Book Descriptions
for Nothing Ever Happens on a Gray Day by Grant Snider
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Its title epitomizes the mindset of a school-age child at home on a bleak and moody day, but pops of color on the cover of this muted picture book suggest a surprise. Hopping on her bicycle in search of something on this day of nothing, the girl passes by a drained swimming pool and empty playground. Yet a trail of vibrant leaves piques her curiosity, and she begins to explore what’s beyond the fence. Intentional strokes of blue, yellow, and pink highlight what’s hiding amidst the gray landscape. A stream, a squirrel, and an old silo offer a shift in her perspective. A vibrant blue heron lands nearby and flies off again, and in this intimate moment, alone in nature, the girl discovers what a gray day has to offer. (Ages 5-8)
CCBC Choices 2024. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2024. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
With fantastic bursts of color and lyricism, Grant Snider explores the extraordinary within the ordinary in this ode to seemingly boring days and the wonders that emerge for anyone open to seeing them.
The sky is gloomy and the world feels like it's asleep . . . but perhaps all that's required for adventure is a bit of curiosity and patience. After all, an everyday stroll can become an adventure in the blink of an eye.
On a day when even the rain is too bored to fall, ride alongside a girl on her rickety bicycle through the familiar scenes of her neighborhood as she rediscovers the colors—a splash of yellow, a flash of red, a flutter of blue—that can be found even when all seems monochrome. In this artful picture book that celebrates do-nothing days and solitary adventures, readers learn how embracing quiet stillness with openness and curiosity can make space for unexpected encounters, meaningful detours, and some of life's most unforgettable moments. With luminous illustrations that practically glow on the page, Grant Snider takes readers on a visual journey they'll want to return to again and again.
TEACHING MINDFULNESS FOR KIDS: Grant Snider's luminous illustrations will captivate even the most restless young readers, while the story subtly teaches the benefits of patience, silent observation, and mindful awareness.
CONNECTING WITH NATURE: Both art and story will inspire children to approach nature with reverence and wonder, explore the outdoors, and learn more about their local environment.
OVERCOMING BOREDOM: Themes of childhood boredom and loneliness are addressed in a gentle and heartfelt way, encouraging a spirit of exploration, curiosity, and connection with the natural world.
RAINY DAY LOVERS: For those who appreciate the coziness and comfort of a rainy day, this book is a must-have.
STORYTIME READ-ALOUD: The gentle pace and lilting rhythm make this a soothing read for storytime at home, at school, or in a library.
Perfect for:
The sky is gloomy and the world feels like it's asleep . . . but perhaps all that's required for adventure is a bit of curiosity and patience. After all, an everyday stroll can become an adventure in the blink of an eye.
On a day when even the rain is too bored to fall, ride alongside a girl on her rickety bicycle through the familiar scenes of her neighborhood as she rediscovers the colors—a splash of yellow, a flash of red, a flutter of blue—that can be found even when all seems monochrome. In this artful picture book that celebrates do-nothing days and solitary adventures, readers learn how embracing quiet stillness with openness and curiosity can make space for unexpected encounters, meaningful detours, and some of life's most unforgettable moments. With luminous illustrations that practically glow on the page, Grant Snider takes readers on a visual journey they'll want to return to again and again.
TEACHING MINDFULNESS FOR KIDS: Grant Snider's luminous illustrations will captivate even the most restless young readers, while the story subtly teaches the benefits of patience, silent observation, and mindful awareness.
CONNECTING WITH NATURE: Both art and story will inspire children to approach nature with reverence and wonder, explore the outdoors, and learn more about their local environment.
OVERCOMING BOREDOM: Themes of childhood boredom and loneliness are addressed in a gentle and heartfelt way, encouraging a spirit of exploration, curiosity, and connection with the natural world.
RAINY DAY LOVERS: For those who appreciate the coziness and comfort of a rainy day, this book is a must-have.
STORYTIME READ-ALOUD: The gentle pace and lilting rhythm make this a soothing read for storytime at home, at school, or in a library.
Perfect for:
- Parents and grandparents of introspective, introverted, or independent daydreamers
- Readers who enjoy kids adventure stories and books about nature
- Families and classrooms seeking a great read-aloud book
- Fans of Grant Snider's previous titles, including What Color Is Night?, What Sound Is Morning?, and There Is a Rainbow
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
