Our Favorite Day Of The Week by Ashley Franklin & Rahele Jomepour Bell

This is a terrific multicultural children’s book that brilliantly underlines how differences can serve to bring people together, because everyone is allowed to make their own choices about what they do and don’t like for themselves.

The picture book starts off with Musa, who’s excited to finally be able to tie his shoes by himself as the school week starts. He hurries to show his newfound ability off to his neighbor Zohra as they walk to school together. She’s in a foul mood tho, as an overnight trip means she’s going to miss Trash Day Tuesday, her favorite day of the week. As they collect several other walkers, the kids all talk about their favorite days and why, all eventually agreeing that everyone has a good reason to have chosen their day.

When they finally get to class and chat with their teacher, they’re surprised by Ms Gupta’s choice, as it’s one they’ve never heard before. They soon learn the secret to making any day your favorite day.

With two full pages of fun facts regarding the days of the week in global culture at the end, this volume could come across as just an easy way to teach kids about that particular measurement of time. But Ashley Franklin has done something subtly transformative with the concept, using her multicultural cast to show that even tho everyone has different experiences and tastes, they can all understand and, more importantly, honor each other’s preferences. No one is right or wrong in matters of taste. Everyone should be allowed to have their own interests, which are all equally valid as long as the rights of others aren’t infringed upon.

Rahele Jomepour Bell’s illustrations are wonderful, perfectly depicting the children, their families and friends as they all engage in so many different activities. Kids will easily find someone to relate to in these pages. The inclusiveness of the art underscores the message of the words, making this a vital part of any children’s library. Honestly, I wish this was a message that more adults could readily understand too. At least this is a good way to start inculcating acceptance and appreciation of the differences that create strong and vibrant societies to the youngest members of our global community.

Our Favorite Day Of The Week by Ashley Franklin & Rahele Jomepour Bell was published September 29 2026 by Salaam Reads and is available from all good booksellers, including