On Mother's Lap [Board book]

Ann Herbert Scott (Author), Glo Coalson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 21, 2000

A little Inuit boy discovers there's room for himself and his baby sister on their mother's lap.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The furnishings are few in this chilly Eskimo dwelling, but when Michael jumps in Mother's lap, the love between them warms the room, as "back and forth, back and forth, they rock." Michael runs to get Dolly, then his carved boat, a reindeer blanket and even his puppy: the small rocking chair is full. When Baby cries, Mother insists there's room for her too, but Michael pouts and hides. All of them end up back in the chair, crowded but cozy; Michael admits, "It feels good." Pastels in earth tones and turquoise create a luminous setting with the captivating faces of the serene mother and her two small children. Though the story is very slight, it makes a reassuring point for little ones, who need to know that a mother's love is an expandable quantity. Ages 2-5.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- An update of the 1972 collaboration (McGraw-Hill; o.p.). Coalson improves upon a fine original work, drawing the Eskimo mother as a younger woman and adding color, finer lines, and details of contemporary Inuit life. Scott's spare, gentle text has not been altered; the difference is its placement on the page. The universality of all-encompassing maternal love transcends ethnicity and still rings true in the update, but Coalson's realistic, warm illustrations give On Mother's Lap revitalized energy to reach a new generation of youngsters. Libraries still owning the earlier work can get by, but this one is a top choice. --Mollie Bynum, Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Board book: 14 pages
• Publisher: HMH Books (August 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618051597
• ISBN-13: 978-0618051595
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Issues > New Sibling
  • #29 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Multicultural Stories > Native North & South Americans
  • #36 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Native American

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We love this book!, February 23, 2000

By 

Kathleen (Dover, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Mother's Lap (Hardcover)

This book was a present from a friend to my son who was 2 at the time my daughter was born. The children are now 5 and 3, respectively. It continues as a favorite from amongst the now hundreds of books on their shelves. Not only is this book a wonderful lesson of sharing and love ("There's always room on Mother's lap" has become a mantra in our house), but it is also a lovely book filled with beautiful images of everyday Inuit life. I'm now buying a copy for another friend of mine who is expecting her second child.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The absolute best of the new sibling books!, August 26, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Mother's Lap (Hardcover)

Many of our friends and family are in the time of life when the families are expanding, so a book to soften the blow to a newly de-throned older sibling is just the thing. When we visit a family with a present for a new baby, I ALWAYS make sure I have this book in hand for the older child. The only thing I vary is which version I give (hardcover, paperback and board book based on the age of the child).
The book is full of incredibly beautiful images of a simple life with text that is rhythmic and flowing. It exudes love and caring without being smothering or indulgent. It reinforces the idea that a new sibling, rather than being an annoyance, actually adds to the joy that is family life!
It is, far and away, the best of the books I have seen on the subject and I've looked at dozens! We even have several that were given to my son when my daughter was born, however, this is the only one that stayed in our reading repertoire. The children still sometimes go back to it (and mine are 6 and 8 now). "There's always room... on Mother's lap" was nearly a mantra in our house for a number of years!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Story and Illustrations, December 27, 2002

By 

Irish Flair (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Mother's Lap (Paperback)

This book tells the story of a little boy who, while curled on his Mother's lap, wants to bring all sorts of other objects up with him... until the baby wants to be included. Of course, there's "always room on Mother's lap" which the little boy finds is not only true but a pleasant experience for him as well.

I love the restful illustrations and the ethnic items the young boy wants to have with him on mom's lap. The overall story is one of sweet acceptance and a perfect read for a young older sibling.