Tag: mother and son

Milo’s Moonlight Mission (Kathleen M. Blasi)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is Milo’s Moonlight Mission, written by Kathleen M. Blasi and illustrated by Petronela Dostalova, a sweet story of mother, son, and space exploration.

For Milo’s crew of two – him as Captain and Mom as Second-in-Command – there are no space missions too daring or difficult. One afternoon, Captain Milo goes searching for his crew, only to find that she is busy with work. Being a good captain, Milo offers to help Mom with her work and with dinner, even though it means no space missions for today. While cleaning up, Milo overhears a news announcement about an early morning meteor storm. He tells his mom, who only replies that they should turn in for the night. Milo wonders if there’s anything else he can do to help, so that Mom will have time for the meteor storm – but little does he know, his faithful Second-in-Command already has a mission planned…

Very sweet. With a slice-of-life story and warm, tender illustrations, this book tells a simple and heartwarming tale of the bond between parent and child. Milo’s instinct to help him mother as much as possible is contextualized beautifully but the subtle visual indications that she is a single mother and Milo is an only child. Between this and the straightforward and affectionate text, readers get a wonderful sense of the bond between Mom and Milo, one that will feel familiar for any close parent-child pair, but especially for smaller single-parent families. The length is great for a storytime, and JJ enjoyed the art and space theming. Overall, a lovely tale, and we recommend it. Baby Bookworm approved!

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

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.)

Love, Mama (Jeanette Bradley)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is Love, Mama by Jeanette Bradley, a darling tribute to the unconditional love between mother and child.

Little Kipling the penguin is feeling pretty down. His Mama is on a long sea voyage, and he misses her terribly. He even tries to make substitutes, but it’s just not the same; Pillow Mama can’t read to him, Picture Mama doesn’t laugh at his jokes, and Snow Mama’s hugs are far too cold. But his real Mama knows that Kipling is missing her, and she sends him a care package of lovely gifts, including a paper heart she’s made and picture of her hugging that heart. Kipling feels better knowing that even if his Mama is far away, her love for him will travel whatever distance is between them to be where he is.

Adorable and sweet. Kipling and his Mama’s story has a theme familiar to any mother and child: that no matter what may separate them, a mother’s love is absolute. Adding the element of physical distance makes this a valuable story for children who may live separately from their moms, or have moms who must travel (these sorts of stories are more common for fathers, so it’s nice that long-distance moms have this to share with their little ones). The illustrations are charming and sweet, featuring round and cuddly characters in a palette of soft colors, adding to the sentimental vibe of the book. The length is fine, JJ loves anything with penguins, and well, I always love a book about a mommy and little one. A gentle tale to warm the heart, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

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

Can I Always Come Back Home? (Christine Cruz)

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(Notes: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review. This review was delayed due to a family illness.) 

Happy November, everyone! Our book today is Can I Always Come Back Home?, written by Christine Cruz and illustrated by Daniela Frongia, a story about the special bond between mother and child.

On the way home from school one day, a little boy asks his mother, “Can I always come back home?” She says that he can, of course. The boy’s imagination takes flight, and he comes up with all manner of adventures and journeys he might embark upon, making sure to check each time if he would be able to return home after each one. His mother eases his mind: wherever she is, he will have a home.

This was a wonderfully sweet story with a timeless theme. The narrative was easy to read aloud and full of fun flights of fancy, with a touching final lesson that strikes a chord with any mother and child. The illustrations are a bit generic, but colorful and bright, and JJ seemed to enjoy them, and the length is just right for little readers. Baby Bookworm approved!