Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
By Diondra Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Loving, warm picture book about missing a traveling parent.
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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?
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
- Author: Nina LaCour
- Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Candlewick Press
- Publication date: March 29, 2022
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 12, 2022
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