Like the 1948 song that I remember from my youth, “It’s a Most Unusual Day,” Feb. 29 is bonus day—a day for finding unlocked potential. It is a day of science, whimsy, and for thinking outside of the box. It is a day that everyone, especially children, can delight in. Here are some books that help children do just that.
A Special Day
These titles, help children understand what might make a day an unusual day.
By Piper Johnson
Piper Johnson’s book introduces Katy and her friends, who have an unusual day in the clouds, undertaking all sorts of enjoyable activities.
Independently Published, 2021
Paperback: 3o pages
‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’
By Judith Viorst
In Judith Viorst’s story, Alexander has an unusual day when things don’t go well for him. He even thinks about going to Australia. At the end of the story, he learns that some days are just like that.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1972
Board book: 32 pages
‘Danika’s Dancing Day: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers’
By Once Upon a Dance
Here, we meet Danika, who loves dancing. She has an unusual day because as she goes about her daily activities, she is also performing. I especially love the picture of Danika using her vacuum cleaner to help her maintain balance.
Once Upon a Dance, 2022
Paperback: 38 pages
Sky and Space
Feb. 29 was added to the calendar to keep it synchronized with the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Leap years occur every four years, except in unusual cases. (This rule doesn’t apply in years that are divisible by 100, unless they are also divisible by 400.) Below are some “stellar” reads to explore.
‘Full Moon: A Year of Full Moon Names’
By Penelope Arthur
Penelope Arthur’s beautifully illustrated adventure shows that each month unveils a new full moon, accompanied by its unique name and a charming tale.
Bowker, 2023
Paperback: 42 pages
‘There’s No Place Like Space! All About Our Solar System’
By Tish Rabe
The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library offers a nonfiction picture book series that introduces beginning readers to important basic concepts. This particular book by Tish Rabe teaches about the solar system, planets, the constellations, and astronauts. Fascinating!
Random House Books for Young Readers, 1999
Hardcover: 48 pages
By Nancy Guettier
Julian dreams he is the ringleader of the constellations. Nancy Guettier’s book is a great excuse to teach children to study the sky.
Morgan James Kids, 2013
Paperback: 36 pages
Health
Rare Disease Day, held on the last day of February, is intended to bring widespread recognition to rare diseases and to challenge us to overcome them. It is a perfect day to introduce young readers to three excellent health books.
‘Brush Your Teeth, Please: A Pop-up Book’
By Jean Pidgeon
Jean Pidgeon’s book actually has a pop-up animal’s mouth on every page and a movable tooth brush on each page as well. I love the page where you can floss the shark’s teeth. In such an enjoyable way, the book stresses how to brush every nook and cranny in your mouth.
Studio Fun International (Pop Edition), 2013
Hardcover: 12 pages
By Mother Moon
Mother Moon teaches children how to manage anxiety by deep breathing. It also shows a child handling grief in a very positive way.
Mother Moon Books, 2023
Paperback: 38 pages
By Margaret Wise Brown
Sleep plays an essential role in children’s development. A calming book read at bedtime gives the child something to anticipate and cues the brain that it is time to doze off. In Margaret Wise Brown’s classic, we meet a little rabbit that says good night to all the familiar objects that it sees. As this book is read aloud, the child is lulled to sleep. (Perhaps, the reader also.)
HarperCollins, 2007
Hardcover: 32 pages
Purely for Fun
No article on this topic would be complete without a mention of one more enjoyable book.
‘Leap Year Jokes for Kids: A Leap Day Joke Book’
By G. Nyla Phillips
Nyla Phillips’s book has knock-knock jokes, tongue twisters based on leap year themes, and an assortment of wholesome, funny jokes. Children will enjoy themselves while thinking about words in new combinations.
Independently Published, 2020
Paperback: 40 pages
Question: What will my readers think about my choice of books for Leap Day?
Answer: I haven’t the “frog-iest” idea.
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