The One Day House

K-Gr 3--One day, Wilson promises to paint Gigi's house "orange and yellow like the sun." The older woman is pleased and responds, "But today, you are all the sunshine I need." Wilson's ideas for his friend's home are supported by people in the neighborhood, from the ice cream vendor to the local librarian, and even his classmates and teacher. Time and seasons pass, until that one day arrives and the community comes together to repair and spruce up Gigi's house and yard. The story begins before the title page when Wilson comes across a sign at the local La Luna Cafe. He tears off the phone number encouraging people to "Fix a neighbor's home together!" Richly colored mixed-media collage illustrations call to mind folk art, naive in tone but effectually depicting the neighborhood and its residents. Images of Wilson's vision for Gigi's home are interspersed and appear to done by a child with handwritten notes on the side. This is a warm story based on the author's experience in cooperative neighborhood efforts. VERDICT A useful and appealing story that provides a great sense of community. An inspirational choice to read aloud or one-on-one.--Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library