Mama's Perfect Present

by Diane Goode

Two children and their crazy canine, Zaza, go in search of the perfect gift for their mother in Paris and, along the way, wreak havoc at each boutique and flower stand they visit, until Zaza finally discovers the place where the perfect present awaits.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Humor, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

Caldecott Honor children's book author/illustrator of over 55 picture books.

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two children, along with their rambunctious dachshund, look all over Paris for a present for their mother, and finally find the perfect present. The pictures are full of tiny details that remind us of the delights of Paris, and the ending is perfection.

[Felicity The Magnificent · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book it was their mom's birthday. They went to buy her a present. They went to buy her flowers but their dog messed everything up. And the flowers made everybody's eyes tear. And then they went to buy a big red dress for their mom because their mom loved red. But all the dresses fell down. And then they went to buy a songbird because their mom loved music. And then they went to buy a cake, but cake got messed up. Then they went to look at some shoes, but they made everybody trip and fall. And then, finally, they painted a picture for their mom. And then they went and gave the picture to their mom. Their mom liked it. I liked this book because there was a birthday. I got this book because it was my Mom's birthday. -by Felicity

[Gumby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of girls and their dog wander around Paris, causing property damage and personal injury as they search for the perfect birthday present for their mother. Presumably several Parisians suffer herniated discs and fractured skulls as a result of the girls' carelessness, but is justice delivered? It would appear not, as the book ends with the girls bestowing on their mother a crude painting and pointedly withholding any mention of the suffering they've caused. One hopes the mother receives a court summons as her second birthday gift.

[Stephanie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is charming. Getting a present for mama can be a challenge.

[Mazie Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Book.
I liked how the illustrations supported the text in telling the story. It was an endearing story and I enjoyed reading about the sisters' search for the perfect present.

[Kendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

My kids picked this out of a free library we have in our neighborhood. "Mama's Perfect Present" by Diane Goode. Diane Goode's book treats readers to a tour of Paris by two kids and there dog, Zaza. The children are in the search for a perfect birthday present for their mom.



This book was a little slow and boring to my kids. The illustrations in this book really puts you in the scene of Paris and helped really bring the story to life. My kids really would liked more action throughout the story and little more upbeat. It was a sweet story and really helped my kids see that the present is not what everything is about.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We recently read Where's Our Mama? and enjoyed the story and scenes of Paris. This story continues the theme, with the two children searching the city for the perfect birthday present for their mama. They bring along their dachshund puppy who wreaks havoc in each shop they visit. The tale is humorous and the illustrations really complement the story. We enjoyed reading this book together.

[Gabby Coulthard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama's Perfect Dress is a book about a brother and sister trying to find their mom the perfect birthday present. They through town searching through stores, but problems happen. In the end they do find the perfect gift there is out there, and make their mother proud. The book is a cute book and I recommend it to younger kids.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It just goes to show that you don't necessarily need to spend money to give someone a good gift. And their mischievous dog added a little something-something to the gift hunt. One bad mark: the kids don't take responsibility for the messes that their dog makes.

[Relyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this quite some time ago, but I remember thi9nking it was adorable. Perfect for girls who love to shop.

[Bree · Rating 1 out of 5]

Notes:
kids run through town with the dog destroying everything
the handmade gift is a last-resort