Meena's Saturday

Kusum Mepani has been migrating her entire life. She was born in Kenya but moved to England, where she grew up in the crowded, chaotic, loving house seen in this book, surrounded by so many cousins, uncles, and aunts that she can't even remember all their names. As an adult, she moved to New York and finally California, where she now lives with her husband, two sons, and a dog. This is her first book.Yasmeen Ismail is an Irish-born, Bristol-based award-winning author, illustrator, and animator. After graduating from art school, Yasmeen worked in advertising, film, and children's publishing. After a few years, she began writing and illustrating picture books, and has illustrated over fifteen books and written twelve. You can find her drinking coffee when she's not painting or writing. She lives with her husband, their two children, and Betty the cat.

Praise for Meena's Saturday by Kusum Mepani; Illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail:The Horn Book's Best Books of 20242025 Irma Black Award Finalist" This captivating ode to weekly gatherings of friends and extended family brims with affection...An excellent pick for any day of the week. "- The Horn Book Magazine, starred review "Beautiful...Mepani's writing flows...and is layered with nuance through Meena's keen observations about the immigrant experience, the power of community, gender roles, and her own aspirations. Ismail's mixed-media illustrations reflect these layers through vibrant images. An important book for every growing library collection." -School Library Journal, starred review"Mirrors the realities of many immigrant communities...Told in a realistically childlike voice, the narrative also highlights the gender disparity that many children encounter from a very young age. The bright watercolor illustrations are bursting with life. A lively look at community, connections, and ways to foster change." -Kirkus Reviews"Ismail's energetic watercolor illustrations are a visual feast. This slice-of-lifeconversation starter both appreciates and questions long-standing traditions." -Booklist"Forward-looking. . .Ismail's fine-lined multimedia illustrations convey the work of the day-making chai, cooking elaborate dishes, tidying up, and doing it all over again. When the men get to eat first around the small dining table, Meena determines that later generations won't benefit from her help unless she begins now, by taking a seat at the table." -Publishers Weekly