Do you have a favorite day of the week?
Ashley Franklin is the author of Not Quite Snow White; “Creative Fixes” from the anthology Once Upon an Eid; “Situationally Broke” from the anthology What We Didn’t Expect; Better Together, Cinderella; The Masjid Kamal Loves; and more. Ashley received her master’s degree in English literature from the University of Delaware. She is an adjunct college instructor and proud mom. Ashley currently resides in Arkansas with her family. You can learn more about Ashley at her website or follow her on Instagram, X, or Facebook.
OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK is a picture book sequel to OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR. This time Musa and his classmates explore why each of them like different days of the week, all for very legitimate and adorable reasons. It really made me stop and think about what my own favorite day of the week might be and why.
Welcome Ashley!
Me: Can you tell us a little bit about your writing journey. When did you start writing kidlit? How has that brought you to writing this book?
Ashley: I’ve been writing since I was a child, always keeping a diary or journal of some sort because I found it easier to express my feelings in writing rather than verbally. I even had one of those electronic Dear Diary toys! This established writing as my comfort place, and I naturally became an avid reader and writer.
Working at a preschool/kindergarten after grad school and having my first child really pushed me into the kidlit space. These experiences pushed me to want to write and share stories I wanted for my own child and to chase the feeling you get upon seeing a child enjoy a book. All in all, this picture book is the result of my continued desire to write and share stories that make us feel.
Me: This book is a sequel to OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR, yet you didn’t write the first story. How did you get involved in writing this book?
Ashley: I was actually approached with the opportunity to continue this series. The foundation had already been set, and A. E. Ali gave me her blessing to finish the next books. I don’t consider this a small gesture at all, and I am grateful for everyone who has trusted me with developing these beloved characters even more.
Me: In the first book, the whole school year passed with the children celebrating different holidays throughout the year. Yet here the same characters are still going to school together. Do you imagine this as the next school year? Or is it within the same year as the first book?
Ashley: It’s the same year. Kindergarten is such a crucial milestone in children’s lives! We want to show a glimpse into the fullness that many children experience in just a single year, so the kids will remain in kindergarten across the three books.
Me: Can you talk about the marketing of this book?
Ashley: I’ll be celebrating the book’s launch with a public event at Two Friends Books in Bentonville, AR on October 3 at 10:00am. I’ll be doing a storytime reading, answering questions, and signing books. We’ve also been getting the word out through press coverage with kidlit interviewers and reviewers like yourself!
Me: The illustrations by Rahele Jomepour Bell are lovely. I love how she differentiates each character. Were there any illustration surprises for you? Any favorites?
Ashley: The illustrations are like a hug. They make you feel warm and cozy. You can’t help but smile with each page turn. While I can’t pick just one favorite, I love seeing the parade of children get longer and longer as the walk to school continues.
Me: What is one thing that surprised you in creating this book?
Ashley: I was pleasantly surprised and appreciative at how welcoming the team at Simon and Schuster was throughout this process. It was a wonderful experience and showed me the beauty in true collaboration.
Me: Do you have any advice for new or aspiring picture book writers?
Ashley: My advice would be to enjoy the process as much as possible and to avoid entangling your worth with the progress of your writing journey.
I love that. Great advice Ashley. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.
Dear readers, this book publishes next week. It’s a lovely look at time on a kid level that they can understand. How do we learn about the days of the week? By picking favorite days based on the things that happen on them. This story captures so many different elements of children’s favorites that you won’t want to miss it.