On Fridays
Written by Winsome Bingham and Illustrated by Jason Griffin
★“Bingham’s melodic first-person text elegantly captures the juxtaposition of Jamar’s highs and lows on delicate cream and blue backdrops that soften the undeniable realities of the child’s hurt. Radiant portraiture of the all-Black cast makes breathtaking use of light and perspective, while looser and lavishly textured mixed-media art features seams, scribbles, and a recurring fuchsia tulip motif. This resonant and blessedly concrete addition to picture books on death suits all collections and includes a creators’ note explaining the story’s origins; this is another powerful collaboration, following The Table (2024), co-authored by Wiley Blevins. A profoundly moving child-centered perspective on grief.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Jamar is an observant, kindhearted boy, and the reactions he elicits from Momma’s patients are affectionate and playful. The narrative gives space for Jamar to describe each in characterful detail. Mixed-media illustrations combine what look like paper-cut collage and photographs with realistically drawn portraits, often cropped in close to dramatic effect. . . . This gentle and genuine story is a worthy update to the shelf that helps children cope with loss." —School Library Journal
"Tender. . . . Layered images, meanwhile, combine sketches, portraiture, florals, and abstract images that deepen the story’s emotional landscape: . . . [T]his thoughtful meditation offers a child’s-eye view of sudden loss and enduring bonds." —Publishers Weekly