Mom's Busy Days

by Elise Raucy, Estelle Meens (Illustrator)

Maggie and Ethan's mom has a lot to do. Carpools, work emails, laundry...the list is endless! But when life feels like it's going by too quickly, she makes sure to take some time to cherish the moments spent with her family. Sometimes a busy schedule can get overwhelming and waylay a parent's best intentions for dedicated family time. Mom's Busy Days is a sweet story that explains to children that while parents have a lot to do, even the busiest families can find time to savor those little moments and special time together. Includes a "Note to Parents and Caregivers" by Julia Martin Burch, PhD.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 15, 2018

Reviews

[Mary Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My mom is really busy." This picture book starts with Mom's busy days and the hectic moments of a mom trying to balance family and work life. "But sometimes, Mom says time flies by too fast." The second half of the book talks about those good times when mom is able to focus her attention and energy on making wonderful memories with her kids.
I love picture books like this! There are a lot of books talking about moms as these mythical beings with endless energy and perfect love. That is not what moms are though, and our kids know it.
I feel like this picture book is for moms just as much as it is for kids. There is a section at the end written by a Julia Martin Burch, PhD. She says "Parenting is beautiful, rewarding, exciting, and HARD WORK."
The hardest thing about being a mom, in my opinion, is the mom guilt of not being able to meet the expectations we imagine are put on us. Burch gives quick advice for parents on topics such as how to create mindful moments and learning to cope in healthy ways.
I think it is important for kids to be able to see their parents as more than one thing, and this book provides a way for children to think about their parents in a real way.

[Lana Gionfriddo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like that this depicted what feels like every day for a working mama, but I didn't really feel like it redeemed them all that much. It was a lot of "Mama's busy doing this... and that..." but not really the why of it. It also read like the mother in the story didn't like going to work, which is something I feel can affect a child as much as the work itself. I wish it had shown a mother doing something she likes to do - all the while missing her kids and creating time to be with them at home.

I just discovered this publisher (Magination Press) and this is the first book I've felt "meh" about.

[Elly Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: realistic fiction
Grade level: k-2

This book was absolutely adorable. I think that it really showed the impact a mother has on her children, even when she isn't able to see it. To kids, mom's are heroes. It reminded me of my own mom and my love for her.

[Keri Rohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom’s Busy Days is a contemporary realistic fiction book for grades K-2. This story is a little comes to an abrupt end but it has a good message for kids.