One Day
CBCA Book of the Year, Picture Book, Notable Book
Age 4+
Picture Storybooks
Award winning creators Shirley Marr and Michael Speechley have crafted a story that inspires us to look at things differently, to live life to the fullest, and to seize the day, every day.
Early one morning, a mayfly takes flight. Her one day is the day, and is a day filled with possibility. There are things to see, places to go, and friends to meet. Mayfly makes the most of every single moment, marvelling at what her life has to offer.
Creators
Shirley Marr is the author of the award winning A Glasshouse of Stars, which won the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers 2022. The book was also the winner of the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award Writing for Children, shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards and Readings Children’s Fiction Prize, and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Shirley’s middle grade novel Countdown to Yesterday was published in 2024 (Penguin Random House Australia, Simon & Schuster US and Usborne UK). She is the author of two picture books with Walker Books, One Day and Where the Heart Is, both illustrated by Michael Speechley.
Michael Speechley has been a graphic designer and high school art teacher in WA. His first picture book, The All New Must Have Orange 430 was shortlisted and awarded as an Honour Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Children’s Book of the Year Award in 2019, and was the winner of The Wilderness Society’s 2019 Environment Award for Children’s Literature, Picture Books. His second book, The Gift, was published in September 2019. It was a Notable Book in the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year Awards, and was shortlisted for the 2019 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards. Michael is the illustrator of two picture books with Walker Books, One Day and Where the Heart Is, both written by Shirley Marr.
Reviews
Published under the Walker Studio imprint, One Day leverages the unique qualities of the picture book format, featuring an engaging embossed front cover, intriguing calendar-like endpapers and innovative landscape orientation. Thoughtful and thought-provoking reading for readers 4 years and up.
Magpies Magazine
A tale to have readers seizing the day.
Kirkus Reviews
Readers will be invited to explore the many possibilities of making the most of our lives and relishing what life has to offer us, if only we take the time to stop and look. I love this and it is easy to see it will be a hit with award judges as well readers. It certainly would fit my bill as a sophisticated picture book that can be used with readers of any ages – including adults!
Just So Stories
This is a beautiful book with a simple message that we might all note. Life is for living so get on with it.
Trevor Cairney
This is a story of optimism, positivity and belief that introduces young readers to the passage of time – an abstract concept that is tricky for little ones – but can also encourage deep conversations with those who are older.
ReadPlus
