A Day for Skating
Written by Sarah Sullivan
Illustrated by Madeline Valentine
Fun rhymes are only a part of the highlights of this adorable, nostalgic, bedtime book. The lilt of the words is almost like the snow falling on a quiet, cold day. Or the scrape of the skate blades on the ice of the pond in the story.
The story is deceptively simple, yet it covers the entire day of skating in a small number of words, with the end papers providing the literal bookends. The first one shows the family on the way to the pond. The last one shows the scene after nightfall. Along with the family dog (on a leash), the skates go on and are laced. he pond is already busy. Slide and turn. Fall down. Get up with Dad’s – and the dog’s – help. Hot cocoa at the snack-bar and more gliding in a row. Hockey, figure skating, and a race with happy people. Then home to warm up and rest for another day. At night, the animals go for a skate. It’s all there.
The illustrations are so much a part of the action. Always, the dog is there to share in the fun. And there’s usually a bird or rabbit or raccoon to spot.
I can’t recommend this book enough, even for kids who’ve never seen snow or ice. Sure to be a classic.
Title: A Day for Skating- Author: Sarah Sullivan
- Illustrator: Madeline Valentine
- Published: Candlewick Press, 2019
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
- Grade Level: PreK to 2
- Genre: Skating, Family, Friends, Nature
- ISBN: 978-0-7636-9686-3