One Day a Mayfly by Michael Speechley, Shirley Marr
ISBN: 1536243612
Genres: Adventure, Nature, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Today is the day! A mayfly emerges and dries off her wings. She has come out of the city pond and a girl in a yellow raincoat notices her. Mayflies only live for one day, and a frog in the pond tells her so. So with her birthday hat on, she goes to explore the city. She meets another mayfly and enjoys every moment. There are signs throughout the city showing aspects of the daily grind, and the symbolism of “seizing the day” is subtly told through the mayfly’s experience. This has a very basic plot, but relies on the visual storytelling. The story is told through a vertical narrative, where you need to flip the book sideways to read it. A good reminder for parents reading the story, and an interesting story for kids to learn more about the life cycle of mayflies. Ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath