It's a glorious sunny day in Bert's garden. For Cat, Dog, Bird and Squirrel, it is the perfect day. Whether it's a splash in a wading pool, or a feeder full of birdseed, it really doesn't take much to make these animals happy.
Enter Bear. The large and lumbering animal tramples into the story, his sheer bulk dominating each page as he ruins any fun the animals were having.
There's nothing malicious about Bear - he's actually a wee bit endearing as he revels in the delights of the garden. He's just blissfully unaware of the impact his actions have on anyone else.
So, while Bert and the other animals retreat to the house, Bear has himself the perfect day.
Exquisitely subtle and simple language captures the chaos of having fun at other people's expense. And, as always, Smith's mixed-media illustrations are perfect in their beauty, poignancy and humour.
Title: A Perfect Day
Author/Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Two Hoots Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 28 February 2017
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781509840557
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book
