The Backward Day

This picture book, about the reversal of ordinary reality in one boy's life, is quaint (originally published in 1950) but still appealing to children. The plot centers on one young boy who declares that it is Backward Day, and proceeds through his normal routines in reverse of their normal order.

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His mother, father, and baby sister represent the quintessential white nuclear family evocative of "Leave it to Beaver," and play along with his game. However, the author restrains herself to a rather drab imagination of what might be a very humorous romp--the little boy gets dressed, walks downstairs, eats breakfast, and promptly goes back to bed! Marc Simont's illustrations are clear but not bright or exuberant, and exacerbate the 1950's time warp feeling. Still, the story is relate-able for children, and may inspire them to declare a backward day of their own.

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