Review by Booklist Review
Two sisters' plans for their "best day ever" out on the town go awry. The younger sib's understated narration wryly relays a string of bad luck: "it was really hot, like superhot--legs-stick-to-the-seat hot." When it rains, it pours: The pair get splashed by a passing car. At the zoo, the lemurs stay hidden in the trees. Long lines at the museum thwart their backup plan, and they get to the library after it is closed. Soaked and hungry, "with nowhere to go," enterprising and resourceful older sis turns frowns upside down through small acts of kindness and by seizing moments of joy close at hand. Salvadoran illustrator Katstaller's stylized, childlike artwork offers unique perspectives, from a detailed aerial shot of bustling city streets full of opened umbrellas to the sisters catching sight of a shooting star in the evening sky. Big sister's long, yellow coat is a focal point in the cinematic scenes. The versatile sunny rain slicker provides a cozy shelter from the elements and becomes a comforting blanket at the end of the day. While many situations in life cannot be controlled, this sweet and optimistic picture book shows how the support of a loved one can help reframe attitudes, come rain or shine.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--The narrator of the story tells readers how excited she is to be spending time with her big sister. They have plans derailed due to excessive heat in the city, so her sister gets her ice cream while they are in the park. As they plan another adventure, it begins to rain profusely and, again, changes must be made. Colorful illustrations show their attempts to go to the zoo, but--long lines. Library? Closed. On the way home, they jump in the rain puddle, shout at the sky, and play cards while waiting for the train. The young girl decides that it is the best day she has ever had. This exhilarating tale of camaraderie shows the older sister giving a piggyback ride, checking to hold hands, and carefully crossing streets. Love and tenderness are expressed in every scene. Even young children will come away with the sense that there is something very important and understated going on beneath the foiled adventures; restraint in text and art give the message its power. VERDICT Even the best laid plans can change and be a bit unsettling, but when with loved ones, it's never a bad day. Wonderful for all collections.--Annmarie Braithwaite
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two siblings have an unexpected day out together. The day is supposed to be fantastic, but nothing goes as planned. First, the sun beats down and it's unbearably hot--"legs-stick-to-the-seat hot." Ice cream immediately melts into sweet rivulets. Then, a sudden rainstorm appears. Everyone scatters under colorful umbrellas, and the big sister pulls on a long yellow slicker. But that offers little protection from the wave of water that splashes up as a car drives through a puddle. The pair must cut their visit to the zoo short. They rush to find shelter, but everything is closing (including the library) or has long lines that stretch out the door. Can they turn this day around? Short, staccato sentences convey the string of disappointments: "We were soaked. And hungry. With nowhere to go." Large-scale paneled art fills the pages, offering more details to pore over. Readers will enjoy spotting the stuffed lemur that the older sister gives her younger sibling after they attempt a visit to the lemur exhibit, although some kids may wonder if it's real (it looks rather lifelike in some scenes). Luckily the duo find joy in small moments: stargazing, puddle jumping, and just being together. The older sister is tan-skinned; the younger sibling is lighter-skinned. Proof that a switch of perspective on a tough day can be a lifesaver. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
