Celebrating Mothers on Mother's Day
It's May and Mothers are on our mind. In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May (May 11, 2008)
Through the centuries, people have paid homage to their mothers with a variety of celebrations, gift giving, and tributes of poetry and song. Our modern celebrations are based on Anna M. Jarvis' desire to honor her own mother, Anna Reeves Jarvis, who had started a Mother's Friendship Day to re-unite families and friends that had been divided by The Civil War. In 1908, Jarvis petitioned her mother's church to set aside a special day to honor mothers. On May 10, 1908 the first official Mother's Day was celebrated at Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia (as well as in a church in Philadelphia, PA). White carnations were distributed in Jarvis' church—they had been her mother's favorite flower. Today white carnations honor deceased mothers and pink or red carnations are tributes to living mothers. West Virginia was the first state to officially recognize Mother's Day (1912) and Woodrow Wilson signed it into a national observance in 1914. Jarvis was extremely distressed that the "holiday" was co-opted by florists and greeting card makers. She was very unhappy that her tribute became a commercialized part of main stream life.
Whether or not you purchase a card or make your own, the Second Sunday in May is a good day to say those heartfelt thanks to Mom… share some of the following stories (about all sorts of mothers) to gain new insight into what we call "a mother's love."
Visit the following website for more about the history of Mother's Day and other interesting information:
http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/about-mothersday/history/
You also may want to check out our related section on Grandmothers.
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
Abuelita, Full of Life: Llena de vida
Amy Costales
Illustrations by Martha Avilés
José's old grandmother is coming to live in his house and he does not know what to expect. First he has to move some of his belongings to make room for his abuelita, since she will be sharing his room. Then he has to give up some of the backyard where he plays ball so abuelita can grow a vegetable garden. He does not mind in the end since he gets to savor the sweet corn, pumpkin, and other produce. Abuelita changes his life in other ways, all for the better. This bilingual book is a joy to read and contemplate. Martha Avilés's illustrations are full of detail and the color palette is varied and very pleasing. One can almost smell the coffee and the tamales. This is a must for school and public libraries and for any child who is lucky enough to have a grandmother. It will also work well for bilingual story times. 2007, Luna Rising, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: María E. Gentle (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-87358-914-7
Arctic Tale
Barry Varela
Nanu is a polar bear cub who learns about survival in the arctic from her mother. Simultaneously, Seela is a baby walrus learning about survival from her mother. The two young animals confront many common dangers as they hunt and compete for food in the changing arctic climate. This moving story chronicles both Nanu and Seela from their birth up to the time of their pending adulthood. Their struggles in adapting to life in a warmer climate are both sad and alarming. As the arctic conditions change, so too, do all of the animals that live there. Nanu and Seela are fictional characters created from actual film taken in the arctic. This book is touted as the "companion to the major motion picture" of the same title that is now available on DVD. This book is extremely poignant as well as educational and entertaining. It tells an emotional and inspired story while also informing readers of the changing environmental conditions that global warming is causing. 2007, National Geographic Society, $4.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Denise Daley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4263-0106-3
ISBN: 978-1-4263-0107-0
Baby Koala and Mommy
Laura Gates Galvin
The photographs of real koalas fit the text so well that one wonders what came first—the pictures or the text. Regardless, young children will enjoy seeing this baby animal, and its mother. Having spent time watching koalas in Australia, I can attest to their charm, and the humanlike characteristics of these living "teddy bears" are very appealing. One characteristic trait is the amount of time koalas spend sleeping, and when they are not sleeping they are munching on eucalyptus leaves. In this board book, kids see how close the mother and baby are. At a very young age, the baby koala spends time in its mother's pouch. As the baby grows, it starts to ride on its mother's back. They climb trees together, nap, and enjoy a snack. The two appear to be inseparable. This book might be especially appealing as a Mother's Day gift. The photographs are excellent, and kids will be able to see close up what a baby koala and a full grown one look like. If you cannot go to the zoo or an animal farm, this series of "Baby Animals" board books may be the next best thing. 2007, Soundprints/Trudy/Smithsonian, $6.95. Ages 6 mo. to 2. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59249-744-7
ISBN: 1-59249-744-6
Catching the Sun
Coleen M. Paratore
Illustrations by Peter Catalanotto
Dylan and his mother awake to catch the sun on Dylan's fifth birthday. They are spending a last day on Cape Cod, a last attempt to catch the sun rising. Dylan knows that next summer he cannot come and sit with Mom by the ocean. A new baby is coming. Dylan and his mother see the sea gulls and listen to the waves as the sky turns orange. Dylan struggles to accept the new baby that will take away his mother's attention. He feels sad when he thinks he has lost the sun's light. His mother assures him that he cannot lose it because he can close his eyes and remember. She tells him, "It's all still there." Slowly as a five-year-old can, Dylan knows that things are changing but he can always close his eyes and remember. The words of this peaceful, warm picture book complement the watercolor illustrations of the beach, Dylan, his mother, and the sun. With the descriptions of the waves' sounds, it would make a wonderful read-aloud for older preschool or kindergarten children. The story captures the joy and durability of spending even a brief time just with mom. 2008, Charlesbridge, $16.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Elizabeth Fronk (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-57091-720-2
Come On, Mom!: 75 Things for Mothers and Daughters to Do Together
Cynthia MacGregor
Citing her own fond memories of doing "things" with her mother, the author has collected a wide variety of activities for creating your own mother/child memories. She does mention in her introduction that while most of the activities would be perfectly suitable for boys or girls, she has concentrated on the particular "mother/daughter" relationship. There is a companion book named Come On, Dad by Ed Avis. This compact guide provides inspiration for both indoor and outdoor experiences, a wide range of crafty projects (utilizing household items and usual art supplies), as well as a number of great ideas for birthday parties. In a time when parents and children are caught up in hectic schedules, this book reminds the reader that some simple expenditures of time are the most valuable. Choose from art experiences: "New Crayons from Old, Mock Stained Glass Pictures, Cow-a-Plastic, Fingerprint Drawings, and Photo Collage;" outdoor activities: "Beach in a Jar, Locomotion Commotion, Picnic Paradise, Treasure Hunt, Grow an Herb Garden, and Goofy Golf;" indoor projects: "Invisible Ink, Progressive Stories, Draw Your Family Tree, When I Was a Little Girl, Living Room Camp-out and What's the Good Word"--to name just a few of the 75 ideas included in this loving look at sharing special times. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. There are b/w photographs of mothers and daughters creating many of the projects or enjoying the activities described in the text. Most of the activities could be modified for a variety of ages, but the bulk of them would work best with three to ten year olds. This is a very gentle reminder that the time we give our children can be worthwhile and fun while building lifelong memories. 2008, Lobster Press, Ages Adult, $12.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan
ISBN: 978-1-897073-76-6
ISBN: 1-897073-76-3
I Love My Mommy
Laura Gates Galvin
What makes mom's so special. For one thing, they spend quality time with their offspring, they teach their children what they need to know to survive—what to eat and what and whom to avoid. Many like the panda groom their young and protect them from harm during their early years. Mama polar bear keeps her cubs warm at night even though they are surrounded by ice and snow. The animals depicted in these scenes show all the wonderful ways that mothers keep children safe, fed, happy and loved. Human children should find this book comforting and will easily understand their own warm feeling about their mothers as they see the interaction depicted in the animal kingdom. The drawings show all of these moms and their young in wonderful detail and full color. You can see the hair, feathers, teeth and eyes and the loving and protective relationships. This would make an especially nice gift for Mother's Day. 2007, Soundprints/ Trudy Corporation/ Smithsonian, $6.95. Ages 1 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59249-730-0
ISBN: 1-59249-730-6
I Love You Because You're You
Liza Baker
Illustrated by David McPhail
Repackaged with sturdy pages and a soft puff cover, this book will stand up to many re-readings with toddlers. It is a sweet story about a mama fox and her cub. Each page lovingly illustrates the range of emotions that a child experiences daily. Whether the little fox is frightened, bashful, happy, or sick, Mama Fox reassures her baby that he is loved. The text is brief enough for a young child, yet the message is suited for a child of any age. This story could be used to discuss emotions, feelings, and behavior. The illustrations lend themselves to discussion of the baby's actions and the mother's expressions. Perfect for story time or bedtime, it is destined to be a classic tale of unconditional love. 2008, Cartwheel/Scholastic, $8.99. Ages 1 to 5. Reviewer: Julie Eick Granchelli (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-02931-5
ISBN: 0-545-02931-7
If I Could: A Mother's Promise
Susan Milord
Illustrated by Christopher Denise
Deceptively simple, this charming ode to a mother's love of her child covers a depth of feeling that is often hard to express. In some books there is a give and take between the parent and child that almost seems to be a contest of who can love the most; but Milord has written a rhymed consideration of the extent of this mother's love. Denise has beautifully illustrated this longing of the mother to express her feelings with gentle, pastel watercolor renderings of a mother badger and her child as they progress through a day together. As she wishes such things as "If I could, I'd swim the deep in search of treasures for you to keep.", we see the pair gathering shells and other "treasures" in tidal pools along the beach where they have been spending the day. She has longed to make all days sunny and bright, to sing at night to keep the stars shining brightly, and to "make you see how very much you mean to me." After they have made their way back home, we hear her say "You are the song. You are the light—a treat and a treasure, a joy and delight. This much I know, this much is true I couldn't love you more that I do. But if I could I would." This wonderful circle of wishes and their fulfillment in realizing that their love is embodied in the things that they share daily is a lovely paean to the absolute, unconditional love felt by the "mommie." Denise has paid careful attention to the details of conveying this message in every aspect of each illustration. In the picnic on the beach scene, we see a striped blanked folded among their things, then as the sun goes down we see the mother wrapped in the blanket as she snuggles her child in the cool of the evening. Give this as a loving Mother's Day present. Needless to say, I wish I could convey just how much I love this book—I guess sharing it with everyone I love and encouraging others to do the same will be a good start. 2008, Candlewick, Ages All, $15.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2348-7
In Grandma's Arms
Jayne C. Shelton
Illustrated by Karen Katz
Lucky are those children who have grandmothers and especially those who live close enough to spend time with their grandparents. This grandma has gray hair, but otherwise looks pretty sprightly in her red and white flowered dress and black pumps. She and her granddaughter are enjoying a book in grandma's big rocking chair. And as we know, books can transport readers anywhere. Katz shows us clearly in her fanciful illustrations that the two can soar through the sky, visit the jungle and fantasy worlds with dragons, forests of candy and even swim the seas with dolphins. It is a paean to both the power of books and the warm relationship between generations—a grandmothers whose warm arms prove a safe and wonderful haven. 2008 (orig. 2001), Cartwheel/Scholastic, $6.99. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-06868-0
ISBN: 0-545-06868-1
Little Night
Yuyi Morales
When Mother Sky must put Little Night to bed at the end of the day, Little Night is ready to play. Has this not happened to every parent or childcare provider? We will see ourselves and out children in this beautiful introduction to magical realism. Pura Belpré winner Morales gives us a dreamy tale wherein Mother Sky and Little Night play, to our delight. The purples, blues, blacks, and reds are mesmerizing. The double page spreads reminds us of subdued mural art. The little details will keep children wanting more. While this book might be intended as a bedtime story book, do not just use it then. Revel in all the details and the exuberance that the two characters bring to the story. It is not just for nighttime, it is for daytime as well. The English version of Nochecita is just as enjoyable as the Spanish version. The book itself has a great feel in both its size and its texture. Another winner for Yuyi. 2007, Roaring Brook, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: María E. Gentle (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59643-088-4
ISBN: 978-1-59643-088-5
Mama Robot
Davide Calí
Illustrated by Anna Laura Cantone
Translated by Marcel Danesi
A young boy, unhappy with his mother's frequent absences and orders, decides to make a robot mom. She will not only be there all the time for him but also will protect him from hazards like the school bully. And she will cook "ONLY what I like," and "NEVER yell at me!" But when he builds his amazing robot mom, he finds her unsatisfactory. She is not soft, she does not smell nice, and she does not know how to cuddle. So he takes the robot mom apart. After a hug and kiss from his real mom, he shows her his clever new construction, a robot dog. The rather straightforward text is accompanied by Cantone's deliciously comic mixed media visuals. Our narrator is a cylindrical fellow with a banana-like nose and ping-pong ball eyes set on the top of his head. There is also Fluffy the cat with an almost endless tail. The robot mom looks like a brass boiler. The double-page scenes, divided into smaller spaces on occasion by a strip of frilly cloth, contain intriguing objects unmentioned in the text but adding to the zany character of the story. Do not pass by the end pages either. This tale of fun may also help reinforce the benefits of having a real but busy mom. 2008, Tundra Books, $17.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-88776-873-6
ISBN: 0-88776-873-3
Mama, Where Are You?
Diane Muldrow Peterson
Illustrated by Rick Peterson
In this board book kids will discover large almost full page flaps to lift. Little one are pictured on the flap and the question posed is "Mama where are You?" The answer is shown when the flap is lifted. Mama ostrich is blocking the sun's rays from harming her chick. Mama elephant is teacher her little one to drink, while mama cat is keeping her kitten clean. All the mothers are shown caring for their young. It is a arm message which is summed up on the last spread when the mother says "I'm everywhere." The pictures are bright and bold and the flaps are sturdy so this book should hold up well for numerous re-readings. 2007, Golden Books/Random House, $7.99. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-375-84281-8
Mommies!
Kate Spohn
What a collection of chic, hip mommies! All having fun with baby—watering flowers, shopping for shoes, shoveling snow, playing in the leaves, blowing bubbles, and sharing book time! Full-page gatefold flaps open to show baby-friendly fun and words. Soft colors and childlike drawings filled with whimsy fill the uncluttered pages. Silly words and fun shapes provide entertainment and learning; Mommie and baby will laugh together as they celebrate the many sides of Mommie. The flaps should be easy for little fingers to grab, leading to interaction as they uncover the words and actions beneath. 2008, Random House, $4.99. Ages 6 months to 2. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-84277-1
Mommy's Little Star
Janet Bingham
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Little Fox and Mommy Fox are enjoying a pleasant autumn day. Little Fox tries catching falling leaves, but soon discovers there are too many to catch them all. He looks to the top of trees and thinks they go to the top of the sky. Mommy Fox tells him something goes higher. As the pattern continues, Little Fox contemplates the flights of bees and birds. He admires a rainbow and clouds. The sun and moon are high in the sky, but there are stars beyond them. As they gaze into the night sky, Mommy Fox explains that sky goes on and on forever. It has no beginning and it has no end, just like the love Mommy Fox has for Little Fox, her own little star. They cuddle together as Little Fox falls asleep. Large colorful illustrations feature appealing foxes with oversized heads walking and standing on their hind legs as they wonder through a peaceful forest. A comforting bedtime story. 2007, Cartwheel Books/Scholastic Inc, $9.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-03408-1
ISBN: 0-545-03408-6
My Mommy Is Magic
Carl Norac
Illustrated by Ingrid Godon
From a child's perspective mommy does not "do" magic; rather, she "is" magic. She chases the nighttime monsters away, she kisses away the hurt, she makes things appear and disappear, and when she sings, "butterflies come to listen." Norac captures a child's devotion and naiveté with just the right amount of poetic phrasing and without sentimentality. The uncluttered, eye-catching illustrations are a splendid complement to the text. They seem to capture that same childlike quality and perspective. The book is illustrated in paint and pastels with taupe surrounding and softening the black outlines. This terrific companion piece to My Daddy Is a Giant is perfect for a Mother's Day story time program. Long, bold lines make this accessible for a group reading, but it is also excellent for a one-on-one reading between parent and child. It is an excellent reminder to mom just how special she is to her child. 2007, Clarion/Houghton, $16.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-618-75766-4
ISBN: 0-618-75766-X
Peek-a-Boo, Mama!
Jill Newton
The animals are playing a game with the readers. The piggie has its eyes covered and when the large, almost full page-size, flap is lifted, kids see mama and her piglet. The same pattern continues with a variety of farm animals—calf, lamb, chick, kitten, puppy, and donkey. Each animal is set out on a crisp white page and tends to be a bit stylized, but when the flap is lifted the animal and its mother are easily recognized. The pages are pretty sturdy so the book should hold up to kid use and abuse. A companion book to Peek-a-Boo, Papa! 2008, Blue Apple Books, $8.95. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59354-628-1
Spot Loves His Grandma
Eric Hill
Spot loves to visit Grandma, who fills their time together with fun activities. They make lemonade and cake, gather eggs, pick apples, and always have time for a book! Spot goes home with treats to share and a heart filled with love. While not every youngster fills their day with Grandma gathering eggs or picking apples, the homey activities are the sort of simple, everyday things a young child loves to do with a special adult who seems to have all the time in the world for him or her. Hill's familiar bright colors and bold shapes fill the pages, giving children lots to look at and talk about. Babies and toddlers will enjoy this simple book again and again. 2008, Putnam, $5.99. Ages 6 months to 2. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-3999-24728-6
T. Rex and the Mother's Day Hug
Lois G. Grambling
Illustrated by Jack E. Davis
Grambling's text and Davis's cartoon-like exaggerations showing Mamma T with earrings and her son dressed for play in cargo shorts make it clear this is yet another tale in which the most ferocious of dinosaurs is presented more as an endearing menace than a full grown terrible tyrant. In this case, young T. wants to give his mother something very special for Mother's Day, although she insists she would be happy to settle for a big hug. T. remembers how some previous efforts turned into disasters but nonetheless paints up his mother's car in a fashion that clearly gives her pause; however, he also gives her a big hug, which is supposed to make everything all right. Young children who like a bit of mischief are likely to enjoy the first go through, but there is not much substance to return to, so you might as well wait for the paperback. You might also find a way to put the story to good use by using it to trigger a discussion about giving or getting unwanted presents. 2008, HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-053126-3
ISBN: 978-0-06-053127-0
ISBN: 0-06-053126-6
ISBN: 0-06-053127-4
Tiger Cub See-and-Do
Photographs by Jessie Cohen
The full color photographs from the National Zoo bring these very large Sumatran Tigers right up close. The mother tiger is raising two cubs and part of her job is to teach them about their world. They watch as she climbs a big wall—they climb a lower one and side by side stare out at the reader. In the wild, camouflage helps a tiger stalk its prey and in the zoo, it is more like a game of hide-and-seek. Since the cubs observe and learn by doing, they also end up hiding behind the bamboo just like their mother. Like most mothers, this tiger gets tired caring for two active cubs, so she looks on while her energetic cubs continue their rambunctious play. After getting a bit of rest, she joins the fun. A delightful book for all who have an interest in large cats, and especially for those who may never even get to a zoo for first hand observation. 2002, Soundprints/ Smithsonian, $5.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56899-856-2
ISBN: 978-1-56899-856-5
Uh-oh, Calico!
Karma Wilson
Illustrated by Buket Erdogan
We all make mistakes and sometimes when we are growing up our coordination might be a bit off. Calico has lots of energy and in her exuberance falls and sometimes does things that are not quite right—like trampling flowers in her mother's garden. When it is time for Calico to eat, she spills her milk, but Mom seems unperturbed. She reassures her little kitten that she is not mad nor is her kitten bad. Calico is "a blessing every day" and mother will always love her Calico. A bit idealized, but certainly reassuring to little ones—especially those who may be having a rough day. 2008, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, $7.99. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1904-9
ISBN: 1-4169-1904-X
What's Wrong, Little Pookie
Sandra Boynton
Mother sees that her little Pookie has tears in his eyes and naturally she wants to find out what is wrong. He does not seem to be able to tell her, so she begins with a series of questions which he can answer with yes or no—Are you cold? Are you hungry? To all, Pookie answers no. Then mother tries a new approach. She asks Pookie some ridiculous questions—Did a very large hippo try to borrow your shoes? He responds to this and other outlandish questions with a comment, "That's silly." The ending is pure Boynton, and the expressions on Pookie's and his mother's faces tell it all. Amusing and probably a book that will make any parent's eyes roll. 2007, Random House, $5.99. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-84552-9
Where's My Mom?
Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Little Monkey is missing his mother and a helpful butterfly tries to help. Monkey's descriptions aren't exact enough: "big" leads to elephant, "coils around trees" leads to snake, "has legs" leads to spider, and " lives in trees" to parrot! After a few more miscues, finally Monkey tells her that she "looks like me!" Since butterfly's babies don't look like her, this is extremely helpful information! In a fun twist, Monkey is taken to his father and then reunited with his mother. Donaldson's rhyming text has the rhythm and beat of "Hush Little Baby" and, for the most part, could be easily sung aloud. Scheffler has created a jungle swarming with lush plant life and expressive animals, not limited to those identified in the text. Basic science, about where the animals live, what they eat, and how they look, is subtly woven into the text. The text is full of descriptive words and lends itself to predictions as young listeners will try to guess what animal will show up next. This makes a great read-aloud and will be enjoyed by young and old alike. Originally published in England in 2000, as Monkey Puzzle by Macmillan. 2008, Dial/ Penguin, $16.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-8037-3228-5
Your Kind of Mommy
Marjorie Blain Parker
Illustrations by Cyd Moore
"If I could be an octopus, I'd wrap eight arms around you, But I am not THAT kind of mommy, and I know my hugs will do." On through buzzing bees, elephants, wallabies, timber wolves, and other animals, a mother tells her young daughter what she would do if she were a different kind of mother. "No I am not an octopus, I am not a wallaby, but I am YOUR kind of Mommy, and that is the best thing I could be!" It is sweet, it is charming, and it would make a fine cuddle-up-together-on-the-sofa story. The illustrations are equally charming, and although not overtly humorous, they are in a style similar to those of Roz Chast. The illustrator has done a good job of expanding the text: for example, the page in which the narrator says that she is not a humpback whale sort of mommy shows the mother and daughter on the beach with big fish kites. If your child has grown too old for Jez Alboroughs' Hug, this is a good follow-up. 2007, Dutton Children's Books/Penguin, $12.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sara Lorimer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-525-46989-6
ISBN: 0-525-46989-3
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Added 04/29/08
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