• Age: 1 to 3
• Grade: p

Morning sun, golden skies
Softly waking sleepy eyes

The critically-acclaimed celebration of summertime fun is now back in a new board book format!

For preschoolers, sunny days are full of possibility. A sunbeam on the floor is the perfect place to curl up with a furry friend, and warming weather means seeds in the garden, mud pies in the yard, adventures at the beach, and ice cream in the shade. Evening brings the silly fun of watching little shadows stretch out long, and there’s nothing so cozy as watching the sun set as a family.

In Sunny Days, author Deborah Kerbel once again weaves a spell of early childhood magic with couplets as bright as a summer afternoon. Illustrator Miki Sato’s textural collage art nearly rises from the page with fascinating features made from paper, felt, and embroidery silk.

“These charming couplets about fun in the sun will have their appeal to lap sitters…. With its padded cover, rounded corners, and thick pages, this eye-catching yet simple look at sunshine will suit all collections that serve toddlers.”—School Library Journal **Starred Review**

DEBORAH KERBEL a écrit des livres pour les jeunes adultes, les préadolescents et les lecteurs débutants. Ses romans ont été présélectionnés pour les Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général, le prix du livre de l’année pour les jeunes adultes de l’Association canadienne des bibliothèques et le Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award. Elle vit à Toronto avec son mari, ses deux adolescents et Freddie, leur chien adopté.

DEBORAH KERBEL was born in London, England, and now lives in Thornhill, Ontario with her husband, son and daughter, and a rescue dog named Freddie. Deborah has written a number of picture books, and is the author of four young adult and two middle-grade novels, including My Deal with the Universe. Her books have been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association’s YA Book Award, and many readers’ choice awards. Visit her online at www.deborahkerbel.com.

Deborah Kerbel's profile page

Miki Sato is a Japanese-Canadian illustrator who uses a variety of different textures and materials to create three-dimensional images. Originally from Ottawa, she moved to Toronto to complete her degree in illustration from the Ontario College of Art and Design. Her picture books include Snow Days, which was a finalist for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, Sunny Days, which was a 2021 CBC Books Best Book, Windy Days, which won a Northern Lights Book Award, and Rainy Days.

Miki Sato's profile page

• Short-listed, CBC Books “the best Canadian picture books of 2021” selection
• Short-listed, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Fall Selection

Praise for Sunny Days

2021 CBC Books “the best Canadian picture books of 2021” selection

2022 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Selection

2021 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Fall Selection

2021 CBC Books "16 books for kids and young adults to read this fall" selection

2022 SCBWI Recommended Reading List feature

"These charming couplets about fun in the sun will have their appeal to lap sitters…. With its padded cover, rounded corners, and thick pages, this eye-catching yet simple look at sunshine will suit all collections that serve toddlers."—School Library Journal Starred Review

"Simple rhyming couplets create a playful, upbeat tone….A vivid color palette bursting with highly saturated hues pairs well with collage to create richly layered scenes that will capture young readers' interest."—Kirkus Reviews

"Kerbel's brief rhyming couplets—one per spread—capture the feeling of the sun throughout the day and from spring through the heat of summer....Sato's bright, peaceful collages…add texture, pattern, and the feeling of three dimensions to the visual mix."—Publishers Weekly

“The text carries the reader from morning until bedtime, adding a reflection of the reader's own summer days. A durable design, bright colors, and rhyming text make this a good pick for the youngest of readers.” —YA Books Central

“The seasons and the connection with nature, as well as the children’s activities, spill over the double-page spreads and will delight readers. Three-dimensionality and abundant use of fabric bring these colourful, child-centered illustrations to life. Sunny Days is a cheerful book chockful of sunshine and joy.”—Canadian Children’s Booknews

“This book for three to five year olds shows all that is wonderful about summer and embracing the weather… So beautiful and so much detail.”—Book Time

“The gorgeous mixed media illustrations pair well with the text, which both show the joys of childhood, family time, and summer.”—Green Teacher

“The rhymes may seem simple but there is a richness in Deborah Kerbel's take on what children experience in the sun….The quality of Miki Sato's artwork infuses Sunny Days with more than just warmth and light; it also gives a sense of place and pursuit.”—CanLit for Little Canadians

“Readers who love sweet rhyming books or those who enjoy Snow Days will likely adore Sunny Days.”—Fab Book Reviews

“[A] beautiful children’s book!”—Jill’s Book Blog

“Aimed at preschoolers, Sunny Days looks at fun activities for spring and summer including planting seeds, reading outdoors, swimming, eating popsicles and being outdoors as the sun sets. Miki Sato’s colourful illustrations will capture a child’s attention.”—Simcoe.com

“The collage art style is absolutely phenomenal. The artist, Miki Sato, is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists! Every page is so beautiful!... I am literally in awe of this gorgeous art! The text is simple, but enchanting….The text flows along naturally, and is a delight to read out loud!”—Luminous Libro