Mother's Day, 1998
The following reviews were presented in our 1998 Mother's Day feature.
Reviews
Baboon
Kate Banks
Illustrated by Georg Hallensleben
The illustrations are sensational; painterly in warm earth tones that are quite inviting. The story is also a special one. A wise mother guides her baby as he explores his world. She guides him through the process and helps him see the whole picture to counter his experiences, which are just little pieces of the world. A great bed time story. 1997, Frances Foster Books, Ages 2 to 9, $14.00. Reviewer: Kristin Harris
Barnyard Lullaby
Frank Asch
One quiet night in the barnyard, a Mother Hen begins to sing to her chicks. All the farmer hears is a loud racket, but to the chicks it is a beautiful lullaby. Upon hearing Mother Hen's song, all the other farmyard Mothers begin to sing to their babies. Will the farmer ever fall asleep? As an author and illustrator of nearly sixty children's books, including the popular Moonbear series, Frank Asch has once again succeeded in combining his humor and artistry in this barnyard tale for children. 1998, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, Ages 2 to 6, $15.00. Reviewer: Deborah Palgon
Big Little Otter
Lillian Hoban
The baby otter wants to show his mother that he can do all of the grown up things, such as catching his own food, swimming, diving and splashing. After all, he is a big little otter. An appealing board book that will resonate with kids who want to show a bit of independence. Also available is Big Little Lion. 1997, HarperFestival, Ages 6 mo. to 3, $5.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
A Chair For My Mother
Vera B. Williams
Zesty primary colors light up the pages of this Caldecott Honor book that relates the efforts of three generations of African American women who define a goal to help them recover from a disastrous fire. They have discovered that material positions can never define a family. However, one warm, cozy chair just may position the adversity squarely in the past and herald a more comfortable future. 1982, Greenwillow Books, Ages 4 to 8, $13.95 and $4.95. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
The Chalk Doll
Charlotte Pomerantz
Illustrated by Frané Lessac
A mother tells her daughter the simple stories of her Jamaican childhood. The poverty is not ignored, but life was not grim and the fun comes through. The full-color art give a real sense of the island. Widely reviewed and highly recommended. 1993 (1989), HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $15.00 and $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Cherry Pies and Lullabies
Lynn Reiser
Family traditions often are a way of expressing love for each other. Reiser's gentle-hearted tale depicts the traditions of three generations of mothers and daughters (and one of a girl and her teddy bear.) Though the presentation of the cherry pies, flower crowns, quilts and lullabies differs from generation to generation, the love remains the same. Reiser's illustrations are friendly and colorful. After reading her book, young readers may become curious about their own family traditions, or interested in starting ones of their own. Reiser presents a lullaby at the end of the book, set to the music of the Brahms "Lullaby." 1998, Greenwillow Books, Ages 4 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Wendy Keen
A Child's Book of Lullabies
Compiled by Shona McKellar
Illustrated with paintings by Mary Cassatt
The lullabies in this collection are written out in musical format for piano and guitar, and each one is accompanied by a full-page oil or pastel painting created by a master of the Post-Impressionist era. The paintings depict warm comforting moments between a mother and a child. The artwork is breathtaking; adults will cherish their favorite lullabies, as well as the chance to sing them to their children. This is a great opportunity to expose young children to paintings by the great masters. 1997, DK, Ages 3 mo. and up, $12.95. Reviewer: Kristin Harris
Coat of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Illustrated by Judith Sutton
Dolly Parton recalls how her mama tried to make her feel special in her little ragged coat. She told me, "I was poor only if I chose to be." This is the genesis of Dolly's song and now her picture book. The child in the story has no coat to wear to school so her mama makes her one from the rags in her rag box. The kids tease her but the girl tells them how rich she feels because of the love her mama sewed in every stitch. The pictures set the scene in the hills of Tennessee while the lyrics tell the story. Alas, the music is not included. 1994, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
Crow and Hawk: A Traditional Pueblo Indian Story
Michael Rosen
Illustrated by John Clementson
Bright, cut-paper collage is combined with a very brief retelling of a traditional Cochiti Pueblo Indian folktale in a picture book that should appeal to young listeners while also giving slightly older readers a chance to consider the difficult question of what makes a good mother. Repetition and realistic dialogue help enliven Hawk and Crow's dispute. A short author's note explains the origin of the tale. 1995, Harcourt, Ages 3 to 8, $15.00. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
Daisy Is a Mommy
Lisa Kopper
One of the most difficult issues that young children face is the arrival of a new sibling. Books are a great way to introduce and talk about potential issues or to help a child who is already experiencing the transition find comfort in the fact that a picture book character has similar feelings and may even have found a satisfactory resolution. Lisa Kopper compares the day of a canine and human mother. When parents are overwhelmed with the exhaustion of taking care of a baby, this book is a great way to communicate the exhausting role of parenting. 1997, Dutton, Ages 3 to 6, $11.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
Dancing Through the Shadows
Theresa Tomlinson
As this British young adult novel begins, Ellen is busy preparing for a dance recital, fooling around with her friends and looking forward to a vacation in Cornwall. Before the day is over, a new set of concerns and challenges enters her comfortable life, when her family discovers that her mother has breast cancer and must undergo a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. The author does a convincing job of describing how Ellen, her parents, younger brother, and friends cope with the changes of the next year. This realistic novel would probably be helpful for readers in a similar situation, as it presents procedures, experiences, and feelings in a frank, but hopeful way. 1997, DK Publishing, Ages 11 to 16, $14.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
Dandelions
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Greg Shed
This story is about a family moving west and the mother's sadness at missing the sense of community she left behind. Zoe and her sister, aware of their mother's longing, surprise her by planting dandelions on their new roof. Students will readily compare Zoe's experiences with those of Laura Ingalls Wilder's family in Little House in the Big Woods or Sarah in Patricia Maclachlan's classic Sarah, Plain and Tall. 1995, Harcourt Brace, Ages 7 to 10, $15.00. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
Did My First Mother Love Me?
Kathryn Ann Miller
Illustrated by Jami Moffett
Morgan knows her adoptive parents love her, but she wonders whether her first mother did too. A letter from her birth mother reassures Morgan that placing her for adoption was an act of love. Simple language and pencil illustrations provide a platform for discussing with adopted children their origins. It is also useful for explaining the concept to children who may have friends or relatives who are adopted. An appendix in the back is geared towards parents, with hints on approaches to explaining adoption to children. 1994, Morning Glory Press, Ages 3 to 8, $12.95 and $5.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
Electra and the Charlotte Russe
Corinne Demas Bliss
Pictures by Michael Garland
The plot may be as light as the whipped cream that tops young Electra's favorite Charlotte Russe dessert; but that's the very charm of this gentle picture book set in urban America circa 1920. The young girl shops for the delectable desserts for her mother's invited company. Disaster does not befall young Electra on her shopping excursion, nor does anything hilarious, improbable, or monumental disrupt her journey. It's just the story of one young girl's luscious moment dimmed a little by her guilt. In other words, it's every child's story. 1997, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 5 to 9, $14.95. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia
Carmen Lomas Garza
The bilingual English/Spanish Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia is the story of writer/artist Garza's childhood in a Hispanic community. The loving family makes tamales together, goes to a fair, and celebrates birthday. The young girl in the story longs to become an artist and receives support from her mother, who works hard to ensure her daughter's dreams of the future come true. 1990, Children's Book Press, Ages 7 to 10, $19.90. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
Fort Chipewyan Homecoming: A Journey to Native Canada
Morningstar Mercredi
Photographs by Darren McNally
Matthew Dunn, a 12 year-old boy from Saskatchewan, Canada, embarks on a journey that allows him to discover his mother's heritage. During the summer, he and his mother take a trip to Fort Chipewyan, Canada, and the home of many Chipewyan, Cree, and Metis Indians. Since Matthew was born and raised in the city, his experiences that summer teach him much about living off the land, as well as other traditional activities like catching, smoking, and drying fish, and festive dances. By reading the book, young children will learn to appreciate the original Native American and their own cultural heritage. This standard book has several applications in the classroom such as the study of traditions, family trees, and Indians. Full-page color photos add to the beauty of the landscape and the Native American culture. A word list and a further reading list are also provided. 1997, Lerner, Ages 8 up, $21.27 and $6.95. Reviewer: Melinda M. Sprinkle
Froggy's First Kiss
Jonathan London
Illustrations by Frank Remkiewicz
Can a frog be in puppy love? Apparently so, for that certainly appears to be the case when Froggy falls for the new girl in class, the prettiest girl he has ever seen. When she smiles his insides feel funny, "like he'd just had caterpillar for breakfast." Teacher has to keep reminding Froggy to pay attention to his class work. Froggy does suffer some misadventures because he does not pay enough attention to what he is doing, and because first love can make a person-or a frog-a bit awkward. One day at lunch Frogilina, the object of his affections, presents Froggy with a heart-shaped cookie, so when Froggy makes valentines for his class he makes one very special card. However, Frogilina has another surprise for Froggy, a much bigger surprise than a heart-shaped cookie. She gives him a big, fat, kiss! Classmates tease Froggy and he flops home in embarrassment. On Valentine's Day, Froggy gives his mother breakfast in bed and the special card he'd made. A big red heart saying I LOVE YOU. Froggy's mother gives him special kisses. They are candy kisses and, in this story, sweets win out over puppy love. 1998, Viking, Ages 2 to 6, $14.99. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
From Lullaby to Lullaby
Kathryn Brown
A young mother sits by her young daughter's bedside knitting a blanket. Mother sweetly sings nighttime lullabies as her daughter begins to drift to sleep. What happens though when the young girl begins to travel to the far off places her mother sings of? With the help of the objects spread throughout her room, she journeys on the blanket to the worlds found between dreams and reality. Brown's beautiful, fanciful watercolor illustrations will entice children into moving "from dream to dream, from lullaby to lullaby." 1997, Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Trina Heidt
Gabby Growing Up
Amy Hest
Illustrated by Amy Schwartz
Set in what seems like the 1950's, this story follows Gabby, a young girl, as she prepares to go to the city with her mother. It's going to be a special trip this time because it's her Grampa's birthday, and they are meeting him at the skating rink. Gabby has knitted him a pair of mittens, but worries that they are not perfect enough. Before the rendezvous, Gabby and her mother stop at a barbershop to have Gabby's hair trimmed. Gabby decides to cut her braids after admiring a young girl's hair on the train ride to the city. When she finally meets Grampa, he loves the mittens and her new haircut. After some fun skating, a special birthday cake brought by her mother is shared with everyone at the ice skating rink. The period, cartoon-like illustrations are intriguing, but the story seems flat and lifeless. 1998, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Ages 5 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
The Girl Son
Anne E. Neuberger
The Girl Son is a compelling story about a mother's love and her daughter's desire and determination to get an education even though it is forbidden in their native country, Korea. The story begins with the birth of Induk Pahk at the start of the twentieth century. Her father and brother are lost to cholera, and her poor and illiterate mother decides that Induk will get an education no matter what the cost. Induk gets her early education disguised as a boy. Mother and daughter make enormous sacrifices to achieve their dreams. The text is well written in simple language, but tells a powerful story everyone should read. 1995, Carolrhoda, Ages 10 up, $21.27 and $6.95. Reviewer: Sue Reichard
Homeless
Bernard Wolf
Mikey and his family are homeless, but life is not hopeless. They get help with a rent-free apartment, food stamps, and a public assistance check. Life in a fifth floor walk-up, the need to shop for all the family's food in one monthly trip, and adjusting to school are not easy. Sharon, his mother, works hard and is trying to better herself and her family. Mikey wants to grow up and go to college "to be somebody, somebody who really matters." At the end of this photo essay, one really hopes that he will succeed and the family will find a true "home." 1995, Orchard, Ages 8 up, $16.95 and $17.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Hopper
Marcus Pfister
In this picture book, Hopper, a little hare with one blue-tipped ear, learns about hare life from his mother. Together they share adventures in their search for food during a winter's day. They meet other creatures in the cold snowy woods and successfully escape a swooping falcon's sharp talons. The large, beautifully colored watercolors fill the pages with soft greens, blues and purples, evoking images of caring, security and warmth. 1991, North-South, Ages 3 to 6, $14.95 and $6.95. Reviewer: Barbara B. Disckind
A House by the River
William Miller
Illustrated by Cornelius van Wright and Ying-Hwa-Hu
Living by the river doesn't please Belinda. She really wishes that she and her mother lived in town. At least living in town you are safe from the river because many of the houses are on hilltops. When the worse storm in years bears down on them, Belinda's mother shares with her the dreams and memories that she and her father shared in that house when they were first married. Belinda comes through the storm and comes to cherish her home. 1997, Lee & Low Books, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Leila Toledo
How to Rock Your Baby
Sibley Fleming
Illustrations by John Amoss
"One day there wasn't a baby and the next day there was." Baby came with a how-to book. The book said that when they were all done changing and feeding and burping that baby, they should rock it to sleep. They tried a car ride, a swing and row boat ride but nothing was working the way that it should. Finally, mother decided that they should just put the book on the back of the bookshelf. She would rock baby to sleep herself. Sure enough "for what seemed like no reason at all (or so it would seem) baby closed his eyes...and began to dream." How to Rock Your Baby by Fleming, with cuddly cute illustrations by Amoss, shows the lighter side of what all new parents go through until that wondrous moment when they discover that their instincts are better than any how-to book could ever be. 1997, Peachtree, Ages 3 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Trina Heidt
Hush!
Minfong Ho
Illustrated by Holly Meade
This is a bedtime story featuring the creatures and sounds of the Thailand countryside. It is a lilting tale of a tired mother trying to quiet the animals so baby will sleep. After she finally succeeds in silencing the sounds of the evening, the exhausted mother falls asleep. Who is the only one wide-awake? Any parent knows the answer. Baby is awake, looking wide eyed at the world around him. 1996, Orchard, Ages 2 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
I am a Little Whale
Francois Crozat
This board book, which describes the life of a baby blue whale, is available in both a large and mini edition. Kids see the close relationship between the mother whale and her calf and their pod, and they also get a sense of how rapidly and large the whale will grow. No specifics about the species, just a warm family focus. 1995, Barron's, Ages 2 up, $8.95 and $3.50. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
I Love My Hair!
Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Illustrations by E. B. Lewis
Each night before bed, Keyana's mother combs her hair. At first, Keyana's focus in on the tangles in her hair and her mother pulling the comb through her dark, thick, hair. Soon, Keyana realizes that her hair is as wonderful as the stories her mother tells her each night while combing. This charming book looks not only at the wonder of hair, but the enduring quality of love between mother and child. The watercolor illustrations add to the luster and beauty of this book for children. I Love My Hair! would make a nice read-aloud for a story time session, or one-on-one between parent and child. 1998, Little Brown and Company, Ages 3 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Ru Story-Huffman
I Love You As Much...
Laura Krauss Melmed
Illustrated by Henri Sorensen
The tender connection between mother and child is universal. Here it is lovingly expressed in enchanting nature paintings spread across two pages. They feature a mother and baby from the animal kingdom, snuggling in their natural environment. Simple couplets offer each mom's expression of the depth of love for her child. Soft as a lullaby, this is a classic children's book, to be treasured and remembered. 1993, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, Ages 2 to 6, $14.00. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
I Love You the Purplest
Barbara Joosse
Illustrated by Mary Whyte
One of the most difficult issues young children face is the arrival of a new sibling. Sibling books are a great way to introduce and talk about potential issues or to help a child who is already experiencing the transition to find comfort in the fact that a picture book character has similar feelings and may even have found a satisfactory resolution. Joosse provides the best treatment I've ever read about sibling competition and a mother trying to answer the unwelcome question: "Who do you love best?" 1996, Chronicle, Ages 4 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
I Love You, Stinky Face
Lisa McCourt
Illustrated by Cyd Moore
A little boy tests his mother's love by conjuring up the most impossible scenarios, and then asking, "Would you still love me, then"? His mother reassuringly and creatively replies in the affirmative, no matter how farfetched the challenge. Humorous illustrations will capture the preschooler's imagination. 1997, Bridgewater Books, Ages 3 to 5, $15.95. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
I Smell Honey
Andrea Pinkney
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Several African-American writers are bringing books to young babies. I Smell Honey shows a mother and child preparing dinner with a sensory vividness that lets you "hear catfish cracklin'" and "red beans bubblin'" 1997, Red Wagon/Harcourt, Ages 6 mo. to 3, $4.95. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
If I Were the Wind
Lezlie Evans
Illustrated by Victoria Lisi
In this spectacular picture book, a mother responds to her young daughter's probing question about how her mother could protect her if a witch changed her mother's shape. The mother responds by poetically telling her how she will always protect her no matter what shape she would be. "If I were a fire, I'd burn bright. If I were the moon, I would watch you all night," the mother says. The beautiful words are accompanied by stunning illustrations in which the mother merges with the objects described. Through the lovely text and illustrations, this book responds to many young children's fears about losing their parents or their parents love. 1997, Ideals Children's Books, All Ages, $14.95. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph
If You Were My Bunny
Kate McMullan
Illustrated by David McPhail
This charming story explores how a mother would take care of her baby, whether it is a bunny, bear, kitten, duckling, puppy, or human. The colorful artwork aptly illustrates the affection shown by mothers to their children. Each different animal lullaby can be sung to a familiar tune, as listed at the end of the book. Part of the "Story Corner" series. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 3 to 6, $7.95 and $6.99 (board book). Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
In My Mother's Garden
Melissa Madenski
Illustrated by Sandra Speidel
Rosie, her Mom, and their elderly friend Joe are all avid gardeners, so what would be a better springtime birthday gift for Mom than a surprise garden of pansies, her favorite flower. With the help of Joe and a lot of work, the surprise garden is a lovely success. The warm relationship between Rosie and her Mom and Rosie and Joe add to the appeal of this quiet story. The soft, pastel illustrations reflect the beauty of springtime and a love of gardening and nature. 1995, Little Brown, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
Just Family
Tonya Bolden
Set in the 1960's East Harlem, this novel looks at the life of a girl in a vibrant period in history. The Black Power movement and its influence on music, poetry, and cultural awareness seeps into the historical fabric of this novel, but the focus is primarily on Beryl Nelson. Ten years old Beryl discovers that her older sister Randy is not her "real" sister. Their mother was in a relationship with a man before she met Beryl's father. She had a child with this man, but never married him. Beryl's father later adopted Randy after he married their mother. Beryl feels betrayed when she discovers the truth. She's angry that her family lied to her by keeping a secret and ashamed of her mother for having a child out of wedlock. She lashes out at her family and seeks comfort with her friends. Talkin' with her friends, she discovers that there are many families who don't fit the mold of the traditional family. When she goes Down South with her family for a reunion, she finally realizes that love not blood holds a family together. She's happy to have Randy for a sister, glad her father loves them equally, and proud of her mother for acting independently and doing the best thing for everyone by not marrying someone whom was not interested in being a father. 1996, Cobblehill Books, Ages 9 up, $14.99. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye
The Keeping Quilt
Patricia Polacco
From patches of old clothes and love, a Russian immigrant woman creates a quilt. It is passed through the generations for almost a century. Weddings take place beneath it, babies are bundled inside its warmth. The award-winning black and white pencil drawings are interrupted by the lively red colors of the quilt. The faces change-growing, aging, fading-but the quilt remains, a quiet connection from mother to daughter, to daughter and on. 1988, Simon and Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
Koala Lou
Mem Fox
Illustrations by Pamela Lofts
The koala heroine enters the Bush Olympics and hopes to win the gum tree-climbing event so that her mother-overwhelmed by the birth of many, many koala babes-will tell her eldest daughter "Koala Lou, I DO love you." Even though Lou loses the event, she gains what she most wants: the knowledge that her mother loves her-and always will. My favorite illustration shows fluffy Lou racing in red sneakers and pumping weights. 1989, Harcourt, Ages 3 to 7, $14.00 and $6.00. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
Little Caribou
Sarah Fox-Davies
Follow a year in the life of a newborn caribou calf as she learns to eat, play, and travel with her migratory herd. Little Caribou stays close to her mother for the first year until she is strong enough and wise enough to know that her home is the herd. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations compliment informative, interesting text. 1996, Candlewick, Ages 4 to 7, $15.99 and $5.99. Reviewer: Trina Heidt
Little Elephant
Miela Ford
Photographs by Tana Hoban
Hoban is an early childhood nonfiction photographer who you can always trust. Her pictures accompany a book by first-time author Ford who proves that she also understands the world of young children. Pictures and text reveal a small baby elephant who leaves mom's comfort to discover the joys and difficulties of water. The mother is close by to reassure at the book's end. With very few words, there are many toddler reassurances about facing water, independence and challenge. 1994, Greenwillow, Ages 1 to 4, $15.00 and $14.93. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
The Lonely Lioness and the Ostrich Chicks
Verna Aardeme
Illustrated by Yumi Heo
This Masai tale emphasizes the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her little ones. When a envious lioness steals the chicks from a mother ostrich, mama seeks help from an assortment of animals who live nearby. Korean artist Heo colors the story with tiny sketches, folk art patterns and caricatures of the animals. 1996, Knopf, Ages 4 to 7, $17.00 and $18.99. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
Lots of Moms
Shelley Rotner, Sheila M. Kelly
This is a joyous collection of action shots with moms and kids in motion. Parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and shopping, it's a celebration of outdoor activities with mother. The love is crystal clear in every photograph, across all ages, all colors, and every mood. 1996, Dial Books, Ages 2 to 6, $12.99. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
Lucy's Summer
Donald Hall
Illustrated by Michael McCurdy
In the spring of 1910, Lucy Wells' mother decided to turn the front parlor into a millinery shop. When boxes of supplies came, the parlor began to look like a tropical garden. During the summer Lucy and her sister Caroline helped can food for the winter. Then early in September, Lucy's mother took Lucy with her to the city. Boston was full of surprises, but the most exciting one was in a Woolworth's-a huge counter filled with toys that cost one penny each. That night, "Lucy and Caroline made tiny hats for their tiny, new china dolls." A wonderful historical trip to New England. 1995, Harcourt Brace, Ages 4 to 8, $15.00. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
To return to the main feature about Mothers Day, click Here
To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you’re interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.