About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to turn a routine learning moment into a joyful, musical celebration. Whether you are navigating the 'toddler repeats' or trying to introduce the concept of time and sequence, this rhythmic classic provides a playful structure that reduces the friction of learning the days of the week. It is a perfect choice for high-energy afternoons when your child needs to move, sing, and engage with vibrant, bold imagery. The story follows a parade of hungry animals as they enjoy a different meal for every day of the week, from string beans on Monday to ice cream on Saturday. It culminates in a beautiful Sunday feast where children from all over the world gather to share a meal. With Eric Carle's signature collage art and a repetitive, cumulative song structure, it builds vocabulary and a sense of belonging. It is an ideal tool for children aged 2 to 5 to explore food, animals, and the comforting rhythm of a weekly schedule.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
A preschooler who loves music and repetition, or a child who may be a 'picky eater' and might find the silly animal-food pairings a low-pressure way to engage with different cuisines.
Parent Prep
This book is best read 'hot' rather than 'cold,' meaning the parent should be prepared to sing or use a rhythmic chant. Checking the sheet music usually included at the back of Carle's editions is helpful for those unfamiliar with the tune. A parent might reach for this after a long day of their child asking 'Is it the weekend yet?' or 'What are we having for dinner?'
Age Experience
For a 2-year-old, the focus is on animal recognition and making the 'munching' sounds. For a 4 or 5-year-old, the focus shifts to the sequence of the days and the memory game of repeating the food list in reverse order.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'days of the week' books that are dry or calendar-focused, this uses the 'ZOOOOP' of soup and the visual feast of Carle's collages to make time feel delicious and communal.
Read plot summary
The book is a visual adaptation of the traditional children's song 'Today Is Monday.' Each day of the week is associated with a specific animal and a specific food: Monday is string beans, Tuesday is spaghetti, Wednesday is ZOOOOP (soup), and so on. The book uses a cumulative structure, repeating the previous days' items as it progresses. The finale shows a diverse group of children sitting together at a table, enjoying all the foods mentioned throughout the week.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
If you were the animal for Tuesday, what food would you want to eat instead of spaghetti?
2
Look at the elephant on Monday. How do you think he feels about his string beans?
3
On Sunday, all the children eat together. Who would you want to invite to our big Sunday dinner?
4
Can you remember what the cat ate before we got to the monkey's page?
