Saturday

by Oge Mora

Ava’s mother works six days a week, but Saturdays are for the two of them.... read more

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)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2020

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