Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I would like to express my gratitude for the Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, generously provided by the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review

"Once Upon a Workday: Encouraging Tales of Resilience" by Elizabeth Pich and Jonathan Kunz offers a unique blend of humour and heartwarming narratives in a collection derived from the popular webcomic War and Peas. The book's rhyming verse and delightful illustrations add charm to stories covering a wide range of topics, from personal growth to the quest for the perfect email signature.

The initial stories captivate with their clever blend of playfulness and profundity, weaving relatable themes of heartache, self-doubt, family conflicts, and the challenges of adulting in the modern world. However, as the book progresses, the transition from relatable narratives to a more peculiar tone may leave readers feeling a bit disconnected. The initial resonance and relatability give way to a somewhat strange and unconventional narrative style, which may not appeal to all readers.

In conclusion, "Once Upon a Workday" successfully begins with engaging stories that resonate with readers facing the complexities of adulthood. However, the later shift in tone may not be everyone's cup of tea, leading to a three-star rating. Despite the mixed feelings, the book still offers moments of inspiration and humour, making it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate a blend of the whimsical and profound in their illustrated tales.

I'm a fan of War and Peas, but this one just didn't do it for me. It's cute enough, and I can absolutely see a demographic for it. It's very Seuss-ian, with fun illustrations, and deals with capitalism and mental health and all that super fun stuff. I just felt like I was slogging through it, and it didn't give me a lift, or a "oh, YES" moment.

Not terrible, just. On the lower side of the see-saw.

Once Upon a Workday is a collection of a few short stories about work and passions in the form of satire based on Dr. Seuss books. With rhyme and illustration, Pich and Kunz show the horrors of being an adult with a soul sucking job, how difficult it is to maintain any "work/life balance," and other depressing realities in an amusing anti-'Oh the Places You'll Go!"

Hihi this is so fun, relate, and motivating? I mean the book didnt really stated some points things-to-do-at-work but you can get it by reading the sentences.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending me this Advance Reader Copy!

Collection of rhyming sitcoms, where the stories ended up roughly evenly split. The clown and the painter were very odd, the hearty one was okay, but the dilemma of the email closure, for example, I really lived. For me, I liked the first one the best, which could be used as an everyday motivation. As an adult, work has to be done, but it encourages relaxation and fun, which in turn is something that everyone sets to their own budget.

This is quite short, like a collection of little rhyming short episodes that resemble a Dr. Seuss for adults.
IT'S ABSOLUTELY RELATABLE. Pardon my screaming, but it applies to me in every possible way and to the next one as well. Dead tired, going to bed and the brain decided to party and have its own activity schedule? Yes. Creating something artistic, quitting, then finding it amazing then hating it next? Yes. Writing that email... you know you've done it. It's short, but it's very funny and hits the nail on the head. I preferred it didn't rhyme, but added humor to it.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this e-arccopy.

This is a really cute, short graphic novel that deals with the bleakness that adults often feel while dealing with workday stress. The book is divided into short stories, all told in Dr. Seuss- like verse. It's very whimsical way to convey messages about mental health and burnout culture. It's a quick, fun read.

Once Upon A Workday is a short, cute book that was written beautifully. Every page is filled with art and accompanied by a couple of sentences. I loved the rhyming in the book, which made it feel extra special. The little stories in this book were relatable and the overall messages were sweet and heartwarming. I would definitely recommend this little book!

Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the book. It manages in a light and beautiful way to capture the day to day existential dread coming with the adult working life.

It would make a great gift to my coworkers:)

I received a free ARC, and this review is voluntary.

A short read, yet messages contained within are powerful. Through a series of chapters we see folks just like us, going through the motions of their life, forgetting who they are at times. What's conveyed is the symbolism of these motions - how, we aren't just cogs in a machine, but people who also have dreams. Sometimes those dreams are either lost or forgotten as we grow older. It's when the bills, or a deadline needs to be met that we often think: I'd rather be anywhere else, or I'd rather be someone else.

Throughout the stress and anxiety of this adulthood, it's important we take inventory of ourselves, especially what's missing. It's about keeping hope alive, and occupying our time with the things, and the people that remind us that there's a life entirely separate from our work, or our responsibility, so we shouldn't forget that. Instead, we should embrace it, because working towards our dreams will always be more important for us in the long run.

*Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*

What a DELIGHT!

A picture book for adults is a great idea but its incredible execution makes it a home run. I related heavily to every story and the feeling of being seen mixed with the humorous tone brought me laughter and comfort.

I couldn't recommend this one more!!! 5 stars across the board.

Aww that was really cute. Imagine your favorite childhood cardboard book meets adult life.

This is a collection of cute illustrated rhyming short stories that capture the essence and struggles of normal adult life and give it a playful inspiring spin. The illustrations are extremely adorable and match the style of the writing. I really enjoyed this short read and found myself smiling as I went through the pages. Each story is different yet still has the same funny and cute undertone.

I’d recommend this to anyone who wants some inspiration and some fun. This is also great for those who are not avid readers or who haven’t picked up a book since their school days.

⭐3.5

This graphic novel takes a look at different topics in mental health, using rhyming verses and simple cute imagery. Although some poems were better than others, I enjoyed going through this book as a whole. Adorable as the illustrations were, they may have been a bit too simple and I was left wishing some of them related more to each individual page. I like the inclusion of 2 page spreads to create a larger picture!

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.

A cute, colorful, little book of advice/direction, in a rhyming, graphic novel/comic form....& for adults! It kind of takes on some adult world dilemmas & offers a positive way to deal with them. Those in (or having been in) the working world will find something to relate to. It actually kind of reminded me a bit of a Dr. Seuss rhyme/tale/attitude.
I received a complimentary e-ARC of the book from Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for reading it & posting my own fair & honest review.

I absolutely enjoyed the writing and rhyming in these tales of resilience, self-care, and mental health. The illustrations were also done very well, there are some adult drawings though. I think the stories were unique, but my favorite was Sincerely Yours, and I thought Clown College was funny!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to read this book!

Thanks a million NetGalley and publisher for providing a poem of my life. I swear it’s like as if the author came into my mind and made it into a Dr Seuss book with how straight up poetic it was. The illustrations were cute too!

I would definitely recommend this to relatable adults, it’s well needed that you’re not alone when you’re a employee!

There’s nothing wrong with this book. It’s a little cute and quirky. The artwork is nice. I don’t disagree with any of the sentiments.

This is an arc review from NetGalley

This book is meant for those of us who grew up with Dr. Seuss. Charming, witty, funny, ridiculous, and yet absolutely relatable.

Pros:
- Fun and witty
- Focus on self-care
- Spot on office humor
- Points out how many adults feel today

Cons:
- The flow of the writing is a little stiff at times / the rhymes don't always flow like they're meant to.

I loved and adored the first story. The one that says “a job is a job and a job must be done, but a you is a you and you must also have fun”. It reminded me of a cute little dr Seuss book but for grown ups. I love it. The second one was alright, it reminded me of how my brain feels foggy during the day because I can’t sleep at night. The rest of them made no sense. Like, who actually give a crap about what they say at the bottom of an email? Who even uses email in 2024? That one was really weird and so pointless and honestly now I can’t even remember the other ones. The clown one? wtf was that? How many people have “clown” as their job and can relate to that one? That was so oddly specific I don’t get it. 3 stars because the first one was a 5 star one but the rest kinda sucked.

This quick little read is reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss book for adults in both prose and illustration. It would make for a cute gift for a coworker you’re friendly with and I think any adult can find an aspect of it to relate to. I know for me “Night Party” that looked just a little *too* familiar and “Sincerely, yours” was downright adorable.