When the pretty covered dish appears, the girl lifts its lid and finds one piece of candy. It is absolutely delicious, making her feel like the freedom and playfulness of a summer day. Of course she now wants more, but the lid will not open again no matter how she tries. She doesn't feel fortunate to have received this gift--only upset that she can't have more candy. The next morning she is surprised when the box easily opens to reveal a new piece of candy, even more delicious, filling her with playful joy. But the frustration of the day before returns as she unsuccessfully, even violently, attempts to get another piece of candy. The third day sees her planning to throw the box in the trash in utter defeat, but the lid once again opens, and she is gifted with another candy. But this time she reacts differently. From the beginning the narrator lets readers know that this girl is both unique and just like any other child. As the tale unfolds there are gentle admonishments about the girl's sense of entitlement and the absence of gratitude or appreciation. When she finally understands her amazing gift, she delights in it and realizes that each piece of candy is like each day of her life, to be savored gratefully. Lirius' lovely and ethereal illustrations bring Yamada's loving philosophical lessons to life. The girl has loose, dark curls and light-brown skin; overall, the palette is dominated by blues, yellows, and browns.

A sweet, magical tale with a tender life lesson. (Picture book/fantasy. 4-8)

-Kirkus Reviews

Yamada (What Do You Do with an Idea?) returns with a simple fable about gratitude and greed. A tan-skinned girl finds a curious gift as she sits in bed in her pajamas one morning: a simple, oval dish with a welcoming little handle. In mixed-media illustrations animated by swirly lines, Lirius (The Fort) shows the dish perched in a tree outside the child's window. The girl is starry-eyed with excitement, and the single piece of candy inside the dish is the most wonderful she's ever tasted. She wants more, but the dish's cover suddenly sticks tight. Instead of being grateful for the gift, she's desperate to open it again. As the cycle continues--one piece of candy is dispensed every morning before the lid freezes--the girl rages and laments. Slowly, she learns to savor both each wonderful day and each single candy. That wisdom will come faster to readers, who will quickly grasp the story's purport: Each day is a gift... with a bit of magic. A familiar lesson illuminated by an innovative scenario. Ages 4-7. (Nov.)

-Publishers Weekly