Although these Mother’s Day books
have been on the scene since the late 1980’s, the collective delight from both children
and adults in the sharing of these well-told, much-loved, beautifully written,
and enchantingly illustrated stories seems never to fade away. The enduring appeal
of these captivating tales is not lessened by their focus on our beloved
mothers. Have fun sharing with your own beloved young ones.
The Mother’s Day Mice
by Eve Bunting
illustrated by Jan Brett
Illustrator
Brett dresses her characteristically appealing small animals in colorful
clothing to balance author Bunting’s lively story, set on a cool early spring
morning. Three brave mouse brothers set out to find the finest gifts for their
mother. Their search is a dangerous one: readers see a hidden snake, a prowling
fox and a swooping owl.
The
underbrush, ferns and toadstools appear large, painted skillfully to suggest a
mouse’s perspective. The ripe red strawberry is large enough that Middle Mouse
sets it down to take a rest. The dandelion fluff ball looms over Biggest Mouse.
Littlest
Mouse wants to get honeysuckle from the cottage where cat (midnight black with
a menacing, brilliant red mouth) lies yawning. But Littlest changes his plan
when he hears someone playing “Twinkle Little Star” on the piano inside.
Ultimately, his gift, a song they all can sing together, is the most surprising.
This
tender story is sweet, but not syrupy. Its carefully detailed illustrations,
expressive language, and the animated pleasure of the mice that delight in
their thoughtful gifts make this tuneful tale an utterly satisfying picture
book to share.
Clarion, $5.95
(paperback) $15.95 (hardcover)
Interest Level:
Pre-School – Grade 2
Hazel’s Amazing
Mother by Rosemary Wells
Author-illustrator
Wells timeless animal characters are cuddly, but still get into trouble. Hazel,
the title character, is a young badger who makes a wrong turn during an errand.
Three bullies, led by Doris, a large beaver, surround her and her doll,
Eleanor. They knock the stuffing out of poor Eleanor, and ride the doll
carriage down the hill. It splashes into the pond.
When
Hazel calls, “Mother, I need you!” the magical part of the story is set in
motion. Wells’ whimsical ink and watercolor illustrations pop with color and
action. Hazel wears a bright yellow shirt that makes her stand out on each
page. As the bullies tease her, the sky darkens with a raincloud.
Hazel’s
mother is blown by the wind and rain across town, grasping a picnic blanket.
She arrives in time to direct the bullies’ clean up.
As
the chastened bullies complete the tidying, the sun comes out and the clouds
slip away. Hazel’s mother finishes the repairs on Eleanor, and they enjoy their
picnic before returning home. Love powers this fantasy for young children,
charming Mother and child pairs who read this cheerful picture book, daydreaming
imaginative rescues of their own.
Penguin, $5.99
(paperback) $16.00 (hardcover)
Interest Level:
Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 1
Koala Lou by Mem
Fox, illustrated by Pamela Loft
In
this surprising tale, with animal characters familiar in Australia, author Fox
creates a captivating book as a gift to her native country. A baby koala, loved
by all (including an emu and a platypus), is loved most by her mother. “Koala
Lou, I DO love you!” her mother says, again and again.
But,
as new siblings are born, her mother gets busier, and doesn’t “have the time to
tell Koala Lou that she loved her. Although of course she did.”
Koala
Lou decides to enter the Bush Olympics and “compete in the gum tree climbing
event.” When she wins, she imagines her mother will “fling her arms around her
neck and say again, ‘Koala Lou, I DO love you!’”
Lofts
uses a bright palette, snuggly animals, and energetic movement in her
illustrations. Each double-page spread is loosely arranged within a frame,
although parts of the painting escape from the edges and spill across into the
text. This dramatic method ties the reader intimately to the tale.
Koala
Lou begins training; jogging, lifting weights, doing push-ups; even hanging
from a branch with one claw. And, of course, climbing the tallest tree she can
find. “Over and over and over again.”
Yet,
in spite of her planning, and training and hoping, Koala Lou comes in second.
She goes and hides, crying her heart out. When she creeps back home, her mother
is waiting for her: she flings her arms around her neck, and says the words
Koala Lou has been longing to hear. This warm-hearted ending to a universal wish
is a memorable conclusion.
Harcourt, $7.99 (paperback)
$17.99 (hardcover)
Interest Level: Junior
Kindergarten – Grade 1
