Ava’s mother works six days a week, but Saturdays are for the two of them. They go to story time at the library, visit the salon for hairdos, and have a picnic in the park. This Saturday they also have tickets to a puppet show. “The day would be special. The day would be splendid … Ava and her mother could hardly wait …. Zooom!—off they went.” But story time is cancelled, their hairdos are ruined by a car splashing water, and their peaceful picnic is disrupted by a noisy concert. Each time, Ava’s mother helps Ava manage her disappointment, assuring her daughter that the day will still be special and splendid. But when they get to the puppet show and she discovers she left the tickets at home, even Ava’s mother has had enough. This time Ava offers reassurance: Spending the day together is what makes Saturdays so wonderful. Disappointment is met with resilience—and love—in a warm, relatable story. Playful repetition (“Zooom!”) and ebullient mixed media collage illustrations, featuring a Black child and mother, add to the upbeat feel. Honor Book, 2020 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–8)

In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what's best about Saturdays: precious time together.

Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It was Saturday! But sometimes, the best plans don't work out exactly the way you expect....

In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong--ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they'd been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown...until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.

Author-artist Oge Mora's highly anticipated follow up to Caldecott Honor Thank You, Omu! features the same magnificently radiant artwork and celebration of sharing so beloved in her debut picture book.