I would like to share a new addition to our Easter Gift Guide 2023: Ode to a Bad Day Written by Chelsea Lin Wallace Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. I received a hard back copy of the book in exchange for this review and a spot in our Easter Gift Guide 2023.
About:
OH BAD DAY! A hilariously dramatic series of odes to the little bumps in our days, perfect for any kid dealing with a not-so-good day.
Oh Too Much Milk in My Cereal!
Soggy, squishy! Boggy, mushy!
You turned my crispy into gushy!
Sometimes the small disappointments and inconveniences in kids’ days can feel much bigger than they are. And when they start multiplying . . . oh, what a bad day it can become! Told in a series of dramatic odes to a day’s annoyances, Ode to a Bad Day lets children and caregivers alike find the humor and compassion in the days that could have gone better—and encourages readers to look forward to a better day . . . tomorrow.
TIMELESS TOPIC: Classic in sensibility but with fresh, sharp wit, this book touches on a truly universal topic with an authentic voice young readers will recognize and identify with. The struggles of the main character immediately capture the drama of childhood without making the world seem totally hopeless and antagonistic.
READ ALOUD: This picture book is riddled with rhyme and chock-full of humor in every stanza—perfect for read-aloud occasions, bedtime, or any moment a kid needs cheering up on a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
SELF-RELIANCE: In celebrating frustration, tedium, and boredom, this book also emphasizes the value of remaining positive facing life’s various difficulties. You can be upset and still be a regular person; you can have a bad day and still rhyme about it.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL REASSURANCE: Perfect for kids who are nervous about starting school or struggling with any less-than-ideal moments in life.
EDUCATIONAL INFO INCLUDED: After reading through the fun, rhyming narrative, kids can read on to learn more about what an ode is, how to make one, and even have the opportunity to create their own.
Perfect for:
- Great read-aloud option for parents, teachers, and librarians looking for funny kids’ books
- Starting-school or back-to-school book for young readers
- Reassuring book for kids who experience anxiety or struggle to get through bad days
- Fans of humor, children’s poetry, and books that celebrate big feelings
- Readers of popular children’s books like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, Cranky Bear, and The Seven Silly Eaters
Meet the Author:
A children’s author and a poet with a master’s degree in education. As a former elementary school educator, she loves teaching poetry and creative writing to children. Her debut picture book, A HOME NAMED WALTER, is set to release in April, 2022 with Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan. She is rep’d by Jen Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency and is a proud member of SCBWI and the 12×12 Challenge. She lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, her daughter Charlee, and her dog, Lucky.
You can find her poetry on Instagram @chelsealinwallace
She tweets about writing and children’s books on Twitter @chelseaauthor
Fun Facts:
I was born in Santa Cruz, moved to Arizona, Colorado, and finally landed in Ann Arbor, MI where I grew up.
I’m the middle child in a family of five.
I’m left-handed.
I’m an empath.
I went to Colgate University for my undergrad.
I am an I/ENFJ on the Meyers Briggs Personality Test.
Favorite picture books: After the Fall, House is House for Me, Jerome by Heart
Favorite movie: Stand By Me
Favorite musician: Van Morrison
Favorite food: Pizza
Quirk: I listen to music to do just about everything.
“As a child, Chelsea always felt more of a connection to the imaginary world than she did the real world.” – My Dad.
Thank you,,
Glenda, Charlie and Charlie Cates
