Mom! Mama! Maw. Mother. Mommy. Ma'am. Mum.
Whatever she's called, this is a week set aside for recognition and celebration (as if most mothers didn't consider every day a time for recognition!).In children's picture books, mothers have been portrayed in as many ways as her title is given: hardworking, liberated, "trendy," cookie-baking stalwart - or martyr.
Mothers give advice and counsel like Mrs. Rabbit in "Peter Rabbit" as she supports the errant son when he goes against her admonitions. She even provides the camomile tea to ease the troubled child, probably realizing that her saying "Don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden . . . " is just another invitation to adventure.
The youngest readers see mothers pushing carriages, painting fences, going to work and exercising for health's sake such as in "Bend and Stretch" by Jan Ormerod, where a child joins the fun, never realizing mother's growing size signals his replacement as an only child!
Mothers can be independent like the one in "Piggybook" by Anthony Browne, who calls her family "pigs!" and leaves them for a short time to snort and snuffle in their own mess. Such a mess causes little stir to the unflappable mother in "Honestly Andrew," by Gloria Skurzynski.
Mothers tell stories, give good-night kisses and appreciate surprises in three new Mother's Day picture books.
In "Tell Me a Story, Mama," by Angela Johnson with illustrations by David Soman (Orchard Books, 1990, $13.95), the child knows exactly which story she wants and the order in which it is to be told. In fact, mother gets little chance to tell any part of it.
Children will see the humor in this first book by a young author and illustrating team. Rereading will be a must.
Denys Cazet's pencil and watercolor illustrations bring a serenity to "Mother Night" (Orchard Books, 1989. $14.95). When "night is near . . . " who tells the stories, sings the songs, kisses the children and whispers "sweet dreams?" A parent, of course.
While these are bear, mouse, fox and raven youngsters, the story is for all children. "Mother Night is gone. Now, who will wake her children?" The answer is assured.
This sensitive book will be a bedtime pleaser for Mother's Day and the whole year.
My favorite Mother's Day picture book will bring back reminiscences for anyone who remembers the "kitchen calamities" when children plan a food surprise. Especially a Mother's Day food surprise!
When Hackett and Ivy want something special in "The Mother's Day Sandwich," by Jillian Wynot and Maxie Chambliss (Orchard Books, 1990. $14.95), many decisions must be made: Cake? They are not allowed to use the oven. Egg? The eggbeater and bowl may fall on the floor. Fruit? Using sharp knives isn't a good idea. Mayonnaise and pickles? "Yuck!"
Cornflakes are finally decided upon, and they are poured into the bowl (from the top of the cupboard). Tuna fish, crackers, coffee and beans, soup, pears, raisins, noodles, jelly, spaghetti, vinegar, tomato sauce, tea, cookies and sardines all fall down as well. No crying over spilt milk or mashed bananas!
When the tray is ready with flowers and juice, Ivy and Hackett tiptoe as "Silent as fog . . . ."
Mother's sound sleep results in an upturned tray. But in the end Ivy becomes one slice of bread and Hackett the other with Mama as the cheese, in between, squeezed very close . . . "so it can't fall out."
It has been a long time since there have been a wholesome two like Ivy and Hackett. They are fresh and guileless as a breeze. One hopes that they become a regular pair for a new writer/illustrator pair who have delighted our hearts for Mother's Day.