This intimate picture book debut captures the joys—and occasional struggles—of being a stay-at-home parent.Rollicking rhyme and playful illustrations record a day in the life of two rambunctious children and their stay-at-home mother. As fun as it is being a kid, it can be
hard work being a
mom. When Dad heads to his job, the joyful chaos of getting ready for the day begins. To the children, that day is a happy blur of school and playdates, singing and dancing, supermarket walks and library stops, bath time, story time, bedtime. But Mommy’s time is filled with a whole lot
more—sweeping, laundry, stinky diapers—tiring work achieved with love in her eyes and care in her smiles. An authentic catalog of precious moments in the life of an ordinary family, this warm, revealing story builds a bridge of empathy between parent and child and celebrates the value of “Mommy time.”
On sale: March 28, 2023
Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3
Page count: 32 Pages
ISBN: 9781536212266
Monique James-Duncan is the author of
Mommy Time,
her publishing debut. Born in Britain and raised on the tiny island of the Commonwealth of Dominica, she is passionate about writing literature with mirrors so all children can feel seen. About the book, she says, "
Mommy Time is an ode to mothers—particularly the largely unseen African American stay-at-home mother. Thus, through the eyes of her adorable toddler, we see that her ‘unpaid’ work is, to him, precious, appreciated, and undoubtedly one of the most challenging jobs in the world.” A busy stay-at-home mother herself, she lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Ebony Glenn is the illustrator of numerous books for young readers, including
Red Shoes by Karen English,
Speak Up by Miranda Paul, and
Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins by Michelle Meadows. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
An adorable story that is simple and full of love. . . . The illustrations and text work wonderfully together. . . This is a timely and relatable tale about love, daily life, and family. . . . An adorable story that encourages students to share what they do during the day and how much they love their family—especially their mom.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
Soft, energetic digital illustrations portray a day in the life of a loving mother as she spends time with her young children. The mother’s love and care for her children is clear, and the little ones’ appreciation shines through the joyfully rhythmic narration. . . . A beautiful display of how mothers show up for their children in myriad ways.
—Kirkus Reviews
“We just love our Mommy time,” two siblings exclaim in this rhythmically rendered account of the daylong caregiving they receive from their seemingly tireless mother. . . . Employing pastel hues and shapely forms, Glenn’s digital art depicts the Black-presenting family’s day as full of “tender, precious/ moments time” that Mommy is pictured as relishing with an (almost) unwavering smile.
—Publishers Weekly
The rhythmic text and expressive illustrations offer a kid’s-eye view of the care and structure mothers bring to their children’s lives. Plan a read-aloud for Mother’s Day on May 14 – and whenever you want to applaud a mother’s love and hard work.
—Washington Parent
