. Today was a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel. Now, it's just a perfect day for Bear. Lane Smith uses perfect pacing and vibrant illustrations to emphasize the power of perspective in this hilarious picture book about the goings-on in Bert's backyard. This book has Common Core connections. An NPR Best Book of 2017 A 2018 ALSC Notable Children's Book