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The Best Time of Day

Name: The Best Time of Day
Author: Eileen Spinelli
ISBN: 9780152058623

by Eileen Spinelli, Bryan Langdo

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Overview

On this busy little farm, day begins with a loud crow at sunup, and then there are flapjacks to be flipped, cows to be milked, piggies to feed . . . and in the blink of an eye, it's nighttime. This joyful rhyming celebration of everyday life is just right for bedtime.

Synopsis

What's your favorite time of day? The moment you crack open this book.

Gwynne Spencer - Children's Literature

Eileen Spinelli, whose poetry is not just for kids, has newly redefined "the best time of day" in her newest book which I urge all of you to buy and then after you have loved it a lot, donate it to your local school library. In it, she introduces readers to the thought, "The best time of the day is . . . " which set me to thinking and writing about the best times of my day. It would be a good exercise for anyone to make a list so you will be ready when you need a quick reminder of how blessed your life really is. One of my entries says, "The best time of day is when you wake up and realize you are not dead and you better get up and get something written." Thanks, Eileen, for a terrific book to get everyone writing. 2005, Harcourt, Ages 3 to 7.

About the Author, Eileen Spinelli

Eileen Spinelli is no stranger to the Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers list. Since her debut in 1991 with Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, an IRA/CBC Children's Choice book and Christopher Award winner, she has gone on to author numerous picture books, poetry collections, and chapter books, including the best-selling When Mama Comes Home Tonight, and the critically acclaimed Sophie's Masterpiece. Eileen lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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Editorials

From the Publisher

"Simple routines are celebrated throughout . . . Perfect for the younger set."—Kirkus Reviews

Children's Literature

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3-In a smoothly flowing text and pleasingly rhythmic rhymes, Spinelli describes the favorite moments of various animals and people who live on a farm. For example, "The best time of day for the rooster is when/the sun rises high over barnyard and pen./He wakes up the farmer, the animals, too,/with his rowdy-dow `Cocka-doodle-dee-doo!'" The farmer's wife enjoys making breakfast for her family, their son eagerly awaits recess at school, and Granny looks forward to a five o' clock visit from her friend Gus. The watercolor cartoons are colorful and laugh-out-loud funny. Presented on appealing spreads that are expertly laid out, the illustrations are also detail oriented, giving children much to look at as they enjoy the language. This offering would work well in storytimes with a barnyard theme or for one-on-one sharing. Weed out your tired old farm stories and add this winner to your collections.-Lisa S. Schindler, Bethpage Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Each segment of the day is special to someone in this rural outing from Spinelli. Starting with the rooster, who loves sunrise, and progressing through the day, rhyming couplets describe what each member of the farm community thinks of as the "best time of day." Simple routines are celebrated throughout: Lunch in the shade, recess, the arrival of the mail truck, a walk, guitar practice. "The best time of day for Granny McCall / is five p.m. Why? That's when Gus comes to call." While many of the couplets' lines are split in the middle of sentences, it somehow does not detract from the rhythm. Langdo's earth-toned watercolors are just right for the country and farm setting. Subdued details and large subjects make this perfect for the younger set. Teachers will wish for a greater number of specific time references, but this still has potential for classroom use. Great as a springboard for group sharing. (Picture book. 3-8)