What Will Mommy Do When I'm at School? [Hardcover]

Dolores Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 1990 | Age Level: 5 and up

A child worries about how her mother will cope at home on her own while she is at school.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The considerate black girl in this comforting book turns her own fears about exchanging her well-known daily routine for the world of school into concern for her mother. "As long as I've known my mom, I've never left her alone," she muses. She goes on to recount many of the pleasurable experiences they shared when they stayed home together: making muffins in the morning, singing songs, combing each other's hair, reading books and shopping for groceries. Her mom lets the girl know that she shouldn't worry about her. Although she'll miss her daughter, she won't have time to be lonely, as she is starting a new job. The girl promises to teach her mother all that she learns in school, thus giving the story a reassuring resolution: there will still be time for sharing. Although Johnson's realistic watercolor and colored-pencil drawings are not particularly distinctive, her tale offers a fresh perspective on a familiar subject. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 1-- A little girl on the eve of her first day of school is worried, not about herself, but about her mother. No more cooking muffins together, no more watching cartoons as they straighten up the living room, no more time for combing each other's hair in the morning . . . how will her mother cope? Her parents' gentle assurances help her begin to look forward to the new adventure, and she decides she will alleviate her mother's loneliness by sharing her school experiences with her. This variation on the theme of school jitters addresses the concerns of some sensitive children, but the text goes on too long, and the girl's final acceptance of the situation is jarringly sudden. The mother's last-minute declaration that she herself will be beginning a brand new job makes the ending a bit too pat. The softly colored illustrations depicting a warm, middle-class black family are attractive, but the perspective seems off, and the poses often appear awkward. Still, this portrayal of one of childhood's major transitions will appeal to many. --Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (November 30, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027478459
• ISBN-13: 978-0027478457
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,270,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars What Will Mommy Do When I'm at School, February 3, 2000

By 

Mary Leggewie - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Will Mommy Do When I'm At School? (Aladdin Picture Books) (Board book)

This is perhaps one of the saddest picture books I've seen in a while. It's the story of a little girl whose childhood is about to end with the beginning of formal schooling. Based on the idea of how lonely the little girl's mother will be when her child begins school, the book shows all the wonderful cuddly things that they won't be doing together anymore, such as baking muffins together, singing songs, reading picture books, having afternoon tea time, and walking to the park. I suppose a great subtitle would be "The end of childhood and a close relationship with mom." I suppose this book did have a good effect on my children--They are more thankful to be homeschooled children after seeing how much this little girl and her mother had to give up!

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive & Charming, April 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: What Will Mommy Do When I'm at School? (Hardcover)

This book sensitively works through a young girl's fears about parting from her mother to go to school. The girl turns her own feelings into concern for her mother, wondering "how will my MOTHER manage if I leave her here alone?" Not only is this a clever approach in book form - it is a way of looking at challenges that makes real children relax tremendously and get in touch with their own strength. I know because I have worked with young children for many years, and turning issues around like that often gives them a new & empowering perspective, which they love. I don't think this book is depressing at all, by the way. Along with lovely paintings, there is the heartfelt love of a daughter for her home & her mother, and also an authentic resolution of a child's fears.

1 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Story!, November 3, 1999

By 

Cheryl522 (NJ - [e-mail]) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Will Mommy Do When I'm At School? (Aladdin Picture Books) (Board book)

This is a heart warming story, that many parents have to face when sending your child to school for the first time. The pictures are beautiful!

Enjoy!