A New Day (Emmaline Carroll Southwell, illus Heather Dryden, Affirm)

The opening lines of A New Day, Emmaline Carroll Southwell (Our Family Pledge) and Heather Dryden’s bright and hopeful picture book, immediately give readers a sense of security: ‘Today’s a new day, today’s a fresh start. I move through this day with open mind and open heart. I release yesterday, letting go of what’s done. Today’s about joy, today’s about fun!’ As the story unfolds through a series of sweet affirmations for children, the reader will be inspired to build resilience during tough times, show kindness and respect to others and themselves, and find joy in friendships, family and nature. Most importantly, the book emphasises and celebrates that ‘each day is a new day’. Alongside the uplifting sing-song style of the text, Dryden’s vibrant illustrations bring the story to life with a lively palette and playful scenes that reflect the diverse experiences of children and the ‘magic five’ tricks they can use to protect and guide them. Echoing the sensitive, empowering themes found in picture books by Charlotte Barkla and Robert Vescio, A New Day will resonate with children aged 4–8. This book is perfect for parents and teachers looking to spark meaningful conversations with children, and it comes warmly recommended.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is an emerging children's author and freelance writer of articles, reviews and interviews when not working part-time in a bookshop. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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