Will little Corky—so quirky and curious—live her life and her dreams to the fullest? When Corky is a baby, Old Bear gives her the keys to her days. As she grows, she lives in wonderment. As her days grow short, she asks Old Bear for a few more days. Old Bear reminds Corky that she holds the key to her days. She must do what needs to be done, and dream what needs to be dreamed. When she is ready, she will not be afraid to open the door to wonder. Paula Wallace lives in Omaha, Nebraska. Gr 2–4—Old Bear is there when Corky is born, and as he is the keeper of time and keys, he provides her with calendars for all her days. And so Corky lives, filling her lists of things to dream and to do, her growth to old age portrayed by two spreads of bike riding: a tricycle with a teddy bear, and a two-wheeler with a cane propped on the back tire. With just a few days left, Corky asks Old Bear for more time, to find that she holds the key and can choose how she fills the remainder of her days. Though the large stretches of color and organic shapes painted with heavy brushstrokes have visual kid appeal, younger readers may not be able to grasp the sophisticated themes of aging, living life to the fullest, and accepting death or any kind of change with grace. VERDICT A whimsical, philosophical selection, though the spiritual metaphor misses the mark.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library "This is the kind of book that will stick with readers, a meditation that they may not understand now but that, if digested, could have magical results." —Kirkus, Starred Review “[Paula] Wallace’s language and imagery can be both playful and enigmatic—this is a story that challenges readers to think, rather than hitting them over the head with obvious messages and directives.” —Publishers Weekly “Titles like this that remind me what a miraculous gift books are; to all of us. Choose Your Days is absolute treasure.” —Holly, at Seattle’s Elliot Bay “Sparse in both concept and execution, this gentle tale prods readers to make mindful choices and focus on the things that truly matter.” —Booklist Online “ Choose Your Days is so many good and meaningful things. But most of all, it’s a gift.” —BookDragon by the Smithsonian “Choose Your Days is a picture book about living and about passing over. The illustrations alone bring smiles and tears. With the words it is a breath taking book experience that lends perspective to the day and becomes mystically comforting as the calendar progresses. It is truly unforgettable because the message is universal and we each are unique.” —Connie Griffin, Bookworks in Albuquerque “Out of heartache, Paula Wallace created a book full of hope.” —Omaha World-Herald “This is an enchanting picture book with absolutely delightful illustrations. … It would be an excellent gift for someone dealing with a personal crisis, surviving a loss, or starting a new chapter in life.” —Reading Style Guide " Choose Your Days is a story about finding wonderment and joy. … Though simply written, the book is powerful. The illustrations are beautiful and tell a far more complete story than the words alone." —Foreword Reviews “A whimsical, philosophical selection …” —School Library Journal “ Choose Your Days It is a tender and hopeful picture book for adults as well as children. … Anyone who fears death will find the peaceful and thoughtful message a welcome one.” —Darlene Beck Jacobson “The ending of Corky's beautiful story comes in spare, poetic words and expressive, sensitive paintings that evoke the lobe of beauty and the transitory nature of life. Together paintings and poetic text tells a mystic tale that is unforgettable.” —Midwest Book Review Paula Wallace is a working artist, maintaining a studio at the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition to fine art, Paula has worked as an illustrator and muralist, a curator and an arts facilitator. She has been involved in liturgical and public art, interior design and privately commissioned work. Paula also collaborates regularly with other artists, writers and musicians. Much of her work as an artist began years ago and likely, truth be told, at the very beginning -- woven into her DNA and nurtured with crayons and love. She studied formally at Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, in addition to a smattering of coursework in Ireland, Chicago, and elsewhere. Her work is held in many private and public collections, both here and abroad.