Declan's Day

by Jessica Lauder, Daniel Sicolo (Illustrator)

Overview

Declan's got a very busy day. But don't worry, he's got plenty of imagination to see him through. He's CatBoy when he's racing around his trucks. It's Trunky, the elephant, who picks up his bagel. And Monkey buckles up in the car to go on adventures with Papa Gorilla. As they are whisked through the whimsy of Declan's Day, children will recognize and applaud Declan's vivid role play as he masters the day's tasks. Meanwhile, parents and caregivers will feel the tug to engage in their child's creativity, not simply playing pretend, but engaging in their child's world as it unfolds-alive and real to the child in that moment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781525536090
Publisher:	FriesenPress
Publication date:	03/01/2019
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.09(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 6 Years

About the Author

Jessica Lauder is a clinical counsellor working with children and adults. In her healing work she has learned that when children are allowed to fully immerse in their imaginations and are supported and believed by a caring adult, it can be one of the most profound sources of healing. She hopes to provide stories to reflect childhood experiences that celebrate creative imagination during a developmental stage that is naturally whimsical and dream like. Jessica lives in Langley, British Columbia, with her husband, three children, and a cat named Summer Bacon.

Daniel Sicolo is a Canadian based Creative Professional. After 7 years in the animation industry, working with companies such as Disney & Warner Bros, he became fascinated with all things creative. Daniel began a small creative company with his sister in 2004 and has continued to grow his skills in the industry. Daily creative tasks now include graphic design, photography, video, motion graphics & more. Illustration is his happy place and by far his first love among his creative talents. It allows for borderless creative expression & a whole lot of FUN! Daniel lives in Edmonton, Alberta with his wife, three sons & the cutest little hedgehog named Peter Quill.

Editorial Reviews

2019-05-02
A preschooler impersonates a series of different characters in this debut picture book.

A blond white child named Declan (which readers learn only from the title) begins his day as Shaggy, a dog who likes to snuggle with his father. Soon, it's time to be CatBoy, racing to his toys. Then, when Mama needs help with the garbage, he turns into Recycling Man. Declan transforms for each of his tasks, becoming Trunky the elephant to enjoy a snack and a T-Rex in time to floss. Lauder, a counselor, creates a realistic depiction of how an imaginative child's mind works, flowing seamlessly from game to game—and allowing family members to join in and embrace his metamorphoses. The images by debut illustrator Sicolo always show Declan's face, allowing his inventive guises to appear as costumes on each spread. The spare use of color and distinct black outlines encourage young readers to fill in their own hues, action, and whimsy as they read. The last spread finally reveals Declan as a sleepy boy, envisioning a beluga whale singing him to sleep, making this a potential bedtime favorite for families to read together.

This tale will surely empower creative youngsters to celebrate their sense of play—and encourage parents to support their children's inner worlds.

Kirkus Reviews