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The Gray Day: An Acorn Book
Last updated Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Author: Valerie Bolling
Illustrator: Kai Robinson
Date of Publication: 2023
ISBN: 1338805940
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2026
Synopsis:
Zoya loves to make art with her puppy, Coco. It is a perfect day to paint outside - until it begins to rain! Zoya and Coco rush back inside with their art supplies. But together - and with a splash of glitter - they find creative ways to brighten the gray day.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What do you think a gray day means?
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What are the girl and the dog doing sitting outside?
Vocabulary
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Sparkle - To throw off or reflect little flashes of light; glitter.
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Thunder - The loud cracking noise or low distant rumble that follows a flash of lightning.
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Dandelion - A common plant with bright yellow flowers and leaves with points along the edges.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What are your hobbies?
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What would you paint on a rainy day? What do you like to do on rainy days?
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How does Zoya feel once it stops raining and is sunny outside?
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| Craft ideas: |
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The children can make leaves out of paper. They can also make necklaces by putting the leaves on a string.
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The children can draw the dog Coco. They can also use cardboard tubes for the dog's body and make and glue or tape cut-outs for the face, limbs and tail onto the tubes.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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