Mother's Day, 2004

   The following reviews were presented in our 2004 Mother's Day feature.

Reviews

   While Mother's Day is a tribute to the beautiful, creative nurturing women who gave us life and have guided us to where we are today, it is also a reminder that one person can make a difference.

   Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) heard her mother say that she hoped someday there would be a memorial to mothers to commemorate them "for the matchless service...to humanity in every field of life." Although her mother worked tirelessly for this cause, she did not fully succeed. At her mother's gravesite, Anna vowed to devote her life to the creation of a Mother's Day.

   West Virginia, the home of the Jarvis family, was the first state to recognize the holiday. Many states soon followed suit. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution of Congress declaring the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. He stated that the American flag should fly from all government buildings and citizens should display the flag as "a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country."

   Flowers have always been an important part of Mother's Day. Because carnations were Mrs. Jarvis' favorite flower, Anna used them at the first celebration. White carnations were to honor mothers who had passed away while pink or red carnations honored the living. Today, of course, florists are very busy delivering bouquets. Some churches distribute carnations to mothers in the congregation.

   Anna Jarvis and her mother were certainly not the first people to think it important to have a day to honor mothers. Ancient Greeks and Romans held springtime celebrations in honor of mother goddesses. During the Renaissance in Europe, the fourth Sunday of Lent became Mothering Sunday. On this day, people were to return to their "Mother Church," the main church in the area in which their families lived. It became a day for reunions, particularly for servants who were given time off to visit their mothers and families. Today, Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but not necessarily on the same day as the celebration in the United States.

   Anna Jarvis grew concerned over the commercialization of Mother's Day. Today it translates to big business for greeting card companies. Incidentally, Anna Jarvis was a proponent of handmade and handwritten cards. At certain times of the day, telephone circuits are jammed due to the many calls home to "mom." For many restaurants, it is the busiest day of the year. Over-commercialization? Perhaps. Or maybe these are simply some of the ways people express their sentiments and thanks to a very significant person in their lives.

   You also may want to check out our related section on Grandmothers.

Reviews

Are You My Mother?
P.D. Eastman
    In P.D. Eastman's classic Are You My Mother?, a baby bird sets out to find his unknown mom, asking the title's question of all he meets--kitten, dog, boat, even a bulldozer. The illustrations capture both the humor and poignancy of the quest, which speaks reassuringly to many children's worries about parental loss. As kids, my siblings and I wanted to hear this story again and again. 1998 (orig. 1960), Random House, $4.99, $7.99 and $11.99, Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature) Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0-394-80018-4
Babar: A Gift for Mother
Laurent de Brunhoff
    Mother's Day was coming and this meant gifts. Pom made a clay bowl. Flora used the chore money she had saved to buy a little glass horse. Alexander chose a lovely silver balloon. Isabelle was despondent. She had no gift. She decided to consult her father about the problem. Babar asked her what she would like to give her mother. Isabelle described a huge bowl made of gold, silver and diamonds. She also thought a horse would be nice and she would like to deliver all of this in a hot air balloon. But she was too little to give her mother all these things. Babar asked her what she was good at. Immediately, Isabelle knew. She was good at making pictures. On Mother's Day, Celeste was thrilled with all of her gifts, including Isabelle's picture of herself in a hot air balloon delivering a beautiful jeweled bowl and a horse. Judith Gray's adaptation of the de Brunhoff illustrations captures the essence and simplicity that has charmed young readers for several generations. 2004, Harry N. Abrams, $9.95, Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-8109-4837-0

Baya, baya, lulla-by-a
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Vera Rosenberry
    This poetic work tells parallel stories of a mother weaverbird weaving a nest and an Indian mother weaving a blanket. Rosenberry's watercolor illustrations are richly colored and intricately detailed, complementing the text and plot of the story. The rhythmic repeating of the Indian words lends a melodious tone to the story. The book holds a richness of language and pictures. There is a glossary of Hindu words and information about the baya bird of India, including the many uses of its empty nest. The text is an adaptation of an Indian lullaby. In this work, the humble bird shows itself as a quiet hero. First, it weaves its nest of flowers and grasses for its shelter, it gives a cry, mother to mother, that saves the life of a baby girl, and it leaves its nest for other uses including "a night-light to chase away the dark." This is a nice bedtime story. 2003, A Richard Jackson Book/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16.95, Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Pat Williams (Children's Literature)
Best Books:

   The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004 ; Children's Literature; United States
   ISBN: 0-689-84932-X

The Berenstain Bears and the Mama's Day Surprise
Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
    Mama is trying very hard to not let on that she knows that Papa and the older kids are planning to surprise her with a breakfast in bed. She feigns sleep when they wake up early and sneak downstairs but after hearing a few crashes and bangs she can't resist checking thing out. The kitchen is a mini disaster area just as she knew it would be. With great speed she races back upstairs and pretends to be surprised and pleased with her favorite breakfast served on a tray while she resides in bed. The family has even bought her a surprise present (which again Mama had already deduced). It turns out that the all-knowing Mama is in for a surprise after all and a pleasant one indeed. Kids familiar with the Berenstain Bears will enjoy this holiday adventure which comes with a free Mother's Day Card. Not exactly a kid friendly story-more one that will appeal to adults. 2004, Random House, Ages 2 to 5, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-375-81132-X
ISBN: 0-375-91132-4
Biscuit Loves Mother's Day
Alyssa Satin Capaculli
Illustrated by Pat Schories
    A young girl and her puppy, Biscuit, spend the day creating special treats for Mom - painting a picture, serving chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, helping in the garden, taking a picnic complete with a bicycle ride and a crown of flowers. Biscuit is always in the center of the action - and also on every flip-open flap at the side of each page. Very young children will enjoy the hide-and-seek nature of these flaps - Biscuit trotting down the hall and under the flap, carrying a newspaper into the bedroom. All of the little girl's comments are in quotes even though the pictures don't show her speaking, but this will probably only be disconcerting to the adult reader. The illustrations are large, simple and full of spring colors. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 6, $6.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-06-009462-1
Don't Forget I love You
Miriam Moss
Illustrated by Anna Currey
    Billy was having a frustrating morning. His stuffed rabbit was hiding under the bed when he first woke up. Then Rabbit dawdled over breakfast and complained of a tummy ache when Billy should have been getting dressed. Rabbit had trouble getting his buttons straight and then wanted to go back upstairs just as Mama was trying to get out the door. Billy tried to balance his lunch box on his head, but Rabbit wouldn't sit still. Finally, Mama grabbed Rabbit and put him in her bag. They arrived late at nursery school and Mama rushed off to work. Billy was disconsolate. Mama hadn't said, "I love you" and Rabbit was not there to comfort him. His teacher was at a loss about how to help him feel better. Then the door flew open. Mama remembered she still had Rabbit and she remembered to say, "I love you!" They shared a big, big hug. Large, colorful pictures of cuddly teddy bears acting just like people add warmth to this tender tale. All preschoolers and their moms can relate. 2004, Dial, $15.99, Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, February 2004; Cahners; United States
   ISBN: 0-8037-2920-0
Found You, Little Wombat!
Angela McAllister
Illustrated by Charles Fuge
     Little Wombat loves playing hide-and-seek with Koala and Rabbit. He is good at hiding, but does not understand the seeking bit. At first, all three animals hide. Then Wombat tries counting, "Two, TEN!" Finally, he starts to find and count ten flowers, but becomes distracted and wanders away. A storm arrives and Little Wombat is shaken and tearful. Hiding under a toadstool, he hears the familiar voice of his mom. The heartwarming story teaches a lesson about becoming lost and the reassurance that mom is always looking for her little one. Bright, bold illustrations capture the actions and expressions of the little playmates. Young readers should also enjoy finding the insects and flowers that distracted Little Wombat. 2003, Sterling Publishing Co, Ages 3 to 6, $12.95. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-4027-0708-8
Good Grief, It's Mother's Day!
Adapted by Alice Alfonsi
Art Adapted by Peter LoBianco and Nick LoBianco
     Charlie tells Snoopy that he should write a letter to his mother, but Snoopy just doesn't have a clue what to write. Woodstock is feeling a bit blue because he can't find his mother anywhere. Snoopy muses that birds are not like dogs "because once kids leave the nest, that's it!" The girls head off to buy cards for their mothers and Lucy tells Linus that she read in the newspaper "that nothing pleases a mother more on Mother's Day than receiving a long-distance call from one of her children." Linus races off to find a phone booth and calls his mother. Charlie Brown had a great surprise planned-everyone is gathered to play baseball, but then they remember that it is Mother's Day and they should be home doing nice things for their mom's. Charlie had planned to let his mother throw out the first pitch, but now there are no players. It didn't work out quite as planned, but he does wish her a Happy Mother's Day. Not too exciting, but the story does present a cast of characters that kids like so for many the book will be a treat. 2004, Little Simon, Ages 3 to 6, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-689-86589-9
Henry and Mudge and the Funny Lunch
Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Carolyn Bracken
     Henry and his Dad have an unusual custom-they prepare an unusual lunch for Henry's Mom each Mother's Day. Dad make a list and they all go shopping. Mudge gets to go in the store because the owner is a cousin of Henry's Dad (still there are issues in my mind of sanitation and whether a dog should be in a grocery store). Once the supplies are procured the team heads back home to whip up their concoction. It is going to be a pineapple sofa. The illustrations are cute and may give kids some wonderful ideas for creating people and animals from fruits and vegetables. Mom is delighted and more than willing to share her delicious pineapple sofa with all the family including a drooling Mudge. Kids are even encouraged to visit Henry and Mudge at www.henryandmudge.com. A Level 2 book in the "ready -To-Read" series. Carolyn Bracken has managed to illustrate the book in Sucie Stevenson's style which should make young readers very happy since they have come to know and love this delightful family (more than two million copies of Henry and Mudge stories have been sold.) 2004, Simon & Schuster, Ages 5 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-689-81178-0
I Love Mommy
Lizi Boyd
     Recounts what a child and mother do together from morning to night. They invite the child's friend over to their house, and the mother joins them as they play. Children will recognize the activities as the same ones they do each day. Boyd's frog characters are appealing. The turtle pet is a fun touch and steals the show as it participates in several of the activities. The pages of this "Super Sturdy Picture Book" are a heavier stock than usual and are intended to withstand a toddler turning them. There is no storyline here; just a listing of activities. Because of that, there is no tension and no pizzazz. 2004, Candlewick, Ages 1 to 3, $8.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-7636-2216-8
I Love My Mommy
Sebastien Braun
     Each double-page spread has a luminous illustration of a young animal with its mother, depicting one of the reasons the youngster loves his mother. "My mommy plays games with me" shows a mother chipmunk playing hide-and-seek in a hollow log with her baby. A doe and her fawn show that "mommy stays by my side." In the end, a pair of owlets snuggling with their mother announce "I love my mommy." Even the endpapers are full illustrations, with a daytime and night-time scene, as the animals progress through a full day to night-time cuddling. This quiet, gentle book would be a great bedtime story - the evocative illustrations set the mood for a restful night. 2004, Boxer Books/HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 7, $12.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-06-054310-8
I Love My Mommy Because...
Laurel Porter Gaylord
Illustrated by Ashley Wolff
     This listing of reasons of why a child loves mommy: ("She feeds me when I'm hungry." "She keeps me safe and warm." "She comes when I call.") becomes more interesting due to the illustrations. Each page is a different animal baby and its mother performing the action mentioned in the text. For example, a mother kangaroo is shown putting her joey in her pouch. The text reads, "She tucks me in." According to a statement on the back inside cover, "The animal behavior pictured in this book has been verified by wildlife biologists." There is a wide range of animals from domestic, to farm, to woodland to arctic, to sea life, and more. Wolff's animals are drawn clearly and distinctly for the toddler set. The variety of animals in their natural habitats adds great interest to the book. The theme could lead children to creating their own responses to why they love their mommies. 2004 (orig. 1991), Ages 1 to 4, $6.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-525-47247-9

I Love You, Too!
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
     Little Brown Puppy "loved his mama very much. So he got her the best present he could find - a big beautiful bone." He told his friends and they in turn get the best presents they can find for their mothers. Among them are Kitten who paints fish on her mother's supper dish, Frog who brings a beautiful leaf for his mother to sleep on, Little Pink Piglet who makes a pansy chain for his mother, Clever Little Monkey who makes a whirligig, and a little boy who gives his mother a hug and kiss and a "very special bug." The very simple storyline with a theme well-suited for Mother's Day is appropriate for preschoolers. Bunting has taken poetic license with her selection of animals, wild and tame, woodland and jungle. There is no real storyline here. It is really more a list of their gifts. A rhyming sentence accompanies each gift, and each Mama finishes with the sentence, "And I love you." Sweet's illustrations are full of whimsy and touches of humor. 2004, Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, Ages 2 to 5, $8.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-439-45086-1
Just Me and My Mom
Mercer Mayer
     Little Critter and his mother are off to spend a day in the city. The hustle and bustle are a big change from what Little Critter is used to, but he bravely holds his mother's hand and they visit the museum of natural history where he touches a few things he shouldn't. He really does get into a bit of trouble, so they head off to the aquarium, and that was not exactly a big success nor was the restaurant because Little Critter has his pet frog with him. It ends with a wild taxi ride back to the station and a trip home with Little Critter and his pet frog barely able to keep their eyes open. Looking for the frog on each page may instill more interest than the story probably will. It is a jam packed day out and in reality would represent several excursions for most kids. 2004 (orig. 1990), Golden/Random House, Ages 4 to 6, $3.29. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-307-12584-X
Just Mommy and Me
Tara Jaye Morrow
     A young boy imagines himself and his mother as monkeys, doing all the things young boys dream of doing - swinging on trees, eating bananas "until there were none", taking a nap "in the warm, cozy sun", dancing through the jungle, seeing "who could make the silliest face". Of course, mom is joining in throughout (a reminder to grown-ups that kids love it when mom has a ball too!). The text loops around the page like a jungle vine until the last page when the young narrator is fast asleep in his own bed with his stuffed monkeys. The illustrations flow and fill every page, with eyes that are so expressive even though they are little more than dots or slits. The background is especially rich in color and detail, particularly the toucan and the other rainforest flora and fauna. Just Mommy and Me is warm and fun for a bedtime cuddle. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $12.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-06-000724-9
Kiss Kiss
Margaret Wild
Illustrated by Bridget Strevens-Marzo
     Baby Hippo was in such a hurry to go play that he forgot to do something very important. He went through the "squelchy, squelchy mud," over "bumpy, bumpy rocks," "up the mossy, mossy bank," "through the long, long grass," and "under the leafy, leafy trees." At each of these places he heard the same sound, and finally realized that he had forgotten to do something. Baby Hippo retraced his steps back to his mother who was in the "deep, deep water" to kiss her. This simple story rises above the ordinary with these child-oriented descriptive phrases. The illustrator's baby hippo is a friendly, round little fellow. At each location are the appropriate mother and baby animals: elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, and chimpanzees created in colors and clean lines that draw the eye to the page. Young children will enjoy the animal identification as well as the feelings of security as Baby Hippo happily leaves his mother and then returns for that very important kiss. This is a good selection for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or a jungle-themed story time. 2004, Simon & Schuster, $12.95. Ages 3 to 6. Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-689-86279-2
Little Polar Bear: Mother May I?
Hans de Beer
    Little Polar Bear and his mother spend the day playing games such as hide-and-seek and Mother May I. They build a snow-bear, but Little Polar Bear says the best part is knocking it down. They race home, take a bath in the cold Arctic waters and share a hug. The antics of the happy, smiling anthropomorphized mother and baby polar bear will appeal to the toddler set, for the little polar bear is always safe and secure with his mother. The white snow, icy blues and violets of the illustrations give the feeling of the cold climate. Little hands can easily grasp this small board book, part of the series, "A Little Polar Bear Story." 2003, Sterling Publishing, Ages 2 to 4, $3.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-4027-1288-X
Mama Love
Kathy Mallat
     The mother and child in this rhyming paean to motherhood are chimpanzees. The mother appears to shower unconditional love on her little one and the little one believes that he is indeed his mothers "absolutes delight." Mother protects her child, shares food, grooms him, teaches her little one how to find food and carries him on her back through the grasslands and treetops. He in turns lets the readers know that "I love my mama./ She's the twinkle in my eye,/ my heart's pitter-patter.../my star in the sky. So it ends as it began with each of them expressing affection for the other. It may be a bit too saccharine for some, and the bond between mother and child is idealized. 2004, Walker, Ages 2 to 4, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-8027-8902-1 ISBN: 0-8027-8904-8
Mama Loves
Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Illustrated by Kathryn Brown
     The warm simple verses on each page celebrate the small joys of life through every season - rainboots and rainhats, butterflies and bees, sweaters and pumpkins, bundling in blankets. Mama takes pleasure in childhood joys like "sand in her toes" or "her feet bare and free". But the joyful tingle on each page is Mama's joy just in being with her child. Mama loves gardening with me, hiking with me, swimming with me, reading with me, listening to me, cuddling with me. Young readers and their moms will be able to add all their own favorite shared activities. The watercolor illustrations are bright and friendly, sometimes silly, often filled with tiny caring details. The end papers look just like the wallpaper in a cozy bedroom and many of the illustrations fill a page like a photograph, complete with old-fashioned rippled edges and photo corners. This is a lovable, comforting celebration of all the best in being a mother. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 7, $14.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-06-028407-8
Me Baby You Baby
Ashley Wolff
     When the two babies wake up in the morning their mothers get them ready for a day at the zoo. There they see all kinds of babies: a warm baby (musk oxen), a cold baby (Magellanic penguins), a tucked-in-a-fold baby (red kangaroo) and many more. The toddlers, a white girl and an African-American boy, look at the animals together, play peek-a-boo in their strollers, eat ice cream, fall down, and have several other experiences common to young children. When they return home they eat and have a bath before their fathers tuck them in for the night. The short, rhyming text has a soothing cadence that is just right for the toddler set. Wolff has selected several unusual animals for this story. The illustrations, done in gouache on watercolor paper, have soft edges. In addition to the animal identification, this is a warm and loving fun day between mothers and their babies. 2004, Dutton, Ages 2 to 4, $14.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-525-46952-4
Meet the Family My Mom
Mary Auld
    Everybody has a mom, and each mother is unique. This book is written to teach young children the concept of family, and specifically how the mother fits into the family. Children as young as three years old (and possibly younger) will be able to grasp the concepts of the book. The text is large and simple, so early readers can sound out the words and look at the pictures to understand the content. Each page has a beautiful photograph to describe the text. The book talks about adoption, pregnancy, step families, and even grandparents. Diverse groups of families are shown in the pictures, and most children should be able to identify with at least one of the situations. This series of books is good for a classroom because of the diversity of situations mentioned and pictured. This series is also helpful to parents at home, as they will help the children to relate to various situations in the book. BIBLIO: 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing (First published in 2003 by Franklin Watts), Ages 3 to 7, $19.93. REVIEWER: Nicole Peterson FORMAT: Early Reader ISBN: 0-8368-3927-7
Momma's Magical Purse
Paulette Bogan
     Rachael and her cousin David (a female cat and a male canine) head to the park for a day with Rachael's momma. Rachael tells her disbelieving cousin that her momma's purse has everything in it and is magical. Skeptical David isn't convinced by the bandages momma produces for Rachael's skinned knee. The warm sweaters and full picnic lunch that appear from the purse right on cue just set David to scowling. When it starts to rain and momma produces wet weather gear, David decides to investigate this purse for himself. He almost ruins the day, but momma comes to the rescue, and at the end both children realize that what momma needs most isn't in the purse, but is a nice big hug from them. This feline mother successfully keeps the supermom fantasy alive for little ones with a fun flair. 2004, Bloomsbury Children's Books, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-58234-842-1
Mother's Day
Anne Rockwell
Illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell
     The Rockwell mother-daughter team has celebrated a host of holidays and special days in print, from Thanksgiving to Halloween to Career Day and now Mother's Day. The children in Mrs. Madoff's very multinational class share all the ways they'll be celebrating Mother's Day - making beignets in powdered sugar, hiking to the top of a mountain, taking Grandma to a restaurant (because this little girl's mother died when she was a baby), going to the biggest museum in the city, buying a kitchen table with "all the money in my piggy bank." There is a primitive, cartoon style to the illustrations. They are flat, but bursting with smiles and cheerfulness and bright colors. At the end the teacher's mother comes to class - a nice reminder that even grown-ups have moms. She helps everyone make tissue paper flowers with button centers. The directions are provided and creative samples bloom all over the end papers. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $14.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-06-051374-8
Mother, May I?
Plourde, Lynn
Illustrated by Amy Wummer
    It is mother's special day and her daughter wants to make sure it is memorable. She says, "May I ...be the mom to you today?" Of course she cannot quite handle things with her mother's aplomb. The kitchen is a mess from creating something to eat that includes pickles, marshmallows, cider and other luscious ingredients. She fixes her mother's hair and applies her make-up. Then she asks, "Mother, may I clean the house?" Of course it is more of a mess than when she started. By the end of the day her mother has a headache and is exhausted but she perks up when her daughter asks, "Mother, May I ...say 'I love you!'" The straightforward text and the humorous cartoon illustrations work well together to create a story that will elicit laughter from the primary grade set. While the concept is not new, the cartoon-style illustrations expand the text and create the fun here. 2004, Dutton, Ages 4 to 8, $12.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-525-46988-5
A Special Day for Mommy
Dan Andreasen
    For mommy's special day, a little girl (an anthropomorphic pig) prepares breakfast in bed, makes her a card and picks flowers. Patiently, we see her mother clean up the spilled breakfast milk, wipe up the glue used to make the card, and pick up the remainder of the toilet paper used to make a bow for the flower vase. After the little girl gets a much needed bath, the two enjoy jelly sandwiches together. All the while, mommy keeps a patient smile on her face. The illustrations are 1950's wholesome, and it is hard to get too angry with the eager-to-please youngster. The book comes bundled with a greeting card (blank inside) with a reproduction of one of the illustrations. 2004, Margaret K. McElderry/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-689-84977-X
Te Amo, Bebé, Little One
Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Maribel Suárez
    The mother's love for her growing baby is delightfully captured in this picture book. The text opens with a baby being born and the mother crooning a lullaby that starts, "I love you once, I love you twice/ I love you more than beans or rice." As the baby grows and experiences the changing seasons, mother always tells him how much she loves him. The text is soothing and will be fun for parents to read aloud. The pictures are pure delight-especially the one with the baby peering out from under a huge sombrero. When the baby turns one and Mama cooked up a big feast what did this little one want-why his beans and rice. The baby is a charmer and the scenes are simple but with enough to retain the interest of a young child. The cute baby and his loving mother are very appealing. While not poetry, the lyrical verse makes this a nice choice for poetry month or anytime, and an especially nice gift for a new mother. 2004, Little Brown, Ages 1 to 3, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-316-61410-6
Tell Me My Story, Mama
Deb Lund
Pictures by Hiroe Nakata
    A little girl begs her mom to tell her the familiar story of mom's pregnancy and the day she was born. The mother indulges her with tales of how she ate lots of white food ("like crackers, mashed potatoes, rice and vanilla ice cream"), got so big daddy had to push her up hills and read lots of parenting books. The girl asks "could you see me, Mama?" and the next page shows mom getting an ultrasound - a nice updating for our time. Finally, the big day comes and so does a huge snowstorm. The mom and dad make it to the hospital after a struggle, and the little girl makes her debut - screaming and kicking, but soon calmed when mom and dad hold her for the first time. At the end, we realize that the mother is again pregnant, and the little girl is seeking assurance--"but the new baby will have its own story . . . you'll still have yours." Whimsical watercolors help advance the story. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $15.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-06-028876-0
When You Were Just a Heartbeat
Laurel Molk
     This is one of those books guaranteed to evoke "Awws" and probably tears from parents. This is not a bad thing. There are books that I have disliked that are too sweet, cloying or creepy that evoke "Awws" and tears from many but normally not from me (which says a lot, because I cry at commercials) but this one is straightforward, heartfelt and genuinely touching. It begins "When you were just a heartbeat we fell in love with you. The days were short, the nights were long, and the snow fell softly." It takes you through the seasons as the baby is developing in utero and ends with a beautiful watercolor of a little naked baby (with its adorable baby bum) being held in two loving hands. The accompanying text reads, "And when you were born we all rejoiced. And we'll always keep on loving you." This is a beautiful book for parents and a lovely one to share with our children. 2004, Little Brown and Company, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Levin ISBN: 0-316-57980-7
Wishes for You
Tobi Tobias
Illustrated by Henri Sorensen
    The possibilities that parents can see for their children are endless. We whisper our wishes to our babies as we rock them close to our hearts. This book is a touching litany of a parent's hopes for a child. The hopes include happiness, strength to deal with bad things, luck, and curiosity. One illustration captures a child engrossed in a book; the hope is that he will love to read. There are hopes for love and being loved by others. Sorensen has used short paint strokes to evoke the same feelings of warmth and calmness in the illustrations that Tobias has created with his words. The faces of adults and children are lifelike, and the scenery is rich. The book ends with this sentiment: "I hope you will always remember me and know how much I love you." A small girl walks hand in hand with a grandmother down a leaf-strewn pathway by a country house. This is the perfect book for a baby shower gift, a parent's or grandparent's gift to a child, or for a newly adopted child. It is likely to bring many parents to tears as they hold children tightly. 2003, HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 3 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Carol E. Lynch (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-688-10838-5

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Added 04/28/04

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