Parents' Guide to Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle

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Common Sense Media Review

Diondra K. Brown By Diondra K. Brown , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Loving, warm picture book about missing a traveling parent.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 5+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 3+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

MAMA AND MOMMY AND ME IN THE MIDDLE shares the story of a little girl who loves nothing more than being in the middle of her Mommy and Mama, but feels empty feelings when Mommy goes on a work trip. Mama attempts to fill the week with routine outings like trips to the grocery store and attending school, as well as special things like an outdoor movie night. The girl learns that she's not the only kid at school with a loved one who isn't able to be home. These things are a great distraction, but she still feels sad, and expresses how much she misses her Mommy during phone calls. She prepares a special gift for her Mommy when she returns, but how will she feel when she finally sees her?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 1 ):

This is a bright, sentimental, and relatable story for any child who's missed a loved one when they were far away from home. Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle is filled with love and inclusivity. Illustrator Kyalani Juanita's beautifully toned and distinctive mixed-media images capture readers' attention. The book's inclusion of similes helps to define the characters' feelings for a young audience. This is a nice read for children who need to know that they aren't alone with their emotions of sadness when they're apart from someone they love.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the three people who make up the central family in Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle. Who's in your family? How is your family the same, or different from the family in the book?

  • Mommy works in Minnesota for a week, while her family is in California. Those states are far away from each other. Does anyone in your family sometimes live or work far away from your home? How do you feel when they're gone?

  • How would you pass the time if your parent was away from home for a week? How you welcome them back home?

Book Details

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