A Day's Work

By Eve Bunting

Book Overview

In this heartwarming story about family and multigenerational relationships, a Mexican-American boy and his grandfather, who struggles to speak English and find work, reconnect through gardening.

Francisco, a young Mexican-American boy, doesn't know how to connect with his grandfather who doesn't doesn't speak English. But when the opportunity to help his grandfather find a job comes along, Francisco helps his grandfather learn about gardening. They get to learn about gardening, and each other, along the way.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395845181
• ISBN13: 9780395845189
• Release Date: April 1997
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 9.6" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Wonderful!!

I bought several books by Eve Bunting recently because I wanted some books that bring history and outside culture into my children's lives and not many authors seem to offer those types of topics. This was a wonderful story about a grandson who speaks English trying to get his grandfather some side income for their poor family. Unfortunately he tells a lie which his Spanish-speaking grandfather doesn't realize. When his lie gets them both in trouble, his grandfather shows great character and teaches him the importance of honesty. The book also has a happy and hopeful ending. My favorite story out of the collection of books that I just purchased by this author. My almost 6 year-old was engaged and enjoyed the story too.

Buy this book! It's worthy

This book has touched me very much. I have read it three times and I bought the book. I think this book is a must in every classroom and in every house. It powerful describes how people struggle with the daily paid, not only in the US but in the world and it also teachers about important vales as family values and honesty. A beautiful book for all ages. I give five stars for this book. I loved the way the author gives a glimpse about the immigrants in this country and the powerful values they have and can share to this country. I also love the illustrations very much.

An Honest Story about Honesty and Hard Work

Let me begin by saying that I am a big fan of Eve Bunting and admire her for writing about people who otherwise receive little attention in stories. "A Day's Work" is worthy of that reputation. It is a story of day laborers from Mexico; moreover, it describes how the whole family pulls together to make ends meet (a theme that Francisco Jimenez beautifully explores in "The Circuit/Cajas de Carton). Though it's a simple story, there are several surprise twists. As with her other stories, Eve Bunting tells this one with her characteristic sensitivity without indulging in, you know, the mushy stuff. This book will enable children and adults alike to take a new look at honesty and, as the title says, a day's work.

Good Book!

This story describes an American lifestyle that most of us will not experience. It avoids criticism of that life and presents a situation in which honest people are trying to survive. The author provides a human face to the characters. Very nice.

A must-have for your multicultural collection

Beautifully illustrated, this heart-warming story is an excellent real-aloud for grades 2-5. Many themes in the book include honesty, hard-work is rewarded and family. I love the fact that no stereo-type Hispanic characters are in the book.

We need more books like this one for kids today ( & adults!)

"A Day's Work" is wonderfully engaging and a beautifully illustrated work. It is so rare to find a children's book today which integrates moral truth so seamlessly into a believable and thought-provoking story. We will never be without this book on our bookshelf to read to each child as he comes to the age of reasoning! A MUST HAVE for any family who values teaching their children at an early age about honesty & accountability.