Customer Reviews

A Day's Work

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let me begin by saying that I am a big fan of Eve Bunting and admire her for writing about people who otherwise receive little attention in stories. "A Day's Work" is worthy of that reputation. It is a story of day laborers from Mexico; moreover, it describes how the whole family pulls together to make ends meet (a theme that Francisco Jimenez beautifully explores in "The Circuit/Cajas de Carton). Though it's a simple story, there are several surprise twists. As with her other stories, Eve Bunting tells this one with her characteristic sensitivity without indulging in, you know, the mushy stuff. This book will enable children and adults alike to take a new look at honesty and, as the title says, a day's work.

This story describes an American lifestyle that most of us will not experience. It avoids criticism of that life and presents a situation in which honest people are trying to survive. The author provides a human face to the characters. Very nice.

"A Day's Work" is wonderfully engaging and a beautifully illustrated work. It is so rare to find a children's book today which integrates moral truth so seamlessly into a believable and thought-provoking story. We will never be without this book on our bookshelf to read to each child as he comes to the age of reasoning! A MUST HAVE for any family who values teaching their children at an early age about honesty & accountability.

Beautifully illustrated, this heart-warming story is an excellent real-aloud for grades 2-5. Many themes in the book include honesty, hard-work is rewarded and family. I love the fact that no stereo-type Hispanic characters are in the book.

This book has touched me very much. I have read it three times and I bought the book. I think this book is a must in every classroom and in every house. It powerful describes how people struggle with the daily paid, not only in the US but in the world and it also teachers about important vales as family values and honesty. A beautiful book for all ages.

I give five stars for this book. I loved the way the author gives a glimpse about the immigrants in this country and the powerful values they have and can share to this country. I also love the illustrations very much.

On Saturday morning, young Francisco waits with his abuelo (grandfather) with other day laborers, hoping for a day's work. In order to persuade a potential employer to choose them, Francisco claims his grandfather is a gardener, even though he is actually a carpenter. It is only at the end of the day that the lie is found out. Then Abuelo shows Francisco the value of integrity, admonishing, "We do not lie for work," and taking steps to make restitution.

Bunting's understated text, written from the child's perspective, expresses the raw desperation that the most poverty-stricken people experience daily, helping the reader understand why Francisco would tell such a lie. But his grandfather's personal honor proves that, regardless of circumstances, even the lowest labor carries dignity and worth when it is carried out with self-respect.

This is a serious story, and even illustrated with Himler's wonderful paintings it retains a somber mood that might not draw readers in as easily as more lighthearted books. But it provides a vital, sympathetic glimpse into the world of immigrant day laborers while demonstrating the moral importance of honesty. It's a beautifully moving book which will help cultivate love and compassion for others.

Putting faces to issues. It's something Eve Bunting does so well. It's easy to take a broad stance when you can't connect a face, or a need, or generations of a hard working family to an issue. Eve Bunting pushes back against the stereotypes of day laborers in this book and brings to the subject dignity, the value of hard work, some tough choices, and a few valuable lessons. Kids don't need easy stereotypes, especially as they try to navigate their sense of right and wrong through an ever changing world. They are always in need of something more authentic. That's Eve Bunting. Kids need Eve Bunting.

Chris Bowen
Author of, "Our Kids: Building Relationships in the Classroom"

Great story. I didn't realize this book came with a cassette-- a CD would have been better.

"A Day's Work" is a beautiful tale about the difficult life of a migrant worker. My mom is a 2nd grade teacher and book reviewer for her district and our favorite past time is reading children's books together. She read this one to me and I was in tears! It is such a beautiful story about integrity and character. You will love this book!

A Day's Work

Calling all gardening lovers, you should read this book by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Ronald Himler. The characters of the book are a little boy
named Francisco, Francisco's Abuelo, and Ben the
gardening worker. When Abuelo wants a job, he
goes to a parking lot where there are trucks that
pick up workers. When a gardening person comes,
Francisco lies saying that his Abuelo is a great
gardener but he is not. So Abuelo gets a job as a
gardener in a field and something goes wrong.
I like this book because it is telling you to never
give up. I think Francisco learned not to lie. I
recommend this book to someone who likes
gardening.



Jonathan C