Nobody Likes Monday

By Kelly Lee & Amy Calautti

Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Australian author, librarian and teacher Kelly Lee is known for some of her more unusual picture book topics for the younger reader.  She has written a series called Little Economists, with titles such as What is Inflation? What is money? What is supply and demand? These picture books bravely invite the preschool mind into the complex world of finance and budgeting.

In Nobody Likes Monday, an original, layered story, she introduces the younger reader to the days of the week as well as encouraging children to recognize their own strengths and values by focussing on a character called Monday, who, after being serially rejected, eventually finds joy and happiness. The quirky hand-drawn and brightly water-coloured illustrations reminds us of the target audience and gently ushes the reader to a well-known story about individuality and self-acceptance.

Nobody likes Monday, that first day of the week, when people must rise early, and get to school or work. But our character Monday, has a job to do so she dragged herself out of bed to start the week. She was sick of all the letters of complaints so decided to ask Tuesday to swap days with her.  This set off a chain reaction. Tuesday refused to give up Taco and Pancake treats. Wednesday didn’t want the pressure of starting the week.  Friday said I’m part of the weekdays AND the weekend. I’m not giving that up! Just as Monday thought she was stuck being Monday forever she received some brightly coloured letters with some happy Monday stories and realised she is as important as the other days of the week.

The text is a joy to read, especially the happy Monday stories apparently sent by children. The simple yet innovative characters such as the superhero Thor, the laid-back Wednesday and the Viking goddess Frigg (Friday) are delightfully humorous and worthy of further discussion.

Through Monday’s journey, children aged 4 -7 learn about the days of the week in a most creative way, are encouraged to see their own talents and to accept that everyone has bad days and good days.

EK Books 2024 (with teacher’s notes)

Kelly Lee

Amy Calautti