The Backward Day

Synopsis

In this delightfully topsy-turvy picture book, one little boy declares that today is a backward day, and suddenly everything must happen in reverse. Clothes go on in the wrong order, greetings become "good night," and ordinary routines are turned upside down. His family gamely joins the fun, transforming an everyday morning into a playful celebration of imagination and the joyful logic that only children can invent.

Originally published in 1950, The Backward Day is a timeless classic from one of children's literature's most inventive writers. Ruth Krauss captures the wonderfully unpredictable way children think, while Marc Simont's expressive illustrations bring warmth, humour, and movement to every page. Fresh, funny, and endlessly rereadable, it reminds us that sometimes the best stories begin by turning the world on its head.

About the Author

Ruth Krauss (1901–1993) was one of the most influential American children's authors of the twentieth century. Known for her playful language and deep respect for the inner world of young children, she helped redefine the modern picture book through classics such as A Hole Is to Dig and The Carrot Seed. This edition features illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner Marc Simont, whose lively artwork graced nearly one hundred children's books.

Publisher

NYRB Kids

Publication Date

September 10, 2024

Format

Hardcover

Pages

40

Subjects

Children's Picture Books · Classics · Humour · Family · Imagination · Ages 3–7

ISBN

9781681378428