Author-illustrator Jashar Awan won a Caldecott Honor for his picture book Every Monday Mabel. Growing up outside of Washington, DC, Jashar loved drawing and reading. In fact, he still does. For many years, he drew illustrations for publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, American Medical News, and Columbia Journalism Review. Jashar made his debut as an author-illustrator with What a Lucky Day!. Publishers Weekly spotlighted him as one of the most promising children’s debut authors of fall 2020. His book Only Ants for Andy was selected for the 2023 and 2024 Choose to Read Ohio booklist. Jashar is also the creator of Strum & Drum: A Merry Little Quest, I’m Going to Build a Snowman, Every Monday Mabel, and Loops. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Emily, and their son, Maxwell, who loves drawing and reading, too.
A Kids’ Indie Next List Pick ★ ""Awan has again offered a warm little pocket of the world where a child is loved, respected, protected, and confident."" -- <b><i>The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books</i>, STARRED REVIEW</b> ★ ""Via artwork that evokes the peppy boldness of vintage screen-printed posters and a horizontal format that turns “learning to be a big kid!” into a full stage-show, Awan (Every Monday Mabel) zeroes in on a common milestone on the wobbly path to maturation."" -- <B><I>Publishers Weekly</I>, STARRED REVIEW</B> ""Cleverly draws connections between “learning to be a big kid” and never giving up—life lessons worth learning."" -- <I>Kirkus Reviews</I>