Imagine a Day is a children’s picture book written by Sarah L. Thomson and illustrated by Rob Gonsalves. Published in 2005 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, it is part of a series of collaborative works between the author and illustrator that includes Imagine a Night (2003) and Imagine a World (2015).
The book is categorized within the genre of magical realism. The narrative structure consists of a series of brief, poetic prompts that begin with the phrase "Imagine a day..." These prompts are paired with full-page illustrations that utilize optical illusions and architectural shifts to merge mundane settings with fantastical elements. Examples of the imagery include autumn leaves transitioning into human figures and a cathedral ceiling composed of a forest canopy.
The illustrations by Gonsalves are central to the work's identity, employing precise perspective to create "master of illusion" effects. In 2005, Imagine a Day was awarded the Governor General’s Award for English-language children's illustration, one of Canada's most prestigious literary honors.
The work is frequently utilized in educational curricula to encourage creative writing and visual literacy, specifically as a tool for teaching students how to interpret complex imagery and use figurative language. In addition to the literary work, "Imagine a Day" is also a phrase used in various advocacy campaigns, most notably "Imagine a Day Without Water," an annual National Day of Action in the United States organized by the Value of Water Campaign to raise awareness about water infrastructure and resources.
