Downing, Julie. 2003. WHERE IS MY MOMMY? New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0688178243 [Suggested Ages 3-7]
SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS
In this endearing storybook, adorable little animals ask the same question, “Where is my Mommy?” From a sleeping bunny, a timid skunk, three melodic blue birds, a frightened squirrel, a mischievous dog, a frisky kitten, and a playful toddler, all nine engage in a tender moment with their mothers. Common animals are easily identifiable and children will enjoy the anticipation of turning each page to discover the next baby animal and its mother.
Charming and soft illustrations create a soothing and engaging atmosphere for children to enjoy. This lovely and tender storybook will give children the reassurance of mommy’s love each time the story is read. The broad, white spread pages with only the words, “Where is my Mommy?” leave the reader with a peaceful expectancy. Downing has effectively created a welcomed answer to every child’s question in breathtakingly beautiful scenes of mother and child, which creates a serene, safe, and cozy feeling. Children will linger over the short phrases and the large font mingled into the delightful artwork. This book is a wonderful bedtime choice.
CONNECTIONS
Downing’s WHERE IS MY MOMMY? offers young children opportunities for active participation and response. Young children might discuss what they know about the different animals showcased and make the appropriate sounds of each animal. Discussion about the differences in a domestic animal versus an undomesticated one could be beneficial. Not all children might understand the possible dangers when playing with a baby skunk or squirrel.
Activities can be developed to help children pair baby animals with their mothers. A counting game would be fun (e.g. first just count the babies and then count the mothers and follow with counting all of the animals). They might enjoy a read aloud of related books.
RELATED BOOKS
Other books that invoke a nurturing and cozy feeling between a baby and its mother:
Fox, Mem. TIME FOR BED. ISBN 0152881832
Morrow, Tara Jaye. MOMMY LOVES HER BABY, DADDY LOVES HIS BABY. ISBN 0060290781
Munsch, Robert. LOVE YOU FOREVER. ISBN 0920668372
Tafuri, Nancy. I LOVE YOU, LITTLE ONE. ISBN 0590921592
By Rita Pickett
No comments:
Post a Comment