Book Review: Saturday by Oge Mora
In the "Donations for Sale" section of my local library, a certain picture book, Saturday by Oge Mora, kept catching my eye. As an avid reader and mom, I make frequent trips to my local library, often browsing the “Donations for Sale” section for budget-friendly finds. Shopping for secondhand books at the library has become a little treasure hunt where I can stumble upon everything from TikTok-trending novels to hidden gems in children’s literature. It was the 3rd visit that I felt compelled to bring Saturday home. Not only does one of the main characters share the name of my daughter, Ava, but it also celebrates our favorite day of the week.
About this Book:
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Number of Pages: 40
Synopsis: Oge Mora’s Saturday tells the story of a mother and her daughter, Ava, who set out for a fun-filled Saturday together. Like any weekend, it’s a precious day they look forward to. However, despite their best-laid plans, things don’t go smoothly. With each mishap, they are reminded of the real magic: the joy of spending time together, no matter what comes their way.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
My First Thoughts:
Saturday is a visual delight. Mora’s collages created a sense of warmth that immediately pulled my daughter and I into the story. Each page is filled with layers of color and texture that feel as playful as the story itself. My daughter and I are looking into creating similar collages during a future crafting project.
My Review:
This theme hit me deeply as a working, single mother. Weekends are the only time I can fully dedicate to Ava and just be together without the usual weekday rush. It’s our time to unwind, explore, and make memories. However, just like in Mora’s story, our weekend plans sometimes go awry. This past weekend, actually, was one of those times, but instead of disappointment, Mora’s story reminded us that time together was all that mattered.
Reading Saturday brought tears to my eyes because it’s a love letter to quality time, resilience, and the mother-daughter bond. Oge Mora captures the simple yet profound reality of parenting in a busy world. Through her story, she reassures moms like me that even if our planned activities fall apart, the effort we put into spending time with our kids is what they’ll cherish most.
Mora’s Saturday is one of those rare stories that transcends age. Whether you're a parent reading to your child or simply a book lover appreciating the art, it offers a message that will linger long after you close the cover. As a story about finding joy in small moments, it will live rent-free in my mind, reminding me that Saturdays (or any day, really) are best spent with loved ones. For anyone who has felt the bittersweet beauty of plans not going as expected, this book is a warm, reassuring embrace.
About the Author:
Oge Mora is known for celebrating family and cultural connections through her work. In addition to Saturday, she authored and illustrated Thank You, Omu! which received a Caldecott Honor. Her books often center on themes of kindness, community, and familial love, and she has a knack for making each story resonate across generations.
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