Hello, friends! Our book today is How To Make A Mom, written by Claressa Swensen and illustrated by Alena Paklina, a sugary sweet tribute to what makes moms so special.

Written in the form of a recipe, the text takes the reader step-by-step through the making of a very special mom, using ingredients like sugar, chocolate chips, and vanilla to represent mom’s sweetness, fun, and patience. And if you already have an extra-special mom, don’t worry: the actual recipe also makes a yummy batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Deliciously cute. While some of the ingredient-personality parallels are a bit of a stretch – such as flour representing good organizational skills or butter for “buttery slick driving skills” – as well as the fact that some of the personality traits seem a trifle condescending (cleaning, baking, and being a “personal nurse” are included, but not things like intelligence, creativity, or courage), the earnest intention in this one carries it through to an affectionate ending. This is bolstered by the book’s warm and cozy art style, featuring illustrations of a little boy making the cookies as he watches his mom do all the things he’s showing appreciation for (though mom does assist with steps involving the oven, a wise choice and a safe example to set for young readers). The length of this one is great for a short storytime, and there’s a gentle earnestness that helps one look past its minor flaws. And we always love a book with a bonus recipe! JJ enjoyed this one, and so did I. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review.)