Ever Ready: Book Review A Day for Just Us

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Book Review A Day for Just Us

Read Your World is a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness of children’s books that celebrate diversity and to get more of these books into readers' hands. Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative 13 years ago. They are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine a spotlight on the multicultural books and authors on the market, while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

With the alarming increase in children’s books being challenged and banned, giving kids access to diverse stories is more important than ever.
We do this by donating books to reviewers and classroom libraries.
We provide book lists and classroom kits to help parents, guardians, teachers, librarians, and readers find the diverse children’s books that they need.
Our weekly Ig Live Interview series also highlights children's books, spotlighting multicultural books and authors on the market and working to get these books into readers' hands.

This board book, written by teen parents, "A Day Just For Us," imagines all the possibilities a child and parent can explore and do on Saturdays after a week of work. The concepts and text are relatable and relevant for the age group 4-7. The board book is a good discussion tool for classroom and/or in home enjoyment. The idea of making Saturday a choice day, whether going to the market, shopping at stores, the mall, or enjoying a festival/celebration, promotes discussion between child and or parent. The book can also prompt a parent and child to explore new ideas on a Saturday or a day off that weren't included in the book. The authors carefully chose the limited vocabulary. It encourages word recognition and repetitiveness for young readers.

This board book is durable and features eye-catching colors and bold shapes. Young readers will relate to all the discoveries possible on a day when a child gets extra time with a parent. I liked the inclusion of diverse characters with a variety of skin tones featured.

To Dave Ring, Publishing Manager, Shout Mouse Press, for support and resources for this review.

Sue Ready is a freelance writer, food blogger, former elementary and middle school teacher, and book reviewer of all genres on Facebook at EverReady Book Reviews.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Tamara Huzair Sahin (she/her) is a 23-year-old second-generation Sri Lankan American from western New York. A Day Just For Us is her first published book. Tamara is a proud student mom raising an adventurous three-year-old daughter with her husband. She is working toward her degree in early childhood education with
a goal of becoming an educator. Tamara hopes to challenge stereotypes about misrepresented groups and amplify voices that are often left unheard.
Aniyah Martin

Aniyah Jhanae Martin is a 22-year-old African American from

Washington, DC. A Day Just For Us is her first published book. Anyiah is a proud

student mom, balancing studying to become a pediatrician and raising her

daughter, Dakota. As a survivor of domestic violence, Aniyah advocates for family safety and wellness. With this book, Aniyah wants parents to celebrate their time off and embrace quality time during the weekend.

Diana Padilla is a 21-year-old Mexican American from Brooklyn, New York. A Day Just For Us is her first published book. Diana is a proud student-parent, raising her son, Elias, while studying pre-med with the goal of becoming a neonatal surgeon. She hopes to inspire families to have more quality time together.

ILLUSTRATOR

Romeo Montero

Is a freelance illustrator by night and a museum worker by day. He is based in Philadelphia, where he received a BFA in illustration from Moore College of Art & Design. You can find more of his work at romeoillustration.com.