M.O.M. (Mom Operating Manual), by Doreen Cronin and Laura Cornell. Atheneum, Simon & Schuster. 2011. $19.99 ages 8 and up

"Moms are highly portable. You can take them almost anywhere with little or no advance preparation or additional accessories. Taking them along with you also gives them brief exposure to natural sunlight, which they enjoy."

This is a book that will suit reading over the course of a few days! It has lots of text in its fifty-four pages and many different scenarios that kids will find funny, but which will also be appreciated by the adult who is reading it.

The Moms described range from the prehistoric to the present. Mostly it is about moms today, and all the trials and tribulations that children face in trying to keep them operational. They are reminded that daily quotas of sleep, nutrition, exercise and water (SNEW) are much needed and overwhelmingly appreciated. Should moms miss out on any of the four, trouble is sure to ensue.

Doreen Cronin adds humor to every page, encouraging those moms who try so hard to be the best they can be to see themselves in its pages and feel that they are doing all they can. In an age when knowing how to parent (and do it right) is as close as a Google search, moms are sure to find themselves somewhere within these pages. But, it's a long read and they may not have time to share it fully. That of course depends on how serious they are about always doing what is best and right! A little tongue-in-cheek? I think so!

Moms are pretty 'advanced human models' and should be appreciated for all they do to make the world go round. Just like everything else that runs on and on, they do need timely and appropriate maintenance if they are to 'keep on ticking'.  This manual may provide just the right guidance to ensure their longevity. Grooming helps, and a troubleshooting section should provide additional ideas when all seems lost.

There are laugh-out-loud scenes,. Word choice and the manual style of writing is imaginative and attention getting. Kids will find it funny. Moms may even find it hilarious and will want to share it with their friends. Laura Cornell's illustrations add to the fun, and suit the mood perfectly.

In the end, we need to remember that moms are very precious and need routine maintenance to keep them happy, healthy and without meltdown capabilities. Are you thinking about Mother's Day yet? Well......