Mother's Day, 2005
The following reviews were presented in our 2005 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
41 Uses for a Grandma
Harriet Ziefert
Illustrated by Amanda Haley
With age may come wisdom and a wide range of skills, according to 41 Uses for a Grandma. Author Harriet Ziefert lists all the things that grandmothers can do, from being a jewelry box to a keeper of secrets to a beach towel rack. Amanda Haley's watercolor cartoons humorously portray each function. For example, "17. coatroom" shows long-suffering grandma piled high with kids' coats whereas "33. history teacher" reveals a lively lady flashing old photos at bored kids. Especially reflective of grandmother's special role is "14. someone to love you when others may not." Here an older woman comforts a bawling, milk-spilling child while other family members look on with annoyance, embarrassment and, in the case of an older sibling, disgust. Readers young and old will have fun choosing their favorites. 2005, Blue Apple, All ages, $12.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
ISBN: 1-5935-4070-1
Angel Coming
Heather Henson
Illustrated by Susan Gaber
Angel Coming celebrates "angels on horseback"--nurses who traveled the Appalachian Mountains to help deliver babies in the early 20th century. Author Heather Henson conveys the rhythm and vocabulary of this Kentucky region through the voice of her first-person narrator, a soon-to-be big sister. As she watches for one of these angels, the young girl helps her family and wanders the trails. Readers get a glimpse of life in the mountains through the girl's chicken-tending, quilt-making, creek-crossing activities. Susan Gaber's acrylic paintings richly render the untamed beauty of the area, with its waterfalls, bobwhite quail, hoot owls and big, leafy trees. An informative Author's Note includes photos of the women of the Frontier Nursing Service and historical background for the story. 2005, Atheneum/Simon and Schuster, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-85531-1
Antonio's Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio
Rigoberto Gonzalez
Illustrations by Cecilia Concepción Alvarez
Antonio isn't sure how he feels about his mother's partner, a kind artist named Leslie. She meets him after school and reads to him--but his peers make fun of her red hair and paint-covered clothes. With compassion, author Rigoberto Gonzalez explores the boy's mixed feelings in the bilingual Antonio's Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio. When he draws a Mother's Day card of their family, Antonio doesn't want to call attention to it or to Leslie in a classroom display. His mother listens respectfully to his concerns and answers: "Well, I'll leave it up to you, Antonio. You're old enough now to decide what to do." At the end, when the boy sees Leslie's new painting of their family, he knows, with pride, just what to do. Through bright acrylic pictures, Cecilia Concepcion Alvarez helps bring to affectionate life an alternative family with a good-hearted boy at the center. 2005, Children's Book Press, Ages 5 to 9, $16.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8923-9204-5
Antonio's Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio
Rigoberto Gonzalez
Illustrations by Cecilia Concepción Alvarez
Mother's Day is coming and Antonio has two special women in his life. One is his mother. The other is her partner, Leslie. Antonio is excited to make a card for both of them. Since he loves to use special words to express himself, he writes f-a-m-i-l-y/f-a-m-i-l-i-a and draws a picture of all three of them together sitting under a tree. After school one day Leslie comes to meet Antonio. Antonio overhears his peers making fun of the way she looks. As a result, he becomes torn between two worlds. Suddenly he is reticent about Leslie coming to the school for their Mother's Day card display. Antonio thinks hard about what to do. In the end Leslie shows Antonio a mother's day gift she has made his mother. It is a painting of the three of them sitting under a tree together. Antonio feels so lucky to have his unique family that he invites Leslie to his school display. This wonderfully-crafted story depicts a familiar dilemma for many children as life at home and life at school are often at odds. The author writes a story that invites tolerance and appreciation for differences while celebrating what is also common to everyone, the need for love, family, and acceptance. The illustrations are pleasant and expressive. The text is in both Spanish and English. 2004, Children's Book Press, $16.95. Ages 8 up. Michelle Negron Bueno (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8923-9204-5
Bearcub and Mama
Sharon Jennings and Melanie Watt
The powerful but gentle bond between mother and child is warmingly told and richly illustrated in this charming story. Bearcub goes everywhere with his Mama and she teaches him many things. In spring and summer, with her help, he learns to fish and climb trees to find sweet honey. When autumn comes he splashes in a waterfall and feasts in a cornfield. At the end of each day he rests secure beside his mother .One day he notices a thin layer of ice has formed along the shore and a few gentle snowflakes soon become a whirling snowstorm. Lost and frightened, Bearcub hides his eyes with his paws and cries for his Mama. Then he remembers something important she taught him. Through deep snow he follows her scent until he reaches the safety of the den and snuggles up once again by his warm, strong Mama. The beauty of this tale is in the handsome full-page acrylics on canvas. Each expresses the mood of the text from the gentle playfulness of summer and the velvet black of a star-studded sky, to the howling snowstorm, and to the dark warmth of the den. Bearcub is ever the inquisitive toddler and Mama's gentleness and love are reflected in her eyes. Delicate brush strokes give the bears' fur such definition that one is tempted to stroke it. One minor quibble is with Watt's use of a harsh orange to color her bears when a warm brown would have been more realistic.
2005, Kids Can Press, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-55337-566-1
Carry Me! Animal Babies on the Move
Susan Stockdale
Stockdale explains the many ways that animals carry their young in brief, simple statements with mainly a double-page illustration for each. For example, they may be "propped on their shoulders," or "perched on their feet," "gripped in their teeth," or "nestled in their feathers." Reassuringly, all of them are "safe and snug the way your mother carried you." Acrylic paint is applied very smoothly; the shapes of the animals often look stenciled. The result is a series of creatures in decorative settings with the caption-like text that clearly shows each method of carrying, including at the end a woman and child in a moonlit landscape. The names of the animals are not given in the text, but are listed with small pictures on the final pages with the geographic areas in which they live. A map would have been useful as well. The author's bibliography is included. 2005, Peachtree Publishers, $15.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5614-5328-5
Carry Me! Animal Babies on the Move
Susan Stockdale
In extremely simple, non-rhyming text and bold, colorful paintings, Stockdale shows all the different ways that animal mothers carry their young: "riding on their backs . . . and clinging to their bellies. . . propped on their shoulders . . . and perched on their feet. . . " The diversity of the animal kingdom is celebrated through the fourteen featured animals, ranging from the giant anteater to the African jacana, the American alligator to the European beaver. A helpful two-page list at the end of the book identifies each pictured animal and gives its geographical location; also included is a partial bibliography for further reading. The book concludes with a satisfying last page that shows a human baby cuddled close in its mother's arms, suggesting the commonality of maternal love and protection that shines through all these different forms of locomotion. A comforting first exposure to the amazing variety found in nature, ideal for bedtime sharing.
2005, Peachtree, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56145-328-5
The Cuddle Book
Guido Van Genechten
"Everybody likes a good cuddle," begins this book. In the illustration is a child reaching out for a hug. Subsequent pages show adult animals and their young and how they cuddle: "turtles cuddle slowly"..."and elephants cuddle with their trunks." The conclusion is that "the best cuddle of all...is mommy's cuddle!" The very appealing cast of playful animals has been created from paper collage and paint. Its large size makes this celebration of cuddles and hugs a good choice for toddler and preschool storyhours. This audience will appreciate the very brief text. Keep it in mind for Valentine's Day and for Mother's Day as well. 2005, HarperCollins, $14.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-075306-4
Goodnight, My Duckling
Nancy Tafuri
Tafuri offers this comforting bed-time story as a companion to her award-winning Have You Seen My Duckling? As the sun begins to set, the mother duck swims her ducklings home to their nest. But one duckling lags behind. While the family swims away across the double pages, birds, a frog, and a beaver each add a goodnight wish to the wayward duckling. Suddenly, on a wordless spread, the rest of the ducks have disappeared and our little duckling is all alone on the big pond. Fortunately, a friendly turtle sees it is lost and gives it a ride back to its mother, who greets it gladly with words of love and "Goodnight." Tafuri's naturalistic watercolor drawings are the typical sweet, simplified depictions of animals that characterize her style. The very young should enjoy the quiet peace of this tale. The end-papers carry the scene through from sunset to evening. 2005, Scholastic Press, $16.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-39881-9
Goodnight, My Duckling
Nancy Tafuri
After writing and illustrating the Caldecott Honor Book, "Have You Seen My Duckling?" more than twenty years ago, Tafuri returns with a charming companion volume, featuring her ever-popular cuddly duck family. In this delightful follow-up book, mother duck and her eight ducklings are swimming back home for bedtime, when one wayward duckling becomes preoccupied by his surroundings and gets separated from the group. First the curious duckling sees a dragonfly, and then he meets up with a variety of interesting pond animals including two birds, a beaver, and a frog. As each animal bids him goodnight, the small duckling falls further and further behind. After swimming around aimlessly and looking for his family, a friendly turtle comes to his rescue and returns him to the warmth of his mother and the comfort of his cozy nest. The full-page, beautifully textured watercolors perfectly capture the gentle beauty of a pond ecosystem during the twilight hours. Young children will enjoy this tender story, which will quickly become a bedtime classic among preschoolers and their parents. 2005, Scholastic Press, Ages 2 to 5, $16.95. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-39881-9
Honey Baby Sugar Child
Alice Faye Duncan
In this touching picture book, a mother tenderly expresses her unconditional love for her toddler son. She shows her love by holding her son in her arms and hugging him tightly, giving him gentle kisses on his cheeks, twirling and running with him in the green grass, and playing games, such as patty-cake with him. No matter what time of day or what activity they are involved in, she always takes the opportunity to share her affections with her son. It is easy for readers to see how much this mother loves her son, and how important he is to her. This endearing story is a perfect read-aloud for bedtime or anytime parents want to remind their children how much they mean to them. Young readers will enjoy the soothing, poetic text, as well as the warm, endearing artwork. 2005, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-84678-9
A Hug for You
Margaret Anastas
Pictures by Susan Winter
This is a book to read aloud to babies and toddlers. The illustrations have a sweet quality, portraying the love between a duckling, his mother, and his little friends. The story opens with a two-page spread showing mother duck hugging and sheltering her baby on a winter day as snow flakes swirl about them. The duckling then hugs his friend the mouse to comfort and protect him from monsters. And so there are many kinds of hugs shown throughout the book, including one "for no reason at all." There is a hug to end a fight, to cheer up a friend, to chase the blues and to ease the symptoms of the flu. Mother duck offers a congratulatory hug when baby sings in the play, but she also hugs him when he has lost a race despite doing his best. Then, duckling hugs his mother and she decides that is the best hug of all. A comforting bedtime story. 2005, HarperCollins, $16.89. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-623613-4
ISBN: 0-06-623614-2
I Don't Want to Go To Camp
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Maryann Coca-Leffler
At five years old, you too might dislike the notion of your mother going away from home to attend camp. Especially if you do not know anything about it. Lin and her stuffed animal, Loppy Lamb, discover the wonders of camp through a light-hearted but engaging story that begins with her mother purchasing a sleeping bag and harmonica. Lin's anxiety about the unknown is shown through imaginary conversations shared only with her dear stuffed friend. When her mother mentions Lin will be able to attend camp herself in two years, Lin objects and mom wisely sympathizes, knowing there are enticements to come. Mother invites the family to attend Visitor's Day and Dad, Lin, and Loppy Lamb bake delicious goodies to take with them. Once they arrive, they find mother has made many friends, attended midnight campfires where they enjoy marshmallow mushies, played volleyball and gone horseback riding. By the end of the day, Lin trades friendship bracelets with a new friend of her own, and she realizes camp might not be so bad after all. Illustrations in watercolor and pen paint a delightful and loving world where children feel safe to learn and express themselves. 2005 (orig. 1996), Boyds Mills Press, $14.95. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Robyn Gioia (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56397-393-6
ISBN: 1-59078-074-4
I Love You All Day Long
Francesca Rusackas
Illustrated by Priscilla Burris
Owen asks a question familiar to many children before their first day of school, and sometimes for a number of days thereafter: "Do I have to go today, Mommy?" His mother responds in a most reassuring way by telling him he has to go and reminds him, "I love you when I'm with you and I love you when we're apart." She goes through various scenarios of his day's activities commenting on both the positive and negative, "I love you when you make a new friend" and "I love you when you can't wait for a bathroom." In clear simple pictures Owen is seen going through the activities. On the last page Owen is cuddling with his mother while she reads him a bedtime story. This warm and reassuring story handles separation anxiety very well. In addition, there is a classroom full of cute little piggies! 2005 (orig. 2003), HarperCollins, $6.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-050278-9
The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson
This is a well-written story that deals with serious, funny, and touching situations in the lives of a single mother and two daughters. After reading only a few pages, the reader will understand that it is not only the mother who has to figure out what makes her the way she is. She is on an emotional roller coaster and appeasing her often presents difficult dilemmas for her daughters. Both girls love their mother very much; however, it is difficult for any girl, including a high-school student, to invite friends over when she doesn't know what mood her mother will be in or how her friends will react to her mother's body art. When the girl's father shows up and invites them to go and live with him, both girls must decide if they should keep the promise they made to their mother and each other or if moving away would be the best thing for them. Making this decision definitely complicates everyone's lives. This is a moving story and contains both disturbing and shocking circumstances, but Wilson has managed to instill hope and inspiration in the storyline. This is a definite girl's book and I highly recommend it. 2005, Delacorte Press, $15.95. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-385-73237-6
ISBN: 0-385-90263-8
Just Add One Chinese Sister
Patricia McMahon and Conor Clarke McCarthy
Illustrated by Karen A. Jerome
Many babies from China have been adopted into American families over the past few years, and there have been several picture books on the subject. This story, based on the family's real experience, is told in two voices. Her mother tells little Claire Guan Yu the story of how she came to be part of their family as she places pictures in a scrapbook. Big brother Conor's thoughts and notes at the time appear alongside on the double page. The excitement of the news that the adoption was approved, the trip to China, their first encounter with Claire, their experiences in China, and the final settling back home are all detailed, illustrated, and commented on by Conor, with a picture of the happy family group drawn by Claire forming a satisfying end. Jerome's watercolors are a bit impressionistic as they provide details for the different-size naturalistic scenes, even as they convey the emotions of the events. The pictures offer an honest story with heart-warming affection. 2005, Boyds Mills Press, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56397-989-6
The Lacy Dowry
Andrea Cheng
Set in Hungary in 1933, this sensitive and poignant novel shows that mother-daughter conflicts share central elements in every time and place. Twelve-year-old Juli is indignant and embarrassed at her mother's insistence on providing her with an expensive lace dowry: "Nobody in Hungary has a dowry anymore." And, indeed, the other girls at school mock her for this old-fashioned pursuit of the distant and even dismissed goal of marriage. But as Juli makes friends with Roza, the lacemaker's illiterate daughter, she finds new perspective on her own privilege and works painfully toward understanding the past humiliations and deprivations that drove her mother to the dream of providing her with a more secure future. The most heart-rending moments of the story occur when Juli's mother temporarily accedes to her wishes and stops fussing over her posture, combing her hair, and insisting that she go to dancing class. For the only thing worse than a mother who cares too much is a mother who cares too little. Cheng deftly brings to life the fascinating and vanishing world of lacemaking, drawing on stories from her own family's history and a visit to the lacemaking museum in Halas, Hungary. But at the heart of the story is the deep and enduring, though inevitably strained, love between Juli and her parents. 2005, Front Street, Ages 8 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-932425-20-9
Last Dance on Holladay Street
Elisa Carbone
Life is not easy on the plains of Colorado in 1878. Especially for a "colored" family living among rural whites. But Eva Wilkins has no complaints and is happy living with Daddy Walter and Mama Kate. Then Eva's world slowly begins to crumble. Daddy Walter dies, and Mama Kate soon follows. Before she dies, Mama Kate reassures Eva that she will watch over her from heaven, and Eva promises to make Mama Kate glad. Now, with no one to take her in, and armed only with a yellowing envelope with a fading return address, thirteen-year-old Eva sets out for Denver to find the woman who gave her up at birth. Big surprises await her. When she arrives at 518 Holladay Street she discovers that Sadie Lewis, her birth mother, is white. Not only that but the house where she lives is a brothel, one of those "houses of sin" filled with "fallen women" that the preacher talked about back home. What will Eva do now? Will she become "one of them" in order to survive? Or will she take matters into her own hands? Eva is only sure of one thing--Mama Kate would not be glad. This book, exploring the exploitation of women on the western frontier, is sure to please the fans of historical fiction. 2005, Random House Children's Books, $15.95 and 17.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Pat Trattles (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82896-6
ISBN: 0-375-92896-0
Mama Always Comes Home
Karma Wilson
Illustrations by Brooke Dyer
Although mothers have to leave their children from time to time, they always return home with plenty of love to spread around. This heart-warming book introduces young readers to a variety of animal moms (and one human mom), who have to leave their babies for short periods of time to complete important tasks such as finding food, getting much-needed nourishment or fulfilling other duties. The animal mothers featured in this delightful book include a bird, a cat, a dog, a dolphin, a chipmunk, a chimpanzee, a polar bear, a gopher, a mole, and a pony. Whether they leave the nest, vacate the dog house, go for a swim, or dig a hole, these devoted mothers always come home and provide their young with everything they need. Filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations and lyrical text, this endearing book is perfect for reassuring young children who are anxious about separating from their mothers. A fantastic selection for bibliotherapy, this appealing volume is wonderful for one-on-one reading sessions at home or in school, or for large group read-aloud sessions in schools and libraries. 2005, HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 3 to 6, $15.99. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-057505-0
Mama Loves You
Caroline Stutson
Illustrated by John Segal
The premise is that all mothers love their offspring and so the message is conveyed by a number of animals and their children. Each spread features a stylized creature such as a big yellow and black striped bee or a big orange butterfly. The text is simple "Come a-buzzing,/ Straight to me./ Mama loves you, / Honeybee. After going through a litany of like text for a porcupine, bee, butterfly, polar bear, humming bird, mouse, bug, deer, and cat, readers reach the end where Mama is holding her little one and declaring "You're my star,/ My moon, my sun./ Mama loves you,/ Little one. A book that will reinforce that bond between parent and child and provide a nice wind down for the day and a soothing bed time read. 2005, Scholastic, $6.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0439578426
Mama Went to Jail for the Vote
Kathleen Karr
Illustrations by Malene Laugesen
In this cleverly illustrated and well written historical fiction for young readers, Susan Elizabeth's Mama is fighting for a very important cause. Mama is a suffragist and she is adamant about women's right to vote. Young Susan Elizabeth hears her Mama say that you should never attack with anything but votes and that by protesting she is looking after her daughter's future. Meanwhile, Susan Elizabeth's Papa tells her that women are meant to be an ornament to men and to comfort men after their labors. The wonderful illustrations in this picture book about the women's suffrage movement in American history help young readers comprehend the story and appreciate the sentiments of the time. Readers strongly identify with Susan Elizabeth, the main character, and are compelled by her unbiased view of the suffrage movement. The text clearly and cleverly explains specific historical details and clarifies new vocabulary such as crusade, bloomers, and precinct. On the final page of the book there are historical notes where readers can learn more about the suffrage movement of the early 1900's. At times humorous and always poignant, this appealing story provides an inside and fresh view of the women's suffrage movement. As a read aloud for the classroom or as an independent read, this excellent historical fiction picture book will be enjoyed by those who are attracted to a good story with rich engaging illustrations. 2005, Hyperion Books for Children, Ages 5 to 9, $15.99. Reviewer: Susan Borges (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-0593-5
Mommies Say Shhh
Patricia Polacco
Youngsters enjoy repeating animal sounds, which are the bulk of this repetitive text. "Birds say cheep, cheep, cheep. Squirrels say chee. chee, chee." But "Bunnies say nothing at all." Dogs, sheep, and geese make their noises across the pages, so do chickens, ducks, cows, cats, pigs, and horses. There is a final cacophony of them all, causing mommies to "shhh," while the bunnies remain silent. The collection of animal sounds is just an excuse for the artist to create double-page scenes of a rural setting which, from the costumes, suggest Eastern Europe. Polacco obviously relishes using her pencil and watercolors to draw animals: cows that dance with flying feet, geese that strut with arching necks, goats with long ears that have a vibrant life of their own. Young girls and a mischievous boy play together on the farm and amid the animals, while babushka-clad women and barefoot farmers are equally active as they run after the livestock, knit, or drive a tractor. There are colors, patterns, and joyous action everywhere. 2005, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-399-24341-0
Mommy Mine
Tim Warnes
Illustrations by Jane Chapman
This endearing picture book uses humorous illustrations and rhyming text to introduce young readers to more than a dozen different baby animals and their devoted, loving mothers. This heart-warming tribute to animal moms of varying shapes, sizes and colors focuses on a diverse collection of creatures including: hippos, spiders, crocodiles, butterflies, mice, elephants, giraffes, tigers, pigs, frogs, bears, penguins, anteaters, koalas, and more. Not only will young children enjoy seeing the featured animals in their unique natural habitats, but they will also have fun counting the animals as they run, crawl, fly and jump across the pages of this colorful book. Whether they are small and hairy or spiny and scary, mothers provide their young with the most important things in life-food, protection, companionship, good-natured fun, and lots of hugs and kisses. This visual and auditory delight uses playful language and beautiful artwork to perfectly capture the essence of the special bond between mothers and their young. Children will enjoy this delightful book, which makes a wonderful read-aloud selection for homes, schools or libraries. 2005, HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 3 to 5, $15.99. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-058947-7
Mother, Mother, I Want Another
Maria Polushkin Robbins
Illustrated by Jon Goodell
The title is the repeated plea of the little mouse, after his mother has finished the nighttime routine and prepared him for bed. She thinks it is another mother he wants, and brings, in turn, Mrs. Duck, Mrs. Frog, Mrs. Pig, and Mrs. Donkey. Each mother sings an appropriate go-to-sleep song, until the baby mouse has had enough of that. It's another KISS he wants, he emphatically declares. Each mother then gives him one, but of course he still wants another, from his mother. The simple, charming tale was first published in 1978. Goodell has newly illustrated it using paints in a variety of formats, but mainly double-page spreads. This friendly community of quite fashionably dressed middle-class creatures inhabit an immaculate rural setting. Baby mouse expresses his unhappiness with each demand increasing in vehemence until the final foot-stamping is a convincing tantrum. Fun for reading and rereading before bed. 2005 (orig. 1978), Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children's Books, Ages 3 to 6, $14.95. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82588-6
ISBN: 0-375-92588-0
My mom
Anthony Browne
In this beautiful tribute to mothers everywhere, a mother's most admirable qualities and traits are lovingly described by one of her biggest fans--her own child. Dressed in a comfortable floral robe, this devoted, enthusiastic mom dances across the pages of this charming book. According to her adoring child, she is not only really nice, but she is also a fantastic cook, a brilliant juggler, a magical gardener, and an angelic singer. In addition to all of these wonderful traits, she is also as beautiful as a butterfly and as comfy as an armchair. In fact, she is so remarkable that she could be anything she wants to be including a dancer, an astronaut or a film star. Everyone who reads this book will be able to see a little bit of their own mother in this wonderfully-depicted matriarch. This heartwarming picture book is a fantastic follow-up to Browne's previous title, My Dad. His humorous and affectionate illustrations perfectly capture the essence of what it means to be a mother and love--and be loved. This title makes a great gift idea for Mother's Day or any other special holiday that celebrates the amazing abilities of these special ladies. Mothers and grandmothers of all ages will cherish this book. 2005, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages all. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-35098-1
My Mom
Anthony Browne
In the words of the child narrator of Anthony Browne's latest picture book, "She's really nice, my mom." Each picture shows an average-looking, smiling, often harried mother doing the things all moms (and kids) will recognize. In a trademark touch of Browne humor, the unseen child notes, "She's a great painter," and mom stares in the mirror, paints on her lipstick-- and her lips. Mom's the strongest woman in the world and is pictured balancing two armloads of grocery bags. Fans of this author/illustrator will have fun finding familiar images; those cakes Mom bakes might just remind readers of another of the author's popular picture books. In the end, the child dives into the arms of "Supermom" and knows his mom will love him forever. Touches of satire as well as their simple affection prevent this from becoming overly sweet and sentimental. Anthony Browne's latest book proves all moms have a great sense of humor and a long list of potential talents. Like his previous book, My Dad, this one's sure to be a family favorite. 2005, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 3 to 6, $16.00. Reviewer: Augusta Scattergood (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-35098-1
Nancy, the Little Gosling
Eve Tharlet
Nancy is an appealing but non-conforming gosling. All the other goslings follow Mrs. Green's waddling instructions, but Nancy is more interested in a beautiful butterfly. During flying lessons, she falls flat while watching it. And she dreads the swimming lessons to come, because she does not like the water. Discouraged, she tells her mother that she would like to be a butterfly researcher. But how can she, a gosling that cannot even swim? During swimming lessons the next day, Nancy only wants to see the butterfly again but closer. She cleverly uses a lily pad to surf across the water. All the other goslings follow her example and everyone has a lot of fun, even Mrs. Green. Instead of being teased, Nancy becomes a teacher in this charming, if a bit improbable, fairy-tale with an imaginative female gosling as its star. Nancy is irresistible in her title page portrait with a colorful sock around her neck and a sparkle in her eye. The double-page scenes of a castle setting make a delightful background for her adventures. We see her initial chagrin and final joyful triumph in body gestures and facial expressions. There is equal pleasure watching the other obedient goslings and the patient mother. The front end-paper introduces Nancy's butterfly chase while the rear end-paper, in a moonlit scene, depicts all the geese enjoying their butterfly chase as they scoot upon the water. 2005, A Minedition Book/Penguin Young Readers Group, $14.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-698-40008-9
Piglet and Mama
Margaret Wild
Sometimes you just need your mother as little Piglet so aptly demonstrates in this gentle and reassuring tale. Piglet has lost her mother and is inconsolable. Other animal mothers in succession offer to cuddle her, roll in the mud, make a daisy chain, and dance in the meadow. To these and all other maternal offers of solace, Piglet politely and sadly declines for only her mother will do. Suddenly a loud "Oiiiiiink" answers her tears and sobs--Piglet and her Mama are reunited. Mama warmly cuddles her little one and together they make a daisy chain, wallow in the mud and do all the things so kindly presented by the other mothers. The expressive watercolors convey Piglet's sadness and the soft palette evokes the sweet and tender message of the importance of a mother's love. A great choice from a winning Australian team. 2004, Harry N. Abrams, $14.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8109-5869-4
Ready or Not, Dawdle Duckling
Toni Buzzeo
Illustrated by Margaret Spengler
When Mama Duck plays hide and seek with her four little ducklings, the fourth duckling, Dawdle Duckling, is always easy to find because he spends more time meeting new friends than paying attention to keeping himself well hidden. Each time that Dawdle Duckling meets a new friend, he hastily hides himself and confidently exclaims: "Now, quack, quack, Mama can't find me." but each time Mama Duck is able to spot Dawdle Duckling by the tail, wings, and feet that he forgets to hide. After Mama Duck easily finds him three times, Dawdle Duck's new friends join together to help him find the best hiding spot of all. With a little help from his friends and carefully tucked tail, wings, and feet, Dawdle Duck outwits his clever mother and wins the game. This companion book to Dawdle Duck presents a repetitive and game-like format and an emphasis on counting that will appeal to preschool readers. Its active, bright pastel illustrations expand upon the narrative of the text, enriching its simplistic story with imaginative and playful scenes. 2005, Dial Books for Young Readers, $15.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Meredith Ackroyd (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8037-2959-6
Resistance
Janet Graber
Germany in 1942 sets the stage for Marianne, a teenager who experiences more than the average teen. She is dealing with the loss of her father, a mother who won't stop risking their lives by hiding soldiers in the cellar, and yearning to get her deaf brother's hearing back. Marianne questions why her mother, Maman, has put her family at risk by hiding soldiers. Maman refuses to let the Germans win and tries to avenge her husband's death. At one point, their home is raided but the soldiers are not discovered. Marianne wishes her mother would focus on helping her brother, who some call the town idiot. Ultimately, Marianne has to decide between turning in her mother for the reward to help her brother or to unite with her family and continue with the resistance movement. Luckily, she has a refuge and a dream--clothing design. At one point, the commander's wife wishes to buy some outfits for her daughters. Unfortunately, this is not enough to allow her to persevere; she is faced with two more heart-wrenching experiences. It is a wonder she has the will to survive and the knowledge to get even. This novel is an excellent addition when studying the Holocaust and World War II. It demonstrates how an average family deals with an experience so many of us cannot fathom. 2005, Marshall Cavendish, $15.95. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Kelly Grebinoski (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-5214-1
The Search for Belle Prater
Ruth White
Prompted by a mysterious phone call, seventh grader Woodrow Prater sets out for Bluefield, Virginia to search for his mother who disappeared from their mountain home without explanation more than 8 months earlier. In her distinctive folksy voice, his cousin and classmate, Gypsy Leemaster, tells his story. On the bus from tiny Coal Station, they and their new friend with second sight, Cassie Caulborne, meet Joseph Lincoln, the first black person Woodrow has ever seen. Joseph is looking for a family member, too, and joins them in their search, although the rules of segregation in Virginia in 1954 make this complicated. Joseph helps them discover why Belle Prater left and where she went. In a most satisfying ending, Woodrow finds out that his mother did not mean to abandon him permanently and has loved him all along. White deftly weaves in setting details-Woodrow's home in the hollow, the coal camp called Lucky Ridge, and downtown Bluefield. Readers of Belle Prater's Boy will be particularly happy to see this sequel, which ties up some of the loose ends of that book, but this book stands on its own. The characters are well developed and enormously likeable. Woodrow's good humor and story-telling gifts should attract new readers who will find themselves sympathetic to his situation and caught up in the adventure of his search and may, like the readers of the first book, clamor for more. 2005, Farrar Straus Giroux, Ages 9 to 13, $16.00. Reviewer: Kathleen Isaacs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-30853-5
The Search for Belle Prater
Ruth White
Sometimes mothers do things their kids can never understand. In her Newbery Honor-winning Belle Prater's Boy, author Ruth White leaves unanswered the question in young Woodrow's heart: Why would his mother leave him? In its sequel, The Search for Belle Prater, Woodrow sets out to find the answer--and his mother. As with the first book, Gypsy, Woodrow's cousin, serves as narrator; and readers will be enthralled immediately by her casual, storytelling voice. The novel's discursive style is an engaging strength. Though the plot revolves around the search for the missing woman, incidents such as an infestation of head lice and a visiting circus give a real sense of life in a 1950s small, Virginia town. 2005, Farrar Straus Giroux, Ages 8 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-30853-5
Silly Chicken
Rukhsana Khan
Pictures by Yunmee Kyong
Sibling rivalry is everywhere, even in Pakistan, and even when the rival is a hen. Our young narrator, Rani, is sure that her mother, Ami, loves her hen Bibi more than she loves her. Rani thinks Bibi is just silly, and resents her being brought into the house even when she is sick. One day when she and Ami return home, Bibi is missing. Ami blames Rani, and feels sad and ill. A few weeks later, they discover that an egg Bibi had laid has hatched. Rani is charmed by the chick; in a reverse role she says that Ami is silly to think that she loves the chick more than her. The lesson should be clear to young readers. Kyong's paintings have a folk-art quality, with flat colors, mostly profiles of people, simple scenes with minimal details, stiff poses, little emotional content. There is something of the local culture in the costumes, bits of architecture, and market scenes, along with an understated sense of the humor of the story, introduced in the jacket/cover joint portrait of the angry Rani eyeing the wide-eyed "silly chicken." 2005, Viking/Penguin Young Readers Group, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-670-05912-9
When I Met You
Adrienne Ehlert Bashista
Illustrated by Christine Sykes
All kids are curious about when they were little. What was I like, they wonder. How have I changed? In a story of Russian adoption, Adrienne Ehlert Bashista mines this curiosity in When I Met You. "When I met you, you lived in Russia, a country far across the ocean," states the mother narrator at the beginning. "Now, you live here, close to my heart." The contrast between "when" and "now" continues throughout and proves especially powerful in scenes contrasting the girl's former heavy snow boots with her pink, pirouetting ballet slippers and the long row of orphanage cribs with the girl's own room and reassurance that she "can call Daddy and me when you need us in the night." Beautiful watercolors by Christine Sykes prove a perfect match for Bashista's lyrical prose. Sykes manages to convey a wealth of emotions--uncertainty, joy, loneliness, love--without devolving into sentimentality or cluttering her pictures. 2005, DRT Press, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-9330-8400-6
Will's Choice: A Suicidal Teen, a Desperate Mother, and a Chronicle of Recovery
Gail Griffith
Washington resident Gail Griffith knows firsthand the joys and challenges of being a mother. But when her 17-year-old son tried to commit suicide in 2001, Griffith had to confront not only her heartbreak but a system ill designed to help adolescents deal with their depression. Her memoir, Will's Choice, is a powerful wake-up call as well as a personal account of one family's journey from tragedy to hope. The prologue mentions some staggering statistics: "One young American (under the age of twenty-four) commits suicide every two hours." Griffith calls teenage depression a "national scourge." What can be done? Griffith offers no easy answers. Instead she intersperses her memoir with letters and journal entries from family and friends and even Will himself to provide a multifaceted view of teenage depression. At times harrowing, Griffith's account is also laced with determination and practical advice. 2005, HarperCollins, Adult, $24.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-059865-4
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