If you’re looking for a colorful, whimsical picture book that celebrates community and features a confident little lead, look no further. In Every Monday Mabel, written and illustrated by Jashar Awan, Mabel can’t wait to look out her window each week to see her favorite thing: the garbage truck. 

Immediately, readers are welcomed by a playful color palette with hues of green and fuchsia that pop off the page, and bright yellows that shine whenever the garbage truck appears, signaling Mabel’s favorite moment of the day. Awan’s use of color takes readers on a joyful journey filled with surprise, excitement, and movement. 

Mabel may be the smallest person in the house, but her spirit is mighty. Her determination jumps off the page — walking past everyone, pulling along a chair on a mission to reach her destination. Through expressive illustrations, Awan shows how Mabel’s bold, onward posture and expanding silhouette reveal her quiet confidence, proving that being small doesn’t mean she goes unnoticed. Mabel’s stance and expression reveal a young leader with heart, leading with confidence and curiosity. 

The shapes and subtle rugged lines throughout the story add a sense of rhythm and motion. The use of window panels is especially striking, giving readers a peek into Mabel’s world and encouraging them to look more closely at their own communities. The window grilles don’t distract from the art; instead, they pull readers in, keeping readers engaged with what’s happening behind the glass. 

And the ending? Perfection. We see neighbors of all backgrounds, peeking from windows of every shape and size, all waiting for Mabel’s beloved garbage truck — a joy that brings everyone together in this story. 

When my six-year-old picked up this book, she read it four times in a row. That should tell you everything you need to know.   

Every Monday Mabel is a 2026 Caldecott contender. The illustrations are full of life, perfectly matching a young girl who’s fearless and determined. You could remove the words completely, and the story would still shine — that’s how strong the visual storytelling is.