Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
by Nina LaCour
illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
Candlewick Press, 2022. 32 pages.
Review written November 18, 2022, from a library book
Starred Review
I read this book for Capitol Choices, and it’s an absolutely sweet picture book about missing a parent when she’s away on a work trip.
And yes, the family portrayed has two moms. And they’re a mixed-race couple. But that’s not what the book is about, which is refreshing, and any kid who ever misses a parent will relate to this story.
The book goes through the days of the week, beginning very early on Monday, when Mommy wakes up the little girl (she looks to be about four years old) and the family makes pancakes together. When they sit to eat them, it’s “Mommy and Mama and me in the middle.” But then Mama and the little girl wave goodbye to Mommy.
I like the spread that happens on Tuesday:
During circle time I say, “My mommy is on a work trip.”
Mr. Henry ask, “Is anyone else missing someone they love?”Olive misses her sister, away at school.
They used to build block towers.Miguel misses his papa, in a faraway country.
He wears a necklace to remember.Chloe misses her cat
who ran away.
As the week goes on, there are sweet and cozy moments with Mama. But there are also many moments of missing Mommy.
“I miss Mommy. I miss her as deep as a scuba diver down in the ocean and as high as an astronaut up in the stars.”
“That’s a lot of missing.”
When Mommy comes home on Sunday, they gather a surprise for her.
But something else I love about this book is that the little girl has a moment of anger, when she remembers those tough moments that week of missing Mommy.
But that feeling is acknowledged, and the book finishes with a big cozy hug, with Mama and Mommy and me in the middle.
ninalacour.com
kaylanijuanita.com
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