| picture story books that explore and illuminate |
| Wishes for One More Day Written by Melanie Pastor Illustrated by Jacqui Grantford |
Reviews in full
From Children's Literature
Featured on the Children's Literature list of books for Grandparents' Day September 10, 2006
The gentle pastel watercolor pencil illustrations complement this tribute to a dearly loved grandfather. When Poppy dies
unexpectedly, his grandchildren, Anna and Joey, are dismayed at not having had a chance to "say goodbye." As their mother begins
to express her own grief at the loss of her father, the children actually help her to capture the important memories of Poppy's life
with the entire family. It is important to see how gently both parents go about discussing Poppy's death. Mom asks Anna and Joey
what they would have done if they had been granted one more day. Joey announces that he would have shared one more bowl of
Matzah soup - they would make "sculptures" out of the Matzah balls. Anna wishes for a day to play checkers with Poppy once
more - he was always so happy when "I won." Later the children settle down to make "lots more wishes" - it feels good to think
about Poppy. Because Joey has not yet learned to write, he draws pictures and Anna writes down their "wishes": dancing while
Poppy plays the piano, another chance to laugh at his "crazy party hat," camping in his backyard, toasting marshmallows together,
painting pictures, going to the zoo, going fishing, playing pirates, and all sorts of wonderful things they had shared with each other.
They run in to show their mom all of the pages they have created--Mom is moved to new tears as she examines the "book" they
have made of all their "wishes." Mom tells them that all of the wishes are really memories to cherish. Anna says that she will just call
them "wishes" as she makes a cover for the book. We see that the family is Jewish and that they have begun the traditional mourning
process for the grandfather -- the illustrations show Aunt Susan covering the mirrors and the memorial candle is lit. We also hear
about plans for spending time with Grandma while they receive family and friends to "comfort us with hugs and food" and "we'll all
remember Poppy." Parents and care givers will find this book very useful in helping children cope with the loss of a
grandparent…and maybe find a bit of solace for themselves, as well. - Sheilah Egan
From the AJL (Association of Jewish Libraries) Newsletter
Death of a loved one and grief is a difficult concept for children. Wishes for One More Day deals with the emotions and pain of
loss in a straightforward and realistic way. Anna (age 10 or 12) and her younger brother Joey (age 4 or 5) wake up one morning to
the smell of pancakes, but when they come into the kitchen they notice that their mother's eyes are red as if she has been crying.
Mother explains that their beloved Poppy has died. "Why couldn't I have had one more day with Poppy," the children lament.
Mother suggests Joey and Anna make a list of all the things they would do with Poppy if they had one more day.
Jacqui Grantford's soft pastel drawings portray the children's grief over Poppy's death and the happiness they feel as they
remember him. There are two instances of Jewish content in this book; Joey remembers going to the deli with Poppy and eating
matzo ball soup; mother stays home for a few days and people come to comfort her. To compliment the paragraph that describes
shiva (7days of mourning) without using the term, the illustrations show someone covering the mirror, a bowl of hardboiled eggs and
a memorial candle.
This book is highly recommended for the grief/death collection of all libraries. It deals with death in a realistic manner (a
grandparent died, not a turtle or hamster) and provides an active suggestion for coping with the loss. Wishes for One More Day is
sad, because poppy has died, yet it is consoling because of the memories of special times spent with him.
Featured on the Children's Literature list of books for Grandparents' Day September 10, 2006
The gentle pastel watercolor pencil illustrations complement this tribute to a dearly loved grandfather. When Poppy dies
unexpectedly, his grandchildren, Anna and Joey, are dismayed at not having had a chance to "say goodbye." As their mother begins
to express her own grief at the loss of her father, the children actually help her to capture the important memories of Poppy's life
with the entire family. It is important to see how gently both parents go about discussing Poppy's death. Mom asks Anna and Joey
what they would have done if they had been granted one more day. Joey announces that he would have shared one more bowl of
Matzah soup - they would make "sculptures" out of the Matzah balls. Anna wishes for a day to play checkers with Poppy once
more - he was always so happy when "I won." Later the children settle down to make "lots more wishes" - it feels good to think
about Poppy. Because Joey has not yet learned to write, he draws pictures and Anna writes down their "wishes": dancing while
Poppy plays the piano, another chance to laugh at his "crazy party hat," camping in his backyard, toasting marshmallows together,
painting pictures, going to the zoo, going fishing, playing pirates, and all sorts of wonderful things they had shared with each other.
They run in to show their mom all of the pages they have created--Mom is moved to new tears as she examines the "book" they
have made of all their "wishes." Mom tells them that all of the wishes are really memories to cherish. Anna says that she will just call
them "wishes" as she makes a cover for the book. We see that the family is Jewish and that they have begun the traditional mourning
process for the grandfather -- the illustrations show Aunt Susan covering the mirrors and the memorial candle is lit. We also hear
about plans for spending time with Grandma while they receive family and friends to "comfort us with hugs and food" and "we'll all
remember Poppy." Parents and care givers will find this book very useful in helping children cope with the loss of a
grandparent…and maybe find a bit of solace for themselves, as well. - Sheilah Egan
From the AJL (Association of Jewish Libraries) Newsletter
Death of a loved one and grief is a difficult concept for children. Wishes for One More Day deals with the emotions and pain of
loss in a straightforward and realistic way. Anna (age 10 or 12) and her younger brother Joey (age 4 or 5) wake up one morning to
the smell of pancakes, but when they come into the kitchen they notice that their mother's eyes are red as if she has been crying.
Mother explains that their beloved Poppy has died. "Why couldn't I have had one more day with Poppy," the children lament.
Mother suggests Joey and Anna make a list of all the things they would do with Poppy if they had one more day.
Jacqui Grantford's soft pastel drawings portray the children's grief over Poppy's death and the happiness they feel as they
remember him. There are two instances of Jewish content in this book; Joey remembers going to the deli with Poppy and eating
matzo ball soup; mother stays home for a few days and people come to comfort her. To compliment the paragraph that describes
shiva (7days of mourning) without using the term, the illustrations show someone covering the mirror, a bowl of hardboiled eggs and
a memorial candle.
This book is highly recommended for the grief/death collection of all libraries. It deals with death in a realistic manner (a
grandparent died, not a turtle or hamster) and provides an active suggestion for coping with the loss. Wishes for One More Day is
sad, because poppy has died, yet it is consoling because of the memories of special times spent with him.
From Foreword Magazine
When Anna learns that her beloved grandfather has died, she wishes for one more day with him. Her wise mother asks, “What
would you do in that one day?” Anna replies that they would play checkers, and her little brother, Joey, says that they would make
sculptures with the Matzah balls in their soup. The children start to list how they would spend one more day with their Poppy—
dancing around the living room while he played the piano, going camping in the backyard, cooking pancakes. Anna writes their
wishes down, and little Joey draws pictures. When they have a stack of papers, Joey squeals, “Poppy would have had such a busy
day!”
It’s clear that the author intends this to be an exercise for children to work through grief, but she goes beyond simply modelling
the process; she approaches it with depth, inventiveness, and sensitivity. Pastor... tells the story and delivers the lesson with
tenderness and attention, without lapsing into cliché or sentimentality...
The illustrator's... gouache and watercolor pencil illustrations are realistic, with Poppy’s bushy eyebrows and jolly jowls
resembling a grandfather type that every child will recognize. Anna and her family are rendered with equal naturalism and subtlety.
This beautiful book will be useful in classrooms, daycare centers, and church groups, to help children understand each other’s
grief. It will be invaluable to any child who has lost a loved one. - Karen McCarthy
From Large Print Reviews.com
Dealing with death is never easy, no matter what your age. However it can be traumatic for young children, especially when the
death is unexpected. In Wishes for One More Day, Melanie Joy Pastor tackles this difficult subject in an innovative and uplifting
manner. Written for younger children, ages 5-9, this book follows Anna and Joey as they learn that their grandfather 'Poppy' has
passed away unexpectedly. Wishing that they could have had just one more day together, the two create a book of wishes about
what they would have liked to do with Poppy, if they had but one more day together.
This heartwarming story is paired with sensitive and engaging illustrations by Jacqui Grantford. Combined, this picture story
book is a reassuring method of introducing the subject of death to younger children. For those already touched by such a tragedy, it
offers children with an empowering method of dealing with their loss.
While the subject matter of Wishes for One More Day is somewhat somber, the story itself is anything but grim. Pastor has
crafted an uplifting and empowering story that will resonate with both children and adults. The story also touches lightly upon some
Jewish memorial practices, such as sitting Shiva and the lighting of a memorial (Yahrzeit) candle. Other traditions, such as the
covering of mirrors, is shown within the story's illustrations.
Please note: Although not marketed as a large print book, Wishes for One More Day, is printed in a clear, dark, and
approximately 18-point font, making it fall well within the parameters of a large print book. Not only does this large font size make it
easier for new readers to enjoy the book, it will also prove a boon to anyone needing, or desirous, of large print material to read
aloud to little ones who cannot yet read on their own. - Anna Dogole
From My Shelf.com
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is very traumatic for anyone, but it's especially hard for children to accept the death of a
grandparent. When Anna and Joey come to breakfast to discover that their beloved "Poppy" has passed away, their immediate
reaction is "How could Poppy die? I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye."
The kids wish they had just one more day to be able to do all the things they loved doing with their grandfather, so that he would
have great memories. They decide to list all the things they would do, but the pages of memories and wishes, and the pictures they
draw to go with them, grow into a book-sized pile.
They remember Poppy’s crazy birthday hat, and the silly songs Poppy used to plunk out on the piano. There are so many
wonderful memories of Poppy to laugh about. Covering a wide range of emotions, this celebration of Poppy’s life will help Anna
and Joey keep his memory alive for years to come.
Jacqui Grantford's portrait-quality gouache and watercolor pencil illustrations are a fitting tribute to this reminder of the important
things in life. This book suggests a strategy for dealing with loss and would be a wonderful contribution to any child who has lost a
loved one. It could help even the adults to weather their grief in times of loss.
Share this book with your family to initiate conversations about loss and grief and to help establish the importance of the everyday
joy of life. - Beverly J. Rowe
From Ithaca Child
Wishes for One More Day... is a sensitive story of the loss of a grandparent. ...there are no easy answers here, but a very lovely
marking of the endless special moments these children shared with their grandfather... Wishes for One More Day is a very strong
addition to books available on loss, tenderly articulating the "wishes" we all have. - Esty Schachter
A personal note from Esty Schachter to Flashlight Press:
"I just finished the book, and had to tell you that I think it is wonderful. I found it tender and sensitive, and very, very
real... Thanks so much for sending it..." - Esty
From Jewish Book World
When Anna and her younger brother Joey suddenly lose their beloved Grandpa, "Poppy," they wish they had one more day to
spend with him. They think of all the things they would do, such as make matzah ball sculptures in their soup at the deli, play
checkers, and listen to him play silly songs on the piano. Their mother encourages them to put all the pictures they make of these
memories and wishes into a book. Anna calls this book Wishes for One More Day with Poppy. She calls them wishes rather than
memories, because she says, "wishes feel closer." The Jewish custom of sitting shivah is described by her mother, who tells the
children how they will light a memorial candle and have friends and family come over "to comfort them with hugs and food." The
aunt is shown covering the mirror.
Readers will enjoy the cover picture of Poppy wearing his silly birthday hat with a cardboard candle sticking out of the top of it, and
the gentle gouache and watercolor pencil illustrations which follow the flow of the text. This would be very helpful and comforting to
use with children who have lost a grandparent or other loved one. They will be encouraged to think of their own memories of those
dear to them, and will realize that they will always have those memories in their heart. - Andrea Davidson
From The Reading Tub
Anna and Joey learn of their grandfather’s passing one morning. The children and adults deal with their grief in very different, yet
equally effective ways. Anna gets an idea to write down all the things she would love to have done with her Poppy one more time.
This is a picture book to help children understand death. Both the mother’s and children’s perspective are well represented in the
story, making the book great for all ages. I even cried at the beauty and simplicity of the children’s idea. I found the book delightful
because, for me, it really isn't about death. It is about the celebration of a human being and his relationships, as well as about the
things that are possible with such a strong connection. That's what makes it compelling. It doesn't blow sunshine into a vacuous
hole. It reminds us of the things we wish for, and the things worth remembering. The loss of a loved one is a hard experience for a
person of any age. Wishes for One More Day helps young and old alike grapple with the loss of a loved one in a powerful and
touching way. Buy! This is a compelling book with insight and value for all ages. - Christine Hohlbaum
From Christine Hohlbaum
The loss of a loved one is a hard experience for a person of any age. Wishes for One More Day helps young and old alike grapple
with the loss of a loved one in a powerful and touching way. Anna and Joey learn of their grandfather’s passing one morning. The
children and adults deal with their grief in very different, yet equally effective ways. Anna gets an idea to write down all the things
she would love to have done with her Poppy one more time. Both the mother’s and children’s perspective are well represented in
the story, making the book great for all ages. I found myself tearing up at the beauty and simplicity of the children’s idea. This book
serves as a great reminder of how the simple things are often the most important. - Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of SAHM I
Am: Tales of a Stay-at-Home Mom in Europe, lives near Munich, Germany with her husband and two children. http://www.
diaryofamother.com
From the PATHways Center for Grief & Loss
...an excellent book that will resonate with many children who experience the death of someone they loved, particularly if they lost a
grandfather. It addresses the unpredictable and various range of emotions, the different perspectives of adult and child, and the idea
of how memories can be comforting. I love the acceptance the mother has for the child when she prefers to keep her wishes rather
than make them into memories as her mother suggests... This book would be a welcome addition to the children's section of our
resource library. - Dr. Patti Homan, Program Director
From Barbara Gruener, certified trainer for Character Counts!
Who among us hasn't suffered the loss of a loved one without grand and glorious Wishes For One More Day? Introducing the
newest treasure from the Flashlight Press children's literature collection by that very name. Written by teacher and first-time author
Melanie Joy Pastor, Wishes for One More Day tells the story of Anna and Joey on the day that they awaken to find that their
grandfather, Poppy, has passed away. Understandably shaken and incredibly saddened by the news, the siblings journey through
their initial shock together, shedding light on how children handle loss and process grief.
They comment that they’d love just one more day with him – “that’s all I need” Anna tells her mom, “just one more day.” As they
magically think through how they would spend that extra time with Poppy, their walk down memory lane helps them to realize that
all of those wishes have, in fact, already come true. What’s more, they’ve used those wishes as a springboard to create a beautiful
scrapbook of their special relationship with Poppy. What a treasured memento to celebrate Poppy’s life and keep his memory alive
for years to come.
With its magnificently soothing, portrait-quality illustrations by Jacqui Grantford, this touching story normalizes a child’s reactions to
loss with the added bonus of a built-in strategy for helping children cope at this difficult time. It will undoubtedly be a wonderful
addition to your collection.
Drawing Inspiration - from an article in The Leader, an Australian newspaper
A Parkdale trio have been immortalised by an illustrator in a children's book to be
sold worldwide. Parkdale Primary School students Cameron, 7, and Nicki, 10,
feature in the fictional book illustrated by Parkdale's Jacqui Grantford. The book,
Wishes for One More Day, is about a grandfather's death and what his family would
do if they had one more day with him.
Cameron's mum, Fiona, portrayed the family's mother. [Cameron's dad depicted
the dad in the story, and Nicki's granddad was the model for the grandfather in the
book.]
Grantford said the kids happily posed in their pyjamas and "pulled different faces"
as she drew them. "They're good actors," she said. An illustrator of 10 books,
Grantford loves drawing inspiration from the community. "As long as you keep your
eyes open, there's always inspiration around you," she said.
A Parkdale trio have been immortalised by an illustrator in a children's book to be
sold worldwide. Parkdale Primary School students Cameron, 7, and Nicki, 10,
feature in the fictional book illustrated by Parkdale's Jacqui Grantford. The book,
Wishes for One More Day, is about a grandfather's death and what his family would
do if they had one more day with him.
Cameron's mum, Fiona, portrayed the family's mother. [Cameron's dad depicted
the dad in the story, and Nicki's granddad was the model for the grandfather in the
book.]
Grantford said the kids happily posed in their pyjamas and "pulled different faces"
as she drew them. "They're good actors," she said. An illustrator of 10 books,
Grantford loves drawing inspiration from the community. "As long as you keep your
eyes open, there's always inspiration around you," she said.