A new story for the youngest readers, Today is Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad and Natassia Davies is one of the best stories for the early years to open up a discussion about Orange Shirt Day.

Told in a series of statements about “today” Phyllis Webstad invites all readers to understand the importance of the day and how every child matters.

This sturdy board book format will stand up to the most aggressive of readers and brings the story right to their fingertips. The gorgeous imagery by Natassia Davies along with the different textures invites the reader to explore the story with many different senses and creates a desire to continue to enjoy the story beyond September 30th.

With it being a board book, it’s not as accessible to use as a read aloud to a big group. I would love it if publishers could provide teachers with larger copies to make it a little easier to bring them into classrooms and child care settings but understand the logistic of such a proposition. Also, Phyllis Webstad has a whole collection of stories for Orange Shirt Day so parents and educators can find one that works for them.

Phyllis uses simple, bold statements on each two page spread to convey the message that Orange Shirt Day is a day to not just wear orange but also to gather together to listen and learn and think. Even the youngest of readers can understand it’s an important day.

As mentioned, Natassia Davies illustrations are GORGEOUS! Simple illustrations filled with love and joy so readers can connect with the different images fro the PAcific Northwest.