Book description
An ordinary day in an ordinary neighborhood turns out to be quite extraordinary in this moving story about the circle of life.
It’s an average day in the neighborhood—children play, roses are watered, and a crow watches over it all. But then two visitors arrive at two houses, one to…
- Coming soon!
Why read it?
2 authors picked An Ordinary Day as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book isn’t just powerful because of how it allows kids to think (and ask) about death, but because of the staggering beauty in the storytelling itself.
We see two stories play out in neighboring houses—in one, a child is born; in the other, a dog is put to sleep. These parallel scenes help children see the circle of life in a way that is both accessible and, at times, heartbreaking.
I’ve read this story to our kids no less than 20 times, and each time, there’s an unmistakable silence as we witness the first and last breaths take place.…
From Caroline's list on talking about death and loss with your kids.
When I picked up An Ordinary Day, I felt this book was written just for me as it normalizes the beauty and softness of homebirth, my favorite way to bring children into the world.
An Ordinary Day reminds us of the circle of life as we focus on two neighbor families. One who is saying goodbye to a beloved pet and the other saying hello to a brand-new baby. It shares the ordinary world outside and the extraordinary world of what is happening inside, reminding us that these happenings are also ordinary, that life and death are a natural part…
From Robin's list on picture books for healing from loss.
If you love An Ordinary Day...
Jane Addams
This biography for middle-grade readers and up explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir worldwide. The story follows Addams' first childhood realization of how poverty limits lives, livelihoods, and health to her becoming one of the most beloved―and disliked―women of her day. She worked to…
Want books like An Ordinary Day?
Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like An Ordinary Day.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,395
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like An Ordinary Day, you might also like...
Mamiachi & Me
Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book about what it means to be a mariachi in an all‑female band.
Today, Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn’t…
Hazel and Mabel
A satisfying story of rediscovering friendship after time spent apart.
For many years, Hazel and Mabel were inseparable. The two friends made up stories, spent the night together, and shared their snacks. Then, Mabel moved away. As time passes, Hazel and Mabel think of each other often, but they also…
