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Saturday, November 11, 2023

My Mother Was A Nanny, written and illustrated by Laura James. Groundwood, 2023. $21.99 ages 5 and up

 


"My mother was a baker. 

On Wednesdays, Mummy made bread for the 
whole week. Then she took the leftover dough
and made my favorite dinner - pizza! 

When I snuck a piece of cheese, Mummy said,
"Gwaan from ya!
"

If you are a mom, you know just how busy most days can be! In this family story, a young girl closely follows her mother, watching and learning about the many ways that mother shows her love for others. She plays many roles: parent, nanny, breakfast maker, teacher, shopper, friend, cleaner, dressmaker, baker, sister. Are there more? Why, yes - a listener, a baby walker, a party planner, and a mother delighted to offer up a big Easter surprise! 

The many faces of her mother are described day by day through the week. Each day brings a new discovery about activities that occupy her mother's time. The child is asked to help from time to time; sometimes being sent away to fend for herself. With the arrival of the weekend, the child is invited to accompany her mother as she cleans an office. There she finds art supplies no longeer needed, and available to take home with her. 

"There was a box full of things for my mother to 
throw away, including paper and colored pencils 
and markers.
"

What a fine surprise! 

 After longing for her mother's attention that always seems focused on someone else and other distractions, a really special surprise comes one Easter Sunday morning. Although Mummy seems busy thinking about and helping so many others, she never ever forgets about her children and the things that are important to them. This is a heartwarming family story and will make an excellent read aloud in an early years classroom. Certain to inspire conversation and observations. 

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