Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm celebration of various cultures' holidays, traditions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR transports readers to Ms. Gupta's classroom on the first day of school. As students are weary about making new friends, she shares that they will have special show and tell presentations throughout the year, where they will each share their favorite day of the year with the class. Musa, Moisés, Mo, and Kevin are seemingly different but form a strong friendship as they each share special traditions from their family's celebrations. As the year progresses they teach their classmates about Eid al-Fitr, Rosh Hashanah, Las Posadas, and Pi Day.
Is It Any Good?
This is a charming celebration of kids' appreciation for their favorite holidays. Our Favorite Day of the Year is rich in diversity and themes of friendship and compassion. The book's portrayal of kids' interest in learning from one another and forming genuine connections is important and timely. Rahele Jomepour Bell's bright illustrations are captivating and realistically display the characters' emotions. It's a lovely read for children and adults alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Our Favorite Day of the Year highlights lots of holidays. What's your favorite holiday in the book? Why? Do you, or anyone you know celebrate this holiday?
What's your favorite day of the year? Name three special things you like to do on this day?
Ms. Gupta's favorite day of the year is the first day of school. Do you like the first day of school? Why or why not?
Do you wish your classroom could have "Favorite Day of the Year" celebrations? Which holidays would you like to learn more about? Why?
Book Details
- Author: A.E. Ali
- Illustrator: Rahele Jomepour Bell
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Cooking and Baking , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , Holidays
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Salaam Reads
- Publication date: June 30, 2020
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 5, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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