"When it's finally time for Mama's break,
I'm ready for one, too.
Mama scans the hall ...
Checks behind her back ...
"The coast is clear," she whispers.
"We've got to catch these art
thieves before they strike again."
I nod. "Everything could be a clue.""
Saturdays begin just as the sun is coming up. Our young narrator and her mother wait for the bus that will take them to the restaurant where her mother works the brunch shift. Mama can't afford to miss the work. The wait for the bus is worth it when Mama offers a daring mission. They must protect a dragon from a smelly prince!
Once their mission is complete, they are off to Mama's work and a very busy day. Mr. Wong doesn't mind the girl's presence so long as she is not in the way. All day, she pretends to be invisible. When Mr. Wong makes sure she gets a stack of pancakes; when she and her mama take a break to track art thieves; or when Mr. Wong calls Mama back to her work, the child's day is long. Each and every task is made easier with her mama's imaginary adventures. At last, it's time to close the diner and head for home.
A race worthy of an Olympic medal gets them to their bus on time. Two transfers, some rocket fuel for energy, and an expressed wish to have a Saturday like other kids results in one more special surprise from Mama's bag of tricks. Ms. DeRoma's mixed-media images offer fantasy and reality as the two spend their Saturday together. Using light and color to let readers know just how long the day is - from sunrise to sunset - she also inspires empathy for those who work long hours to make life better for their children.
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