My Silly Mum

by Monique Mulligan, Veronica Rooke (Illustrator)

Dancing with the vacuum cleaner … making my dinner into funny faces. My mum is so silly she drives me nuts! Sometimes I wish my mum wasn’t so silly … or do I?

With delightful illustrations and a hearty sprinkling of humour, My Silly Mum captures the eye-rolling, face-palming moments of growing up with a mother who still remembers what it’s like to be a child.

Illustrations: Veronica Rooke

30 pages, Hardcover

Published May 8, 2016

About the author

Born in Sydney and now living in Perth, Monique Mulligan has loved words from the moment she could use them. She's told she used her words a lot as a child, earning the title of family chatterbox (and arguably still holding that crown). Once she could read, she devoured books with gusto - today, that enthusiasm is mirrored in her love of good food.

A former newspaper editor, journalist, children's curriculum writer and magazine editor, Monique has had a varied career in writing. In 2011, she started blogging book reviews. Since 2012 she has interviewed authors onstage for the successful Stories on Stage program.

Monique's first two novels Wherever You Go and Wildflower were first published by Pilyara Press and were acquired by Bloodhound Books in 2023.

Visit her website moniquemulligan.com for news, book reviews, and author interviews.

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this picture book to my kids. The quality of print and binding is high and the illustrations beautiful and engaging. There were many parts of the book I related too, being a silly mum myself, and I had a giggle as I read.

**Interview with my 5 & 7 year olds**
Me: What did you think of this book?
7: It's very silly.
5: Awesome.

Me: What was your favourite bit?
7: When she sung weird songs in the car.
5:The funny faces and the clothes inside out
Me:Why did you like that bit?
5: 'Cause you put my clothes on inside out sometimes.
Can you read it again?

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolyn Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to purchase another copy of this book, because I initially bought it as a gift, but enjoyed it so much I decided to keep the first copy for myself! My Silly Mum made me smile on every page. It brought back so many wonderful childhood memories of my own Mum when I was lucky enough to still have her in my life. I really feel this story will appeal to children and adults with their own happy memories of classic 'Silly Mum' behavior.

[Marlish · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Silly Mum is a beautifully written and wonderfully illustrated children's book that appeals to both kids and grownups. I got copies of My Silly Mum for all my grandchildren, aged six, five and three — and they already love to hear me read — My Silly Mum again and again!

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a special privilege to be one of the first readers to enjoy a proof copy of My Silly Mum. This heartfelt picture book celebrates the unique quirks children notice about their mother. Told cleverly through the eyes of a child, the book captures the special memories of those loveable but often cringeworthy moments children remember most about growing up. The combination of engaging and thoughtful text, with visually appealing illustrations, makes this book the perfect tribute to all mums. Veronica Rooke, illustrator of My Silly Mum, has worked in harmony with the author of the book, Monique Mulligan to ensure the pages of this book burst to life. It is clear they fun working together as a team on this text. My Silly Mum immediately brought a big smile to my face with the witty and insightful text. What I loved about this book was the sense of being able to relate to it so easily. I could see shades of myself as a silly mum to my two sons and I also recalled fond memories of my own silly mum growing up through reading the book. My Silly Mum is aimed at the three to eight year old age bracket, however, it is a book that can easily be enjoyed by parents too. I highly recommend this truly delightful children’s picture book. Young children, parents and anyone who has their own “silly mum” will be sure to take great pleasure in sharing this book. My Silly Mum is set to release on May 8th 2016, which coincides with Australian Mother’s Day.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm completely captivated by this delightful children's picture book that reminds us all about the silly things mums sometimes do. I found myself nodding, smiling and chuckling as I recognised myself and my own dear Mum in Monique Mulligan's bright and bubbly prose. There's a pleasant rhythm to the words, that makes it a pleasure to read aloud, and it's the sort of tale that can handle repeated readings (which is just as well, as I predict small children will urge their parents or carers to read it again and again and again). Veronica Rooke's vibrant, colourful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment -- I suspect little ones having this story read to them will enjoy seeing what the lively cat and mouse get up to in the background. Congratulations on a charming, captivating story that's likely to become a favourite among youngsters. I know a couple of small girls who will adore it.

[Caspette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that parents can enjoy on one level and kids can enjoy on another. Though I do suspect this book will appeal more to parents then children. As I sat there reading I found myself snickering and sadly relating to a lot of the things mentioned. My kids enjoyed the book thoroughly finding the pictures hilarious (particularly the cat).

I recommend this book as a fun read to have with your kids, that will have you all giggling over the mother's, kids, and animals antics.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often give 5-star reviews, but this is a delightful book. It's the perfect story to read aloud to pre-schoolers, as the prose bounces along and the illustrations are entertaining in themselves. What's more, it's funny, and all children love a giggle. It also ends on a sweet note as no matter how embarrassing and silly mums are, there are still some things only they do best.

[June Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book recently and read to a 4 year old today who absolutely loved it and laughed all the way through.

[Sharron Bardsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mum who loves to make everyday tasks a bit of fun, eye rolls and face palms from the child but her mum is lovable that's important.

[Sandi Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite quote: “She wears different coloured nail polish on every toe and makes us wear jumpers when she feels cold.”

My Silly Mum is a clever book with a little something for everyone. Adults will be able to relate to the antics of this silly mum while kids will love to join in – perhaps with a knowing eye-roll in sympathy with the protagonist or with a squeal of delight when they recognise "their" silly mum. This book works extremely well as a read-aloud in a group / school setting and is a great introduction / springboard for classroom discussion.
The illustrations are delightful.

It never lasts long on my library shelves!

[Jessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Serenity Press.

A very funny and delightful picture book . All Mother's and daughter's can relate to this book. It just reminds me about the sill things that Mums do and we being embarrassed by them . The bold letters and colours appeal to the reader. Loved it.