Our Favorite Day of the Year

An abundance of skin tones, body types, and facial features adds to the diversity in this vibrantly colorful, happy book.

The dual focus on friendship and diversity makes this choice a winner.

PreS-Gr 4—On the first day of kindergarten, Musa is surprised to hear from his new teacher that he will become good friends with the children in his class. She knows what she's talking about, structuring her classroom to embrace the differences among all students. One way the children become closer is by sharing their favorite day of the year. Each child believes his or her favorite day is the most special, but everyone is willing to learn about another culture, the associated foods, and the special traditions—all while sharing in the joy their classmate feels for the day. Musa explains why his favorite day is the Muslim holiday of Eid Mubarak, while Mo shares why he loves Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Moises celebrates the nine days of Las Posadas for his Christmas tradition, while Kevin talks about his family's love of science and their celebration of Pi Day, when his family learns about scientists and their discoveries. The celebrations profiled in the book are less about religion than family traditions and connections, and the year concludes with the teacher showcasing all these favorite days in calendars she passes out to the class. Colorful, charming illustrations show a diverse classroom where learning is thoughtful but also energetic and filled with music, dancing, and eating. VERDICT A comforting story that will help build bridges among children of different backgrounds and faiths. —Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This tranquil tale opens on kindergarten's initial day, as Ms. Gupta tells her richly inclusive class that the first day of school is her favorite day of the year, and that each student will have a chance to share their favorite day at show-and-tell. When it's Musa's turn, he and his mother bring in food and decorations to commemorate Eid al-Fitr. His tablemates--with whom he forges a bond despite initial skepticism ("They were total strangers")--in turn introduce their beloved annual observances, which include Rosh Hashanah, Las Posadas, and (in a nod to math and science aficionados) Pi Day. The highlight of this earnest celebration--of festivities, varied family configurations, and friendship--is Bell's art, created using digital brushes and scanned, hand-painted textures, which feature intricate patterns and endearing portraits of the students. Ages 4-8. (June)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Our Favorite Day of the Year

RECEIVED FIVE STARRED REVIEWS!

* This celebration of diversity and friendship includes lush descriptions of each holiday and can serve as an entry point for any one of them. Bell's textured illustrations are festive and youthful, picturing a diverse, child-centered world...The dual focus on friendship and diversity makes this choice a winner.—Kirkus Reviews, starred 

* Gorgeously inviting illustrations and a joyful theme will likely make Our Favorite Day of the Year kindergarten classrooms' favorite book of the year...This lovely book is the consummate first day read for preschool or kindergarten.—Shelf Awareness, starred

* Readers will revel in this openhearted look at how friendships are easy to form when everyone is willing to share and rejoice in what makes each person unique.—BookPage, starred