Hilary Grist :Tomorrow Is a Chance to Start Over

Every parent knows the feeling. A tough day, a scraped knee, a squabble with a friend—sometimes, our little ones carry the weight of their day right into bedtime. How do you soothe those worries and promise them that tomorrow holds a fresh start? Enter Hilary Grist and her magnificent children’s book, “Tomorrow Is a Chance to Start Over,” a story that does more than just lull your child to sleep; it equips them with a message of hope, resilience, and the beautiful power of starting anew.

A Story That Sets Sail into Your Heart

“Tomorrow Is a Chance to Start Over” welcomes us into the enchanting world of siblings Ira and Isabelle, who live in a charming red house by the sea. When sleep won’t come, they embark on a magical sailing adventure, searching for a distant, serene shore. It’s during this dream-filled voyage that they meet a wise robin who teaches them a profound lesson: to let go of their worries and embrace the freedom to simply soar.

While the story is crafted for young children aged five and under, its core message resonates deeply with parents as well. In a world that often feels complicated, the simple reminder that every new day is an opportunity for renewal is a gift for readers of all ages. Grist has masterfully woven a tale that is both a gentle adventure and a powerful life lesson.

A Feast for the Senses: Unique Art and Music

What truly sets this book apart is its multi-sensory approach to storytelling, making it an unforgettable experience.

A World Crafted by Hand

Forget traditional illustrations. This book brings its world to life through stunning photographs of handcrafted clay characters. In a remarkable collaborative effort, Grist, her husband Mike Southworth, and friends Adam Thomas and Dana Irving painstakingly sculpted the characters and scenes, giving the story a tangible, three-dimensional magic. Each page is a work of art, inviting children to gaze at the detailed, whimsical world of Ira and Isabelle, making their journey feel all the more real and heartfelt.

A Soundtrack for Sweet Dreams

As a celebrated Vancouver-based singer-songwriter whose music has graced television shows like NBC’s Grimm, Hilary Grist brings her immense musical talent to this project. The book is paired with a phenomenal CD that includes a full narration and ten gentle songs. This isn’t just background music; it’s the heartbeat of the story. The CD features nine original lullabies and a beautiful reworking of Brahms’ Lullaby (“Cradle Song”), creating the perfect, serene atmosphere for bedtime.

The track listing promises a journey from story to slumber:

• Tomorrow is a Chance to Start Over (Narration)
• Tomorrow is a Chance to Start Over
• Fall in my Loving Arms
• Swallow Me Up
• Float Away
• Le petit oiseau
• Say Goodnight
• City of Green and Blue
• I’ll Be There
• Still
• Cradle Song

The Perfect Bedtime Ritual Your Family Needs

This isn’t just a book; it’s a complete bedtime package designed to create a peaceful and meaningful end to the day. The seamless integration of Grist’s soothing narration, enchanting story, and calming music makes for a powerful ritual. It has all the elements that lie at the heart and soul of a good picture book: captivating rhythm, memorable characters, and a story that sticks with you long after the final page is turned.

If you’re looking to transform your bedtime routine from a nightly chore into a cherished moment of connection and comfort, look no further. I highly recommend Hilary Grist’s debut children’s book. Give your child—and yourself—the gift of a clean slate and the promise that no matter what today held, Tomorrow is a Chance to Start Over.

http://hilarygrist.com/