Because Your Mommy Loves You [Hardcover]

Andrew Clements (Author), R. W. Alley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: April 3, 2012 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years

When a little boy and his mom go camping, mini-disasters abound, and there are
lots of opportunities for Mom to step in and fix everything. But instead, with a loving
touch, this mommy shows her child ways to do things for himself, going far to encourage
her child’s independence. And there is still plenty of opportunity for snuggling
under the stars.
This warm and humorous testament to all the loving things a supportive mom does
each day is every bit as heartwarming as its predecessor and is sure to become a favorite
for families everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Clements and Alley reunite to produce a strong companion title to Because Your Daddy Loves You (2005)...Sure to connect with children in many ways--the adventure of camping, learning how to do things all by oneself and conquering initial anxieties."--Kirkus

"The repetition in the text is engaging, and children will enjoy this tale of an adventurous day hiking and an overnight in a tent."--School Library Journal

"With tenderness and gentle humor, Alley's light-filled ink, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations capture the bond between mother and son."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Andrew Clements is the author of picture books and novels for young readers, including the perennial bestseller Frindle (Simon & Schuster.. He lives in Westborough, Massachusetts.

R. W. Alley is the illustrator of many beloved books, including the Paddington Bear picture book series. He lives in Barrington, Rhode Island. Visit him at www.rwalley.com.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547255225
• ISBN-13: 978-0547255224
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 10.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #788,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Most of my characters are fairly normal people who are dealing with the basics of everyday life--getting along with others, finding a place in the world, discovering talents, overcoming challenges, trying to have some wholesome fun along the way, and getting into some scrapes and a little mischief now and then, too. I guess I hope my readers will be able to see bits and pieces of themselves in the stories, particularly the novels that take place in and around school. School is a rich setting because schools and education are at the heart of every community. The stories that are set in school seem to resonate with kids, teachers, parents, librarians--readers of all ages. Everyone's life has been touched by school experiences. And I also hope, of course, that kids and others will enjoy reading, enjoy the use of language, enjoy my storytelling.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaches Self-Reliance May 3, 2012

By Nancy VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

When my children hit their early teens, they began to question why I did not do all the "stuff" for them that other moms did for their children. At the time, I did not have an answer that they would accept, the answer that involved learning lessons and becoming self-sufficient. When I came across this book, I had to share it with them.

They still wished that I had been the one to make their life easier, but with age comes wisdom and they are both glad that they were taught the life skills that make getting over their own hurdles that much easier.

While on a camping trip, the mommy in this story knows that it is her responsibility to raise an independent self-reliant young man. When her son faces a few challenges, like carrying his own pack, crossing a wobbly log, or setting up a tent - tasks that she could easily do for him, but she doesn't - she decides to let her son challenge his own boundaries and with minimal help, mom and son can both celebrate in a job well done.

I loved this book and the life lessons that it teaches. In a world full of hovering parents, it is nice to see a mom that allows their child to gain confidence is lessons learned and challenges faced.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars such a sweet story April 27, 2012

By Maria

Format:Hardcover

I enjoyed reading this to my boys, and more importantly, they loved listening to the story. Both kids (ages 3 and 6) sat quietly through the whole book, listening to the story and checking out the cute illustrations. I found it easy to identify with the mom character and learned a few lessons myself while reading it. This is a keeper for sure.

5.0 out of 5 stars Different perspective of mom May 26, 2013

By Sabina Damone

Format:Hardcover

Our librarian read this book to the kids at library hour before Mother's day. I so loved it I had to buy a copy for myself. It's very rare that mom is portrayed in a nontraditional role. In my home I am the one drags us camping all summer long and can't wait to take my kids on their first backpacking trips. I also appreciate how the author reinforces how a mommy can lovingly foster independence in your child. It's a great read that both of my preschoolers enjoyed, maybe mom little more so.

4.0 out of 5 stars Raising a self-reliant child June 21, 2012

By Brimful Curiosities

Format:Hardcover

In this book, a mother and son embark on a camping trip together. The child encounters a few difficulties along the way, and the mother helps her young son overcome adversity without stepping in and doing everything for him. When the boy gets lost in the store, she doesn't go rushing after him but has him follow her voice back, gives him a hug and asks him to promise not to wander off. When the boy tires while hiking, she doesn't offer to carry his backpack for him but instead they take a snack break before continuing up the trail. R.W. Alley's colorful watercolor, ink and acrylic illustrations portray lovely outdoor scenes set in a national forest complete with a rainbow sunset and a cozy star lit evening.

The mom in this book certainly maintains a hands-off parenting style throughout the book, though she still snuggles and offers comforting support, especially at bedtime. The book is a good reminder to parents that it is important to instill in children a sense of responsibility, even at an early age. While this book is definitely an appropriate read for all families, it is an especially good choice for single parent families as it portrays only a mother and son.