Grade K–3Routine & Individuality

Every Monday Mabel

Written by Jashar Awan

Illustrated by Jashar Awan

Every Monday, Mabel does the same things in the same order — and she wouldn't have it any other way. With Jashar Awan's bold, graphic illustrations and a heroine who is gloriously, unapologetically herself, Every Monday Mabel is a joyful celebration of routine, ritual, and the quiet confidence of knowing exactly who you are and what you love.

View Teacher Guide

From the Library Director

Jashar Awan's debut is a visual delight — graphic, bold, and full of personality. Mabel is a character kids will immediately recognize and love: someone who knows what she likes and owns it completely. This is a wonderful book for conversations about identity, self-acceptance, and the comfort of routine. It also pairs beautifully with discussions about what makes each of us unique.

Big Idea

Our routines and rituals are part of who we are — and there is real power in knowing yourself well enough to celebrate what makes you, you.

Discussion Questions

1
What does Mabel do every Monday? Why do you think she loves her Monday routine so much?
2
Do you have a routine or ritual that you love — something you do the same way every time? What is it, and why does it matter to you?
3
Mabel is very sure of herself and what she likes. How does that make you feel about her as a character? Do you think it's easy or hard to be that sure of yourself?
4
Look at Jashar Awan's illustrations. How does the art style match Mabel's personality? What do the colors and shapes tell you about who she is?
5
Have you ever felt like you were 'different' from other people because of something you love or a way you do things? How did that feel?
6
Why do you think routines can feel comforting? Is there anything about your daily routine that you would never want to change?
7
What are three words you would use to describe Mabel? What details from the story or illustrations made you choose those words?
8
If you were going to write a book called 'Every [Day] [Your Name],' what would happen in it? What would your signature routine look like?

Activity: My Signature Day

Students explore identity, routine, and self-expression through a creative writing and illustration activity inspired by Mabel's Monday ritual.

1
Before reading, ask students: What is something you do the same way every single time — a morning routine, a way you eat lunch, a bedtime ritual? Why does doing it that way feel right?
2
Read Every Monday Mabel aloud, pausing to let students take in the illustrations. After reading, ask: What makes Mabel's Monday feel special? Is it the things she does, or the way she feels about them?
3
Discuss: What does it mean to know yourself? How does Mabel show that she knows herself really well? What do our routines and preferences tell other people about us?
4
Students create a 'My Signature Day' mini-book: fold a sheet of paper into four panels. In each panel, they draw and label one thing they do that is uniquely, perfectly them — a food they love, a way they get ready, a thing they always say, a place they always go.
5
Share mini-books with the class or a partner. Discuss: What did you learn about each other? How are our signature days similar? How are they different? What does this tell us about identity and belonging?

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K-3.3 — Describe characters and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K-3.7 — Use information gained from illustrations and words to demonstrate understanding of character and setting
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K-3.3 — Write narratives using descriptive details and temporal words to signal event order
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K-3.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly
SEL — Self-Awareness: Identify personal strengths, preferences, and the qualities that make each person unique
SEL — Self-Management: Recognize the role of routines and rituals in supporting well-being and a sense of identity