My Mother is the Smartest Woman in the World

by Eleanor Clymer, Nancy Kincade (Illustrator)

When Kathleen decides that her resourceful, capable, and efficient mother would make a splendid mayor, she contributes her bicycle money and energy to her mother's campaign

85 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Eleanor Clymer (née Lowenton; January 7, 1906 – March 31, 2001), was a writer of children's books, best known for The Trolley Car Family (1947). She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1928 with a degree in English. Between the years of 1943 and 1983 she published 58 books, including The Tiny Little House, My Brother Stevie, and Hamburgers–and Ice Cream for Dessert.

Clymer was born in New York City, the daughter of Russian immigrants. Through much of her life she was a resident of Katonah, New York and an active member of the nearby Unitarian Universalist fellowship. In 1980 she was awarded the Rip Van Winkle award by the School Library Media Specialists of Southeastern New York for outstanding contributions to children's literature.

Her son, Adam Clymer, was a journalist with The New York Times. Clymer died in 2001 at the age of 95 in Haverford, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Sonia Gomes · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a book on empowering women rather than a children’s book.

[Erin Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I liked this book, and the story line of the young girl's mother becoming Mayor of the town, there were a few things about the story that I did not like. The assumption the author makes that Republicans think that no money should ever be spent on helping people, that all moms should stay at home with their children 24/7....and the related assumption that Democrats exist to give all the people everything they need, and liberate women. Also, I was bothered by the proclamation on page 26 that the U.S. is a democracy , when in fact, it is not. It is a Constitutional Republic. Big difference, Ms. Clymer. Personal pet peeves aside, it was a cute read.

[Elizabeth Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced book about a girl who encourages her mother to run for mayor after she sees how good her mother is at solving problems in the village. While showing the excitement of the political race it also reminds the reader about the sacrifice to the family life.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book to illustrate the election process, as mom runs for mayor. Pair this with Darleen Bailey Beard's Operation Clean Sweep.