 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Mama Says
- By Rob D. Walker
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Elegant art, loving lessons, tender words for moms and sons.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this book focuses on mothers and sons in particular, it offers beautiful lessons for all of us, with illustrations fit to be framed.
What's the story?
A series of 12 two-page spreads offer life lessons that mothers of different ethnicities pass on to their sons, from the importance of kindness, generosity, hard work, honesty, endurance, and so on. Each is given in a short poem that is written first in English, then side-by-side in the language of the culture depicted. Two illustrations for each lesson show the mother and son, dressed in cultural costumes, lovingly engaged in some action that illustrates the importance of the lesson being given. In the end, all sons have grown to men and, standing together, glow with a strength that grew out of listening to what "mama says."
Is it any good?
Though this book claims to be "a book of love for mothers and sons, " it is much, much more. With words that flow like the tender strains of a lullaby, lessons
that are simple but poignant, and the rich, elegant artwork, this is truly a
gift of love for us all.
Far from being your run-of-the-mill finger-wagging mother lectures, these are lessons of loving wisdom passed on with the tenderness of patient teachers at work. The words are touching and poetic, but the illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon are absolutely remarkable. Colors are rich, lines strong, and expressions brimming with human warmth. Besides portraying a universal strength of spirit as well as accuracy of detail, each dramatic painting echoes a genuine respect for people, especially mothers and sons, of all nations, and together they celebrate diversity, compassion, and "the most abiding power of all...love."
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the various cultures represented, and discuss the different pieces of advice each mother gives to her son. They can refer to the afterword for specific information about the languages and cultures depicted. What do the costumes and backgrounds say about each culture? Families also might talk about how all the lessons are different, yet all promote strong character and integrity. By listening to the words, and looking at the faces of the mothers and sons, they might also notice what makes all the mothers and sons the same. What kind of men will these sons become?
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| Author: | Rob D. Walker |
| Illustrators: | Diane Dillon, Leo Dillon |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Blue Sky Press |
| Publication date: | April 1, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 3 - 7 |
| Read aloud: | 3 |
| Read alone: | 6 |
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