Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie Young, Sarah Orgill—and I are so excited to be championing books celebrating everything from gender diversity, people of color, the LGBTQ community to ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, people with disabilities and developmental challenges to controversial topics, unique family situations and anything and everything I did not include. It is to say we take a rightfully broad view of diversity! We aim to shine a light on books that bring both familiar experiences to those who do not often see themselves represented in books and new experiences to those looking to expand their worldview. Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe in the power of story to build empathy and thus a better world for you and me and everyone. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.
SATURDAY
Written & Illustrated by Oge Mora
Picture Book (ages 4-8) • 40 pages
Published by Little, Brown BFYR • 2019
ISBN 978-0-316-43127-9
Saturdays are special to Ava and her mother—it’s the one day of the week they get to spend together, doing their favorite things. But on this particular Saturday, their best plans are turned on their heads as one unexpected thing after another conspires to ruin their day.
As the disastrous day unfolds, everything goes wrong. Story time is a bust, a careless car ruins their hairdos and a picnic in the park is a fiasco. Throughout, Ava’s mother manages to stay positive. Just close your eyes, breathe deep, and move on, she tells Ava. But finally, after a day filled with disappointments, a pair of lost tickets is the straw that almost breaks Ava’s mother’s spirit. In an emotional and touching moment, Ava is able to reassure her mother that this Saturday was still special—because they were together.
Ms. Mora’s colorful and joyful cut-paper collages are filled with delightful detail. They dance across the pages, pulling the reader along through this lovely, heartfelt story that kids will want to read again and again.
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Reviewed by: Joan Charles