Just One of Those Days

By Author / Illustrator

Jill Murphy

Genre

Family & Home

Age range(s)

Publisher

Pan Macmillan

ISBN

9781529021370

Format

Hardback

Published

03-09-2020

Synopsis

From Jill Murphy, creator of the classic Peace at Last, comes the long-awaited third story about the lovable Bear family.

It had been a long night . . . so Mr and Mrs Bear woke up late. When Mr and Mrs Bear wake up late, it's raining outside - and Baby Bear is late for nursery. Then Mrs Bear sits on her glasses at work and Mr Bear spills his coffee! Oh dear - it seems this is just going to be one of those days! But the lovable Bear family muddle through cheerfully, and there's even a surprise for Baby Bear when Mr Bear gets home from work.

With all the hallmarks of an instant classic, Just One of Those Days is a gentle story about a family day, which parents and children everywhere will relate to - full of satisfying read-aloud repetition and rhythm - and with Jill Murphy's instantly recognizable, cosily-lit illustrations.

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Reviews

Jill Murphy, the author and illustrator of the now-classic 'Peace at Last' picture book has created another classic over 40 years later. The author's uncanny ability to identify with family life through her lovable bear characters is incredible. This makes the book both enjoyable for children but also relatable for adults.

The story follows the Bear family who are struggling to get through their day after a restless, disturbed night in which baby bear decided that his parent's bed was where he would sleep for the night.

Mrs Bear can hardly keep her eyes open whilst brushing and whilst at work; she sat on her glasses and fell asleep halfway through a blueberry muffin. Mr Bear spilled coffee all over some important documents and didn't even have time for lunch. Baby Bear struggled with each activity at Nursery and got upset when someone was playing with his favourite toy dinosaur. At dinner time, Mr Bear came home with Pizza and a special present for Baby Bear which was a relief as Mrs Bear didn't seem up for cooking that night. After a cosy dinner in front of the TV, they decided to have an early night and Baby Bear was asleep before the end of his bedtime story.

The story is definitely going to be a classic. However, when read to my children - who are used to some really fast-paced, colourful and exciting picture books - this one didn't quite hit the mark for them. My son said nothing really happened. However, from a parent's perspective, the picture book's slower-paced story progression in comparison to others on the market at the moment, makes it a perfect story for before bed.

It is well written, relatable and beautifully illustrated and for that reason, I would definitely recommend this story for children aged 3+.

Picture book / Reviewed by James Hewish, teacher