EVERY MONDAY MABEL

Each Monday, Mabel prepares for “the best thing in the world.”

Why is Mabel dragging her chair outside to the top of the driveway, where she sits and waits with a bowl of cereal? Older sister Mira thinks Mabel’s Monday morning routine is “the most boring thing.” Mom thinks it’s the “cutest,” Dad the “funniest.” Awan builds suspense and drama as brown-skinned Mabel moves through the house. At last, the garbage truck pulls up to the curb, and Mabel’s filled with excitement as she watches the sanitation workers do their thing. Neon colors pop in the illustrations; in one scene, Mabel’s double puffs and off-kilter chair loom larger than life in the shadows they cast behind her. Diagonal lines add interest, as when Dad’s massive arm reaches up across the gutter to open the door for his daughter, coffee splashing from the cup in his other hand. Action lines, alliteration, capital letters, and sound effects help readers understand why the massive machine rumbling to the curb is so special: “Liiiiift.” “Wheeeeeeeee.” “Gah-dump.” “TRASH TUMBLES INTO THE TRUCK!” The spectacle is a young child’s delight, and it’s refreshing to see a vehicle-related book starring a girl of color. Unbeknownst to Mabel, she isn’t the only one who waits for the garbage truck. Turning to the final page, viewers see several neighbors of various skin tones at their windows.

Captures the excitement of anticipation, the thrill of yearning realized, and truck love among the young.