Coming September 29th!

The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple

Lauren Neumer Whitehurst and Alison Neumer Lara

REIMAGINED FROM ORIGINAL STORY BY Susan Star Light Neumer

ILLUSTRATED BY Helen Haggerty

When the sky wakes up purple one morning, it is quite upset.

“Oh dear! Oh no! I don’t know what to do.

I’m not supposed to be purple. I’m supposed to be blue.”

The sky tries one colorful idea after another, expecting to turn blue again—but something entirely unexpected happens instead! The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple is a rhythmic read-aloud journey through vibrant colors and big feelings that encourages young children to be curious, keep trying, and discover that an unexpected result simply means it’s time to try something new.

The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple

Reviews from Professionals Who Support Children

  • Dan Kimberg, Director, North Carolina Community Schools Coalition says:

    “For every person who has woken up not feeling quite like themselves, and for every parent, teacher, or educator seeking to nurture a child’s heart and mind, The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple offers both comfort and hope. Through whimsical poetry and vivid imagery, it gently guides readers through the extraordinary journey hidden within the ordinary experience of being human. With wisdom and grace, The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple reminds us that joy is often found not in what we receive, but in what we give—and that a heart turned outward has the power to make even the darkest skies blue again.”

  • Dr. Katie O’Connell, PhD, LP, child clinical psychologist, author of the “Find Your . . .” Thoughts and Feelings book series says:

    “As a child psychologist, I look for books that teach emotional skills through story and metaphor. The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple encourages children to ask, “What do you do when you don’t feel quite like yourself?” The book gently teaches young readers that with curiosity, resilience, and a sense of adventure, they can find what restores them.” 

  • Sara Jane Harris, M.A. in children's theater, former K-8 drama teacher, Certified Expressive Arts Facilitator says:

    “A rare and luminous book, The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple gently reminds us that we are all a beautiful spectrum of emotions, experiences, and possibilities. With breathtaking illustrations and a timeless message of self-trust, perseverance, and belonging, it invites children and the adults who love them to see the world and themselves with greater wonder, compassion, and courage. This reimagined oral family story lingers in the heart long after the final page.”

  • Mel Suckow, founder and teacher, Brain Bloom Reading says:

    “Families will love expressively reading this one aloud together! The story allows kids to giddily anticipate what comes next. I can see this book gifted at many baby showers and staying on shelves for years after. Kids will be reaching for this one before bedtime!” 

Explore Our Website

  • The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple childrens picture book details

    The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple — About the Book

    EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR PICTURE BOOK FOR CHILDREN

  • Reader reviews of The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple

    Reader Reviews of The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple

    HERE’S WHAT FAMILIES, KIDS, AND PROFESSIONALS SAY ABOUT THE BOOK

  • The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple is a Mother's Story Reimagined by Her Daughters

    A Mother's Story Reimagined by Her Daughters

    READ THE FAMILY BACKSTORY BEHIND THE DAY THE SKY WOKE UP PURPLE

  • Download free printable resources for young readers of The Day the Sky Woke Up Purple

    Free Printable Resources for Young Readers

    FREE PRINTABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUNG READERS: EMOTIONS AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

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