My Mom [Paperback]

Anthony Browne (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: P and up

We first meet Mom over a cup of coffee, clad in a floral robe. The robe is ever present as her child describes her wondrous abilities and traits. The ultimate message that shines forth is: “I love my mom. And you know what? SHE LOVES ME! (And she always will.)”

“With simplicity, strength, and complete understanding of children’s perceptions, Browne uses the voice of an unseen child to praise one mother – and, by extension, all moms.” – Booklist

“The sentiment is so pure that this tale will be a beloved addition to a family’s repertoire of stories to treasure.” – Kirkus Reviews

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–While Browne has paid homage to the art of motherhood in the past, his latest exploration offers unadulterated affection and adoration. Choosing not to contrast the main character with her mate in this setting allows the author to put aside the sophomoric and rough-hewn behavior of his typical father figures in favor of a gentle sweetness and good-natured humor. Mom is first pictured in a floral bathrobe, coffee cup in hand; readers glean that, "She's nice, my mom." Each ensuing page portrays her many talents and Browne's clever conceits. As a "fantastic cook," she oversees an array of cakes à la artist Wayne Thiebaud, one sporting a gorilla face. As the musical angel, her pose re-creates a Piero della Francesca painting. When viewers see what she could be, they are treated to a movie-star mom, dress billowing upward like Marilyn Monroe's. In each scene, the flowers-and-hearts fabric is part of her costume, as are the pink, fuzzy slippers, where possible. This loving tribute is sure to be a hit with parents and children at storytimes and for one-on-one sharing.– Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. With simplicity, strength, and complete understanding of children's perceptions, Browne uses the voice of an unseen child to praise one mother--and by extension, all moms. The introductory page shows a mother who looks like many others, with an unadorned face and wavy hair that hasn't seen a haircut in a while. Clutching a cup of coffee and wearing a delicately flowered robe over a striped tee, she stares out at the audience, while the text notes, "She's nice, my mom." By the book's conclusion, she's "really, really nice." She's also a good deal more: a fantastic cook, a brilliant juggler, a gardener. Browne uses touches of satire effectively in the art: Mom is the strongest woman in the world as she schlepps grocery bags into the house. There are touches of whimsy, too, as when Mom's flowered robe turns into an armchair. As always, Browne's paintings hold attention, whether depicting images true to life or flights of fancy, and the honesty of the narrator's emotions and Mom's devotion shine through. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); First Edition edition (March 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374400261
• ISBN-13: 978-0374400262
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #148,973 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #94 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Holidays & Festivals > Non-religious

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A WARM, FUNNY TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS, April 29, 2005

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: My Mom (Hardcover)

Sure to be a family favorite artist/author Anthony Browne pays a tribute to all Moms just as he did to fathers with "My Dad." Once again he provides whimsical illustrations accompanied by a funny, loving text.

We first meet Mom with the simple line, ""She's nice, my mom." Next, we're reminded of how well she can cook and juggle a myriad of tasks - housekeeping, shopping, carpooling, the list never ends.

Of course, Mom is so wonderful that she can do everything - she has a green thumb and makes flowers grow, she can cheer others up, sing like an angel (and, when the necessity arises she can "roar like a lion).

Truth is, if she weren't so busy being a Mom she could be a dancer or even an astronaut. Of course, her most important job is simply being a Mom. And the most important lesson that youngsters will learn is that she loves them and she always will.

- Gail Cooke

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, October 13, 2005

By 

Cheryl Hunter "CHunter" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: My Mom (Hardcover)

My grandson loves to have this book read to him. It is easy for a young child to relate to the pictures and simple words.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Ever!, December 27, 2011

By 

Grandma - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My Mom (Hardcover)

It was a great buy and a wonderful book. I bought it for my granddaughter to give to her mom.