My Mommy Medicine

by Edwidge Danticat, Shannon Wright (Illustrations)

My Mommy Medicine is a picture book about the comfort and love a mama offers when her child isn't feeling well, from renowned author Edwidge Danticat.

Whenever I am sick,
Or just feel kind of gloomy or sad,
I can always count on my Mommy Medicine.

When a child wakes up feeling sick, she is treated to a good dose of Mommy Medicine. Her remedy includes a yummy cup of hot chocolate; a cozy, bubble-filled bath time; and unlimited snuggles and cuddles. Mommy Medicine can heal all woes and make any day the BEST day!

Award-winning memoirist Edwidge Danticat's rich and lyrical text envelops the reader in the security of a mother's love, and debut artist Shannon Wright's vibrant art infuses the story with even more warmth.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Love, Storytime, Health, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Edwidge Danticat is a Haitian American novelist and short story writer. Her first novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory, was published in 1994 and went on to become an Oprah's Book Club selection. Danticat has since written or edited several books and has been the recipient of many awards and honors. Her work has dealt with themes of national identity, mother-daughter relationships, and diasporic politics. In 2023, she was named the Wun Tsun Tam Mellon Professor of the Humanities in the department of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Columbia University.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely little picture book would be so nice to read to a child who's stuck at home, sick. Here we have a little girl who details all the various ways her mom makes her feel better when she's sick or sad. She calls these things her "Mommy Medicine". They could be as simple as hugs and soup, or as complex as songs and imaginative play.

The illustrations are really cute, showing the loving relationship between a little girl and her mother. Each of the different types of Mommy Medicine are pictured with colourful, appealing imagery.

I've read picture books about being sick before, but they've mainly just focused on the basics (rest, fluids, and medicine). While those are covered here, there's also the added element of the mother's love and attention, which can be just as important for healing.

Overall, I quite enjoyed this. I think I would've liked to have this one read to me as a child when I was sick. As an adult, though, it makes me appreciate all the ways our moms helped us when we weren't feeling our best. As it turns out, Mommy Medicine works pretty well.

Quotable moment:

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A loving tribute to a aprent love during a child's sickness and how mom just makes everything better. Toddler and up

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edwidge Danticat, one of my favorite authors, wrote a children’s book, so I had to buy it. It’s very sweet, with lots of pretty drawings and positive black girl magic imagery. It’s a nice book about love from your mom when you’re not feeling well. I thought it showed how much effort and love moms put into their children.

[Dax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations and such wonderfully sweet moments between the mommy and the daughter.

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holt-Delhi library PJ story time 02-28-2024
PJ story time 02-12-2020

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Mommy Medicine is a darling new book for the kid lit crew detailing all the ways “Mommy Medicine can heal all the woes and make any day the best day!” It features a little girl who is under the weather and her mom who is at home with her to make things right.

Danticat’s wording is an adult’s recollection of favorite moments that may be near and dear to readers: a hug so warm and tight it feels like wearing my toastiest pajamas on a cool night” to “sometimes it’s a whispered prayer, just before nodding off at nap time.”

Wright’s illustrations are bright, big and beautiful. They fill up the page, and mom and daughter have various facial expressions the whole way through. The looks on their faces; hiding half their faces between their cards in a card game and the ultra silly, squishy face of the little girl before drinking her hot beverage were favorites of mine.

This copy of the book was taken to story time and loved on lots by the kiddos with an instant acknowledgement of several “SHE LOOKS LIKE ME!!!” cries referring to the little girl main character with her brown skin, curly hair, and mama that also looks like her. The reading raised questions and observations too like, what does a French horn sound like and what color was squash? Was it yellow? This is great for educators, parents, and guardians alike for the younger ones as it invites dialogue and conversation and even a reread. Words are important! Stories are important! Children getting these stories are important!

If you’re looking for a new picture book for your little ones, this one looks to be lovingly created by two Black women. I loved it, and the target audience loved it so much I almost didn’t get my copy of the book back.

http://blacknerdproblems.com/my-mommy...

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for every child who has ever been sick or maybe had a rough day; those who have been healed from the heart and the sweet tender care of a mother. Mommy Medicine is something you can count on. That's what our little girl in this story knows beyond any shadow of a doubt. Her special dose of Mommy Medicine looks like kisses and cuddles or sometimes a bubble bath or reading a good book. As the author Edwidge Danticat points out, "Mommy Medicine is based on shared affection and a strong desire to make someone you love feel better." Sometimes that person is Mom but it could also be Dad, aunties, uncles, siblings, grandparents, guardians and caregivers. All those who want to see you get better soon.

I am a grown woman and am married with young adult children and I still call home for some Mommy Medicine. You really can't beat it. I have called on my mother when her grandbabies were sick too. She always seems to know exactly what to do.

The author asks at the end of the book what your Mommy Medicine is. My babies are grown-ish now but I love that they still let me take good care of them. Sometimes that means they get a day or two of full-service meals in bed, time and space to rest, and lots and lots of water (with regular reminders to hydrate). If I'm lucky, I still might get some snuggles out of my youngest who is fifteen and then we watch a good rom-com on Netflix.

The love that emanates throughout the pages of My Mommy Medicine warmed my heart and I know that it is a book that I will be adding to our K-5 library collection for our families to enjoy. Shannon Wright's illustrations were so sweet and let me just say that I absolutely adored those curls! Their natural hair is beautiful and I am thrilled that the illustrator chose to depict them this way.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a little girl wakes up sick, she knows that her mother is going to take great care of her with a special brand of Mommy Medicine. There are kisses and hugs, massages and tickles. Then there are special treats like ice cream, tea, hot chocolate or soup. A bubbly bath is another form of medicine and then there are board games to play too. A quiet nap is a moment of quiet and then on to singing songs, silly dances, and playing pretend. Movies watched together and seeing stars before bed end the day spent together.

Danticat uses her own family as inspiration for this picture book using the phrase that her family used, “Mommy Medicine.” The book goes through each type of maternal love that can be shown on a sick day. Each one not only cares for the sick child but also builds the mother-child relationship stronger. Danticat also shares lots of details that bring the book fully to realization with lovely moments captured on each page.

Wright’s illustrations show a mother and daughter who shine with love for one another. They delight in their time together, coming up with ideas to share. Their home and time together is filled with warmth and visible joy, even on a day of illness.

A deep and comforting look at motherly love and how it can heal. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

[Liz Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edwidge Danticat is one of my favourite writers. I've read everything she's written. This is a departure from her adult writing but she brings the same respect for words and their impact. It's a delightful story about the bonds between a mother and her daughter. My Mommy Medicine: “Sometimes it’s a kiss so loud it reminds me of a French horn at Mardi Gras”. “Or a hug so warm and tight it feels like wearing my toastiest pajamas on a cool cool night”. The five senses are catered to through food, touch, sound, music, blowing bubbles, going on a (make-belive) adventure. In her author’s note, Edwidge Danticat says that this inspired by her own daughters and that while this is Mommy medicine, it could be anyone else who cares for a child too. It’s beautifully written and illustrated and comes alive on the page.
Themes: family, ways to care for someone who is feeling sick and/or sad. Joy found in everyday games and interactions.

[Flossmoor Public Library (IL) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This picture book made my heart melt. The story revolves around a young girl who is not feeling very well. It goes on to describe all of the things that her mom does for her and with her to help her feel better. The “mommy medicine”, which heals the little girl through love and compassion, will put a smile on every reader’s face. It brought up so many wonderful memories with my mom from when I was little, that I haven’t thought about in a long time. It brought back to my heart how wonderful mothers can be. …and for those who don’t have such positive experiences to remember, maybe this book will give them ideas on things they can do the next time they are under the weather.

- Miss Emily

[Julia Siemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4-year-old son has loved this book for a couple of years now, and even nicknamed me, "Mommy Medicine!" It's one of our favorites to pull out any time he's sick or sad, but he also likes it when he's feeling fine. I love the sweetness between the mother and daughter and how this book involves all of the senses. You can hear the loud kisses, smell the menthol, taste the tea, see the bubbles, and feel the warm toasty hugs. This is a feel-good book that's fun to read to a snuggly little kid! I've often acted out the different activities with my son as we read it. So, definitely grab a cuddly blanket, some Vick's Vapor Rub, and a mug of hot chocolate for this book! If your little one's feeling down for any reason, they will feel better in no time.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young readers will definitely be able to relate to the young girl that is having a sick day (or just a sad day). With all of the colds, sore throats, and stomachaches of childhood, many families have their own routines and traditions to help each other feel better. The author shares the way she mader her own daughters feel better. She would give them a generous dose of what she called "Mommy Medicine" - "acts of comfort that they found soothing, reassuring, and somewhat healing." The little girl in this sweet picture book enjoys hot chocolate, card games, movies, and other acts of kindness from her mom. This book would pair well with Bob, Not Bob! by Audrey Vernick.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes it isn't actually medicine that a sick youngster needs. This picture book shows the many ways that a tender touch or a hug can make a child feel better. As many of us know, it's Mommy Medicine that can help us feel much better much quicker. The book is reassuring and comforting as readers observe a mother and her daughter interacting and showering each other with love. It's those small but meaningful moments that take on significance and make it okay when it's time to swallow that yucky medicine or deal with life's challenges.

[Teaghan Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. The writing and illustrations are both beautiful and I love the meaning behind this story. Children need the comfort of their loved ones in times of distress or sickness. This story specifically is about a girl who finds comfort in her mother when she isn’t feeling well and she calls this “mommy medicine”. I think this is a great book to have in the classroom library, however, I understand it might be hard for children who may not have their mothers in their life. With that being said, I feel it would not be a great read aloud but I would have this in my library.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Whenever I am sick, or just feel kind of gloomy or sad, I can always count on Mommy Medicine." When a little girl falls ill, her mom provides extra attention and care to help comfort her - whether a hug, a game of Crazy Eights, or actual medicine. This book has a nice premise, though after a winter of lots of stomach bugs, some of the more active scenes did not reflect the kind of care my kids needed most and they seemed to just reflect everyday affection and care.

[Ame · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mommy Medicine is based on shared affection and a strong desire to make someone you love feel better."

What's the best medicine when you're having a sick day? Sharing that time with a loving caretaker who will play Uno with you or read with you or stare at the glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars with you. That's your mommy medicine! This book is high quality mush, and I cannot recommend it enough.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate the specificity of the mother-and-child domestic detail in the text and supported by the very sweet pictures. "Mommy medicine" can be, among so many other comforting things, a "menthol back rub," a game of Uno, or admiring together the glow-in-the-dark stars adhered to a child's bedroom ceiling. This book radiates love, warmth, and security.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age: Preschool-2nd grade
Emotions: Sad
Familiar Experience: Being sick
Family: Mother and daughter
Identity of author: Hatian American

Whether sad or sick, mommy's comforting words, touches, and special attention help chase away the icky feelings. Although the text is short, the child engages in older activities such as card games and dominoes.

[Mely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book because it describes my daughter and I so well. Whether she's sick or we're just playing the day away our bond is so close. We're definitely medicine for each other's souls. A perfect book to kickstart Mother's Day weekend. Adorable illustrations and love the diversity of the characters.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl describes all the things she does with her mom when she is feeling sick or sad. It was very cute to see these two interacting in all these creative ways, and their close bond. All I could think was that this mom is probably wiped out by the end of all these adventures (or caught whatever sick bug the daughter had)! But I'm all for cheering on all the exhausting work that moms do.

[Abby Johnson]

A sweet book celebrating the special Mommy Medicine that a mother gives her daughter when she's sick, whether it's making special food or drinks, cuddles, or playing imaginary games. The art's a bit awkward looking - reminds me of cartoons from the 90s? But it's a sweet book portraying an African American mother and daughter and all the gentle ways that mothers can express love.

[Ellaney Jelcick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a really cute story of a girl home sick and how she finds comfort in her mom taking care of her. The illustrations are amazing in this book. This is a great book to kids to relate to of who takes care of them when they aren't having the best day, and how they make them feel better.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. So cute for moms and little ones. Makes me appreciate all the things my mom did and still does to this day to make me feel better. Great bed time read for a sick kid. My library patrons are going to love this book. So excited to share with them.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved seeing the comfort, love, and care between a mother and daughter when the little one isn’t feeling well. The POC characters are part of a story not about race/diversity, but important representation.

[Linda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations showcase how "mommy" medicine can change your day and make you feel good. All great ideas moms have used through the decades to renew bonding with a child and make a child feel special. Love love love

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous book that actually makes me look forward to my little's future sick days, when she's old enough for hot soup and movies and board games and cuddles and all of the wonderful ways that moms help us feel better when we're sick.
A completely magical book.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This doesn't break new ground, it's a very sweet story about the things moms do when you are sick, but there still aren't nearly enough of these books featuring nonwhite families and it is always good to see more.

[Mama Bearian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl explains all of the things her mom does to make her feel better when she’s sick. This is a sweet book that acknowledges that sometimes when we aren’t feeling well, some extra time with the ones we love can make us feel better.

[Ms. Arca · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the hunt for single mama rep!! Please help!

This was a sweet one and I love that it’s also a black mama and daughter. The art isn’t my favorite style, but I’ve really been struggling to find single parent rep and this is the first one that did it well!

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book showing a mother-daughter's strong relationship. Mommy comes to help her daughter feel better whenever her daughter feels sick or upset - thus the title, Mommy Medicine. Kids enjoyed it.