The One Day House

A young boy named Wilson longs to be able to help his elderly neighbor Gigi in this engaging picture-book about cross-generational friendship and community engagement, envisioning all the ways he will one day repair and improve her house. His ideas find a receptive and enthusiastic audience with various community members, from the ice cream man to his teacher, and eventually "one day" arrives...

Inspired, according to author Julia Durango's note, by an annual community event in LaSalle County, Illinois, in which neighbors volunteer to repair the homes of the elderly, disabled and needy, The One Day House offers a poignant look at the power of community engagement, in addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. I particularly show more appreciated the historical context Durango provided, in tying such activities to the long-standing American tradition, dating back all the way to colonial days, of community self-help and aid. I also appreciated artist Bianca Diaz's illustrations, which make use of collage and painted elements to depict a vivid, colorful world, one that is beautiful, even if impoverished. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about cross-generational friendship, community involvement, and creative responses to poverty. show less

Young Wilson promises to brighten up his elderly friend Gigi's house and rallies the community to help paint and repair her home. Their collective effort brings warmth and comfort. This story highlights the power of community support and the impact of fulfilling promises through collective action.

This is a delightful book about a boy that wants to fix things at his grandma's house. He tells her what he is going to do. He says "one day ...", and "ONE DAY ...". They have a loving relationship, and she tells her grandson that all she needs is HIM. All of those (fancy) things would be nice, but she is happy just the way they are. One day he sees a number for people that help. At the end of the story, all these different people are working inside and outside his grandma's house. The boy feels happy and proud, and so does grandma. This book is about community, caring and helping others. I would definitely share this book with my students!

Wilson has big ideas. He wants to fix up his Grandmother Gigi's house. As he goes about his days he mentions all the things that need fixing to everyone in his community. And his community listens to him. Diaz intersperses Wilson's childish drawings of his house and neighborhood to emphasize his role in what happens.

While out on a walk, Wilson notices a flyer calling volunteers to help fix a neighbor's house together. The flyer motivates Wilson to tell everyone what he will do for his Gigi's home...one day. Although other's can see the benefits to each step of Wilson's plans, Gigi is just happy to have Wilson in her life. Eventually, the comes when all of the people who've listened to Wilson come together at Gigi's house. The before (front cover) and after illustrations of Gigi's house show how volunteer action, philanthropy and caring for neighbors keeps a community healthy and its citizens close. Inspired by true events in an Illinois town.

Saw at the Carle

With collage art similar to Micha Archer's style, The One Day House tells the story of a neighborhood community, spearheaded by young Wilson, that comes together to make improvements to Gigi's home.

See also: Daniel's Good Day

In this story, a compassionate boy wants to fix up his grandmother's house to make her day-to-day life better. Before the story begins there is a sign for "Build Up Neighbors" so there is no surprise when the neighborhood comes together to help fix Gigi's house and fence. The author recommends similar programs at the end (Labor of Love, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity) if readers know of anyone in need.