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There's Only One Mum Like You
Award-winning illustrator Jess Racklyeft pays tribute the unique magic of mothers in There's Only One Mum Like You, the beautiful new picture book that will steal hearts.
- GenresPicture Books
Board Book
15 people want to read
About the author
Jess Racklyeft
59 books11 followersJess Racklyeft is an author and illustrator based in Fitzroy, Melbourne. From her home studio, Jess creates original paintings and prints for greeting card companies and various clients. But her favourite work of all is producing children's books! Jess has authored and illustrated several picture books and board books and has won several awards, including a CBCA Award.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 30, 2019
Let’s face it, when it comes to mums, most of us think our mum is the best, better than all the rest. If you feel like this about your mum, then Jess Racklyeft’s recently released picture book will capture your heart.
It is a heart-warming tribute to all mothers out there in the big, wide world who, on a daily basis, demonstrate their love and devotion for their children in big ways, small ways and sometimes unique ways. Even though many may work, as well as take care of the family, mums never cease to come up with creative ways to entertain, soothe, teach, and simply ‘be there’ for their children. If blessed with children, being a mother is one of the most valuable roles a person can have and the most rewarding, even though at times, it can sometimes be challenging. But, where would we be without them?
Jess combines her artistic talents of writing and illustrating to share her love story to mums in rhyme. The only way to discover the true magic of rhyme is to read it out loud, which is the way every picture book should be read. Rhyme is lyrical and children enjoy hearing stories and poetry that is well written. If the rhythm is true and the beat just right, stories tend to stick in your mind. If the words roll off the tongue naturally, you’re on a winner.
Jess’ whimsical watercolour illustrations are beautiful and happy; children will find delight exploring and discovering lots of interesting gems on most pages of this book. Using whimsy animal characters throughout, the illustrations invite a discussion between reader and listener. This book is a springboard for many ideas showcasing all the different ways mums help take care of us and importantly how they can differ too. Jess even managed to sneak a special illustration on one particular page; a reference to illustrator Briony Stewart, and author Emma Middleton’s book, Lion in the Living Room, also by Affirm Press. I recommend this book to anyone who has a mother, grandmother, or would simply love to share word-pictures and illustrations with their youngsters.
It is a heart-warming tribute to all mothers out there in the big, wide world who, on a daily basis, demonstrate their love and devotion for their children in big ways, small ways and sometimes unique ways. Even though many may work, as well as take care of the family, mums never cease to come up with creative ways to entertain, soothe, teach, and simply ‘be there’ for their children. If blessed with children, being a mother is one of the most valuable roles a person can have and the most rewarding, even though at times, it can sometimes be challenging. But, where would we be without them?
Jess combines her artistic talents of writing and illustrating to share her love story to mums in rhyme. The only way to discover the true magic of rhyme is to read it out loud, which is the way every picture book should be read. Rhyme is lyrical and children enjoy hearing stories and poetry that is well written. If the rhythm is true and the beat just right, stories tend to stick in your mind. If the words roll off the tongue naturally, you’re on a winner.
Jess’ whimsical watercolour illustrations are beautiful and happy; children will find delight exploring and discovering lots of interesting gems on most pages of this book. Using whimsy animal characters throughout, the illustrations invite a discussion between reader and listener. This book is a springboard for many ideas showcasing all the different ways mums help take care of us and importantly how they can differ too. Jess even managed to sneak a special illustration on one particular page; a reference to illustrator Briony Stewart, and author Emma Middleton’s book, Lion in the Living Room, also by Affirm Press. I recommend this book to anyone who has a mother, grandmother, or would simply love to share word-pictures and illustrations with their youngsters.
May 30, 2025
‘” I love your quiet stories, songs sung loud in the rain.
No one can hug like you, Mum or make me feel the same.”
Brave mums, playful mums, cuddly mums, quiet mums-every mum is special in her own way.
Charming, heartfelt and delightful, There’s Only One Mum Like You is a tribute to the unique magic of mums.’
This book was beautiful.
As soon as I saw this book I knew I was going to love it. Even though this is a children’s book it is easily one of my favourite reads this year.
The story was sweet and felt like a warm hug. I loved the different situations and lovely moments that were used to show how wonderful mums are. These different moments were very nostalgic to read about and made me want to give my mum a giant hug.
This book was also filled with beautiful illustrations that brought the words to life. Each page’s illustrations matched the writing and showed a selection of animal mums with their babies performing the situations being described which was so wonderful to see.
Jess Racklyeft has done a fantastic job with this book. The way in which the illustrations and writing complimented each other was perfect, the use of relatable moments for children to recognise was brilliant, and having animals represent the different mums and children made for a beautiful reading experience.
As I am not the target audience I can only guess how this book will be received by young readers and their families but given how much I adored this book I can easily imagine this book becoming a fast and much-loved book in many many homes.
There’s Only One Mum Like You by Jess Racklyeft is a must-have for all young readers and their mums.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
No one can hug like you, Mum or make me feel the same.”
Brave mums, playful mums, cuddly mums, quiet mums-every mum is special in her own way.
Charming, heartfelt and delightful, There’s Only One Mum Like You is a tribute to the unique magic of mums.’
This book was beautiful.
As soon as I saw this book I knew I was going to love it. Even though this is a children’s book it is easily one of my favourite reads this year.
The story was sweet and felt like a warm hug. I loved the different situations and lovely moments that were used to show how wonderful mums are. These different moments were very nostalgic to read about and made me want to give my mum a giant hug.
This book was also filled with beautiful illustrations that brought the words to life. Each page’s illustrations matched the writing and showed a selection of animal mums with their babies performing the situations being described which was so wonderful to see.
Jess Racklyeft has done a fantastic job with this book. The way in which the illustrations and writing complimented each other was perfect, the use of relatable moments for children to recognise was brilliant, and having animals represent the different mums and children made for a beautiful reading experience.
As I am not the target audience I can only guess how this book will be received by young readers and their families but given how much I adored this book I can easily imagine this book becoming a fast and much-loved book in many many homes.
There’s Only One Mum Like You by Jess Racklyeft is a must-have for all young readers and their mums.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
May 18, 2025
Our Review...
Incredibly talented Australian author illustrator Jess Rackyleft has created a wonderful and beautifully illustrated book to celebrate the special place Mums hold in our lives.
There’s only one mum like you, Mum.
I love you for being you.
You teach me about this great big world, And how to enjoy the view.
Brave mums, playful mums, quiet mums, and cuddly mums – every mum is special in her very own way. This book takes you on a heart-warming rhyming journey, celebrating the unique magic of mums. Jess’ truly beautiful and vibrant watercolour illustrations of different animals and their young perfectly capture the special bonds that make every mother-child relationship unique. A delightful celebration of mums for families to treasure.
Review by Jess @ Great Escape Books
Incredibly talented Australian author illustrator Jess Rackyleft has created a wonderful and beautifully illustrated book to celebrate the special place Mums hold in our lives.
There’s only one mum like you, Mum.
I love you for being you.
You teach me about this great big world, And how to enjoy the view.
Brave mums, playful mums, quiet mums, and cuddly mums – every mum is special in her very own way. This book takes you on a heart-warming rhyming journey, celebrating the unique magic of mums. Jess’ truly beautiful and vibrant watercolour illustrations of different animals and their young perfectly capture the special bonds that make every mother-child relationship unique. A delightful celebration of mums for families to treasure.
Review by Jess @ Great Escape Books
November 17, 2019
Such a beautifully designed and illustrated book, with many heart felt and lovely moments between mum and child. Rhyming text was frequently off beat which was a shame as it could have been perfect otherwise
September 29, 2019
Heartfelt and delightful celebration of mums. Their uniqueness and universal love for their children. Sweet without being soppingly sentimental.
April 9, 2022
This is a book about different animals with their baby.
January 15, 2025
Gorgeous illustrations of animal mums and their precious babies hero this book, also featuring a heartfelt poem to mothers everywhere.
May 31, 2025
Such a sweet gift! So many beautiful pictures and meaningful messages!!
June 1, 2025
my bubs like this
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews