The Day You Begin is a book written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael Lopez about how it can feel when it seems like you are different than everyone around you.
Told in an approachable, child-friendly cadence, The Day You Begin touches on experiences that can be universal. Sometimes it feels like everyone around you is doing, experiencing, understanding things that you are not. Sometimes it feels like everyone else is travelling to far off, exotic places. Who hasn’t felt like that in some point in their life? And what do we do about it?
No matter your age, Woodson’s words can’t help but resonate; she carries a message that bolsters and emboldens young readers. It doesn’t matter if your lunch doesn’t look like everyone else’s! You have a perspective that is important, valued, and worth contributing.
Lopez’s illustrations capture the spirit of this book with their lighthearted, moving nature. It feels as though readers bounce from page to page, floating through the air on a breeze of confidence. Diverse in representation, the illustrations bring the story to life.
Young and old should read this story when they’re feeling discouraged or downhearted. It’s hard to stay glum with this pair to cheer you on.