Mommy's Love - by Anastasia Galkina (Board Book)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

This tender poem reinforces the message that no matter a child's strengths or weaknesses, whether they succeed or fail, Mommy's love never falters. With adorable art showcasing a variety of family scenarios that will be familiar to any parent, Mommy Loves You makes it clear that a mother's love is unconditional.

If you're strong . . . or if you're not,
you're the dearest one she's got.

Review Quotes

Written using second-person narration, this declaration of unconditional maternal love features a blue-haired mother with olive-tinged skin and four children in her care; no parenting partner is pictured. The family is shown playing, doing domestic chores, engaging in extracurricular activities, and relaxing. But we also see struggle: siblings arguing; a child attempting to overcome a moment of shyness; another behaving selfishly, which leads to tears; and more. The rhyming text reassures readers that "no matter what you do or say, / Mommy loves you anyway." The emotions are big: The toddlers at whom this board book is aimed will immediately recognize the anguish of having toys snatched away or the tugging match over an octopus toy in a shared bath. The cartoony digital illustrations are brightly colored with lime green, blue (the same cerulean tint as the mother's hair), and shades of pink used as color motifs. The final spread flashes forward in time; we see a wall of framed photos of the children, now adults, posing with Mommy, now an elderly woman but with the same defiantly blue hair.

A sweet celebration of unconditional love and single parenting. (Board book. 2-4)" - Kirkus Review

"With simple rhyming sentences and bright happy illustrations, this book lends itself to repeated readings in the comfort of a caregiver's lap. A warm, blue-haired mom supports and loves her children no matter how they behave or struggle or feel: "If you're strong or if you're not, you're the dearest one she's got." All characters have brown skin. Unlike many other mother-centric books, this story shows a mother of three unique children, all of whom have a turn to bond with their Mom; she rides scooters with her son and comforts one of her daughters who gets in a fight with other children over toys. The last spread shows several family photos throughout the years, with Mom in them all. VERDICT Recommended for purchase in all public libraries where board books are popular". - Kristy Pasquariello, School Library Journal

"Experience the magic of a mother's unconditional love in this beautiful board book for little ones. Written as a love letter from a mom to her children, this book follows a family as they explore what it means to give and experience love in unconditional ways. Whether short, tall, strong, or weak, mommy loves you (reader) all the same. You are loved when you cry and when you smile. Mommy loves you when you are brave and feeling shy. Even when you forget to be polite or struggle with something you are still loved. Mommy's touch can make you feel love and no matter what mommy loves you. These are all messages throughout the book that will help readers to understand and feel unconditional love. The illustrations are colorful and unique. Many of the family members are drawn with blue hair. This book would be an excellent gift for expectant or new parents." - Children's Literature Reviews

"With simple rhyming sentences and bright happy illustrations, this book lends itself to repeated readings in the comfort of a caregiver's lap. A warm, blue-haired mom supports and loves her children no matter how they behave or struggle or feel: "If you're strong or if you're not, you're the dearest one she's got." - School Library Journal

"Experience the magic of a mother's unconditional love in this beautiful board book for little ones. Written as a love letter from a mom to her children, this book follows a family as they explore what it means to give and experience love in unconditional ways." - Children's Literature Reviews