Tag: moms

One More Hug (Megan Alexander)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is One More Hug, written by Megan Alexander and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata, an ode to the special bond between mothers and sons.

In this sentimental tale, a mother reflects fondly on several significant moments in her oldest son’s childhood. From waiting for the first bus to school, playing pretend in the backyard, learning to ride a bike and more, these big-little moments are often a mix of happiness, excitement, yet sometimes disappointment or fear, such as when a favorite toy breaks or a loud screech of a schoolbus door startles. But in those moments, mommies are there for one more hug, one more kiss, and one more cuddle – for no matter how old little one gets, they will always be their Mama’s boy.

Very sweet. Dedicated to her own two sons, author Alexander creates a loving and timeless narration of mothers and sons. The afterward also claims that the intention of the story is to show parents and young children that it’s okay for boys to show emotion and their feelings; however, this theme feels far less fleshed-out. Still, the root story is solid, and filled with moments that mothers will relate to, especially in the bittersweet pride and joy of watching one’s baby grow into an adult. The soft, airy artwork has a nostalgic feel that fits the sentiment of the story, and JJ enjoyed the soothing tenderness of the text. This would be a wonderful gift for little (or big) sons and their moms, as a reminder of the incomparable bond they share. Baby Bookworm approved!

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

That’s Me Loving You (Amy Krouse Rosenthal)

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Hello, friends! Sorry we missed our review yesterday, but JJ was having fun at her best friend’s birthday party. But we’re back, and today we’re reviewing the lovely That’s Me Loving You, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Teagan White, a beautiful story of a mother’s everlasting love for her child.

Written in rhyming text, the narrator speaks to her child about how a mother’s love always surrounds her them, even when the mommy isn’t there. A shining star is her wink. A clap of thunder is her cheering her child on. A soft breeze is blown kisses, and a butterfly’s wings are her hugs. So no matter where her child goes, no matter how long or how far, they can know that their mama is always with them, loving them.

What a sweet, timeless sentiment, and wonderfully executed. A mother’s unconditional love is always a classic subject for a book, but the notion that reminders of this love are in the world all around us makes this a special story with a great takeaway lesson for little ones. But what really steals the show is the absolutely darling art, showing each gesture of motherly affection to a different child, each illustration filled with sweet innocence and charm. The length is perfect, and while the ending is a bit abrupt, JJ and I both loved this one. A lovely story for mommies to share with their little readers, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

Silly Wonderful You (Sherri Duskey Rinker)

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Hello friends, and happy Mother’s Day! In honor of the occasion, we read a favorite from our own library: Silly Wonderful You, written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. It’s an adorable celebration of moms and their little ones, and the joys, frustrations, and incomparable rewards of motherhood.

As narrator, a mother addresses her young toddler about how much life has changed since the little girl came to be. She notes that ever since there was her, the house was never so messy or LOUD! The mother could never have predicted just how many stuffed animals would move in with her daughter, or how wonderful her glitter-and-glue artworks would be. She never would have imagined the splashy baths or the sticky messes or the impromptu frolics in the park. And now that life has changed so drastically in the wake of her boisterous, joyful, aggravating, unique child? She simply wouldn’t want to imagine things any other way.

This is a classic love letter about mother and child, and it’s an absolutely lovely one. The text has an unusual cadence, using rhymes and onomatopoeia as emphasis rather than throughout, but it fits the theme of the somewhat chaotic nature of raising a toddler. Fans of McConnell’s comic strip Mutts will recognize his distinctive pen-and-ink drawings, and he draws each preposterous and precious moment with obvious fondness and care. The length is perfect, it’s one of JJ’s favorite bedtime stories, and it always warms my heart by the last page. A fabulous story for mommies and their little ones, and it’s absolutely Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: Our copy of this book was gifted to The Baby Bookworm by the author. This does not affect the impartiality of our review.)