Parents' Guide to

Are You My Mother?

By Ann Marie Sammataro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Hilarious illustrations amplify tale of confused baby bird.

Book P. D. Eastman For Beginning Readers 1960
Are You My Mother? Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 3+

Based on 1 parent review

marceladns
marceladns Parent of 3 and 5-year-old
March 4, 2011
age 3+

Perfect for little readers

I love that yy daughter (5) can read it to her brother (3), my son loves the story and you can see his emotions as the poor little bird travels around looking for his mother. I used to read the stories to my daughter when she was little and now they are a great way to practice her reading skills.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

I want my mother! Will the gritty determination of a very tiny bird win the day? Readers love the suspense and the hilarious conclusion, as a newly hatched baby bird begins a quest to find his mother. Uproarious illustrations complement the comical tale, providing giggles galore for young readers.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (4 ):

This classic tale is as appealing to modern-day children as it was to their parents decades ago. The short sentences and familiar words encourage new readers to try to tackle it on their own, and it works equally well as a read-aloud for younger children. This title also comes in an abbreviated board-book version.

P. D. Eastman's illustrations prove the old adage that sometimes less is more. The simple line drawings are rendered in shades of brown and gray with brilliant splashes of sunny yellow and vivid red. Children laugh themselves silly over images of the gangly baby bird.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the young bird's confusion and the concept of imprinting.

Book Details

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