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Just Like a Mama
From Alice Faye Duncan, award-winning author of Honey Baby Sugar Child, comes Just Like a Mama.
Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose. Mama Rose is tender and sweet—everything a child could wish for in a parent. But she is also as stern and demanding as any good parent should be. In the midst of their happy home, Carol Olivia Clementine misses her mother and father. While she longs to be with them, she also learns to embrace the love that is present. Mama Rose becomes her “home.” And Carol Olivia Clementine concludes that she loves Mama Rose “just like a mama.”
This sweet read-aloud is, on the surface, all about the everyday home life a caregiver makes for her young charge: Mama Rose teaches Carol Olivia Clementine how to ride a bike, clean her room, tell time. A deeper look reveals the patience, intention, and care a child receives in the arms of a mother whose blood is not her blood, but whose bond is so deep, so unconditional, that it creates the perfect conditions for a child to feel safe, successful, and deeply loved.
Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose. Mama Rose is tender and sweet—everything a child could wish for in a parent. But she is also as stern and demanding as any good parent should be. In the midst of their happy home, Carol Olivia Clementine misses her mother and father. While she longs to be with them, she also learns to embrace the love that is present. Mama Rose becomes her “home.” And Carol Olivia Clementine concludes that she loves Mama Rose “just like a mama.”
This sweet read-aloud is, on the surface, all about the everyday home life a caregiver makes for her young charge: Mama Rose teaches Carol Olivia Clementine how to ride a bike, clean her room, tell time. A deeper look reveals the patience, intention, and care a child receives in the arms of a mother whose blood is not her blood, but whose bond is so deep, so unconditional, that it creates the perfect conditions for a child to feel safe, successful, and deeply loved.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 27, 2019
I was fortunate enough to get an early read of this BEAUTIFUL picture book about a child in an adoptive situation. The reader isn't told whether she is actually adopted, or whether Mama Rose is her grandmother. But the reader will certainly understand that Mama Rose is "just like a mama" to Carol Olivia Clementine. A lovely book. :)
January 23, 2020
This picture book is a beautiful look at what family really means. The main character lives away from her parents and with a guardian by the name of Mama Rose. Mama Rose treats her the same way that she would treat any child of her own. It really emphasizes and celebrates "fictive kin." If you're not aware fictive kin are ties that are based on kinship or social ties. It's a great way to describe relationships that develop between children and guardians when parents are absent. I haven't read many adoption stories in picture book form, but after reading this one I definitely want to take more time to seek them out. It really touched me not only because it is a story about adoption, but also because it discusses the beauty of relationships that form when family members step in to help raise children. I still remember when my great-grandmother stepped to help raise me when my mom was working hard to get us a better life. She was like my second mother and it broke my spirit when she passed away a year ago. If you ever need a story that focuses on the beauty of adoption, fictive kin, or family members that step in to help raise children I would definitely recommend picking up this book.
January 13, 2020
A beautifully written and illustrated story about the loving bond between a young girl and her foster mother.
August 15, 2020
This was a tearjerker. Carol Olivia Clementine is away from her parents and living with Mama Rose. Mama Rose takes care of Carol Olivia Clementine "just like a mama." The book tells about all the ways Mama Rose does that.
In the back of the book, the author tells about writing the book as a tribute to all of those people who raise children "just like a mama."
In the back of the book, the author tells about writing the book as a tribute to all of those people who raise children "just like a mama."
June 7, 2020
A look at the topic of "fictive kin" through the eyes of a young girl whose parents live far away, but is raised by Mama Rose, who does all the things that a real mother would do to include choosing to nurture, care for, and provide unconditional love just like a mama.
January 28, 2020
Excellent picture book about what it really means to be a family. Mama Rose is just like a mama to little girl because her parents don't live close to them.
November 29, 2020
Family is often what we make it and Just Like a Mama shows us that though a child's parents might be " miles away" others are there to lend a hand and love them.
August 23, 2020
Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose, who is not her biological mother. Yet this maternal figure is "just like a mama" in the love and care she gives this little girl. We know that Carol Olivia's Mommy and Daddy live far away, but we don't know why. This allows children who live with non-biological caregivers to see themselves in the book, no matter why they are separated from their birth parents. An author's note at the end discusses the idea of "fictive kin," the created relationships that enslaved people developed on plantations. She goes on to describe how people continue to create voluntary families for a variety of reasons.
This book struck me because I mentor girls through a program called Amachi of Central Kentucky. While my girls live with their biological family, many of their peers do not. It also made me think of the families who share their love with adopted and foster children. I highly recommend this book for adults who love on children they did not give birth to, regardless of the reasons.
The warm colors in the illustrations underscore the book's loving tone.
This book struck me because I mentor girls through a program called Amachi of Central Kentucky. While my girls live with their biological family, many of their peers do not. It also made me think of the families who share their love with adopted and foster children. I highly recommend this book for adults who love on children they did not give birth to, regardless of the reasons.
The warm colors in the illustrations underscore the book's loving tone.
March 31, 2022
Such a sweet book about a foster family. The illustrations are lovely! Illustrated by the granddaughter of Jerry Pinkney!
May 10, 2023
This is a sweet story about Carol and Mama Rose. Carol lives far away from her mom and dad but loves her mama Rose.
April 23, 2020
Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, PICTURE BOOK A Denene Millner Book (Simon and Schuster), 2020 $18. 9781534461833
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Carol lives with Mama Rose because her parents live far away. But Mama Rose loves her, she teaches her how to clean her room, how to ride a bike; Mama Rose bought Carol a watch and taught her to tell time. Mama Rose is her home and loves her "just like a mama".
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow's illustrations are beautiful! I loved the story, what a great tribute to the people who step up and care for our children. The repetition "my mother and father live far away" make this a memorable read aloud and opens the discussion of what is a family. I loved the author's note at the end.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Carol lives with Mama Rose because her parents live far away. But Mama Rose loves her, she teaches her how to clean her room, how to ride a bike; Mama Rose bought Carol a watch and taught her to tell time. Mama Rose is her home and loves her "just like a mama".
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow's illustrations are beautiful! I loved the story, what a great tribute to the people who step up and care for our children. The repetition "my mother and father live far away" make this a memorable read aloud and opens the discussion of what is a family. I loved the author's note at the end.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 23, 2020
Some children live with caretakers who are not their biological moms and dads, and in a sea of "I love mommy" and "I love daddy" picture books, they may feel a bit left out and unseen. This book though, is about them.
Here there is a lovely lady, called Mama Rose, who takes care of Carol Oliva Clementine just like a mother would, even if she is not Carol's biological mother.
The reason why Carol cannot be with her real parents is not explained, but the kids and I discussed the many reasons why children sometimes cannot be with their real parents. We talked about death and illness, prison sentences, deportation / separated immigrant families, jobs that require parents to travel away from home, and also discussed parents who are neglectful. It is a good book for such discussions and the kids had a lot of comments and thoughts on this subject that I didn't even know they had.
Here there is a lovely lady, called Mama Rose, who takes care of Carol Oliva Clementine just like a mother would, even if she is not Carol's biological mother.
The reason why Carol cannot be with her real parents is not explained, but the kids and I discussed the many reasons why children sometimes cannot be with their real parents. We talked about death and illness, prison sentences, deportation / separated immigrant families, jobs that require parents to travel away from home, and also discussed parents who are neglectful. It is a good book for such discussions and the kids had a lot of comments and thoughts on this subject that I didn't even know they had.
February 11, 2020
Carol Olivia Clementine isn't able to live with her parents. She lives with Mama Rose.
Tender story about "fictive kin" - a new term to me. Duncan addresses families made when children can't be with their own families. She does not share the reason Carol's parents are far away so readers can connect no matter why they are separated.
Beautiful illustrations capture their daily life and the love that swirls around them.
Tender story about "fictive kin" - a new term to me. Duncan addresses families made when children can't be with their own families. She does not share the reason Carol's parents are far away so readers can connect no matter why they are separated.
Beautiful illustrations capture their daily life and the love that swirls around them.
March 7, 2020
A celebration of those who raise children not biologically their own...grandparents, guardians, siblings, aunties, foster parents. I love that blood does not dictate the relationship or narrative. We don’t know how Mama Rose is related to the child she cares for, but we do know she offers sweetness and affection, but also strictness and expectations...just like a mama.
January 17, 2020
This is a necessary book for many kids today...
Mama Rose has taken a young girl named Carol Olivia Clementine into her heart and home. Why? The young girl's parents are currently "miles away" and she wishes that one day they will be reunited. Carol knows that she is very fortunate because every day Mama Rose demonstrates just how much she loves her, even though Mama Rose is ostensibly a parent surrogate and not a blood relative (though this is never revealed in the story). Mama Rose fixes her hair and shows Carol how to do things like bake cookies and make her bed, ride a bike and do her chores, always singing her praises for a job well done. Though Carol would like to be reunited with her parents, she is happy being with Mama Rose for the time being because Mama Rose "is my home".
Alice Faye Duncan's gentle story is filled with words that are reassuring - perfect to hear at a time that may be very unsettling for a child who is separated from their parents. Sentences are short and uncomplicated, with no extra words thrown in. She has created two very likeable characters, giving them appropriate actions: Mama Rose (who selflessly gives an endless stream of love and security to this child, while also providing for her needs so she can grow up to be a happy, well-adjusted adult) and Carol (who willingly accepts her love and returns it, as she is resigned to the fact that her parents are not there to provide the love she needs at this time).
Debut illustrator Charnelle Pinkney Barlow's watercolor, gouache, color pencil, and gel pen artwork is well-matched with the text. There is sweetness and richness in each image, yet a pure simplicity at the same time. The color palette she has selected is bright and cheerful - a happy one that underscores the positive vibes found in Mama Rose's home. Carol's face shows a wide range of emotion throughout the story, with Mama Rose always there to reassure her. A promising start for this talented artist.
Backmatter includes a note from the author that includes background on why she wrote this story. It is very touching and insightful.
This book fills a huge gap - offering the opportunity for many children whose parents are absent to see themselves in a book. This will be excellent to use as a discussion-starter for counselors, therapists, and other professionals working with children.
Highly Recommended for PreSchool - grade 2.
Mama Rose has taken a young girl named Carol Olivia Clementine into her heart and home. Why? The young girl's parents are currently "miles away" and she wishes that one day they will be reunited. Carol knows that she is very fortunate because every day Mama Rose demonstrates just how much she loves her, even though Mama Rose is ostensibly a parent surrogate and not a blood relative (though this is never revealed in the story). Mama Rose fixes her hair and shows Carol how to do things like bake cookies and make her bed, ride a bike and do her chores, always singing her praises for a job well done. Though Carol would like to be reunited with her parents, she is happy being with Mama Rose for the time being because Mama Rose "is my home".
Alice Faye Duncan's gentle story is filled with words that are reassuring - perfect to hear at a time that may be very unsettling for a child who is separated from their parents. Sentences are short and uncomplicated, with no extra words thrown in. She has created two very likeable characters, giving them appropriate actions: Mama Rose (who selflessly gives an endless stream of love and security to this child, while also providing for her needs so she can grow up to be a happy, well-adjusted adult) and Carol (who willingly accepts her love and returns it, as she is resigned to the fact that her parents are not there to provide the love she needs at this time).
Debut illustrator Charnelle Pinkney Barlow's watercolor, gouache, color pencil, and gel pen artwork is well-matched with the text. There is sweetness and richness in each image, yet a pure simplicity at the same time. The color palette she has selected is bright and cheerful - a happy one that underscores the positive vibes found in Mama Rose's home. Carol's face shows a wide range of emotion throughout the story, with Mama Rose always there to reassure her. A promising start for this talented artist.
Backmatter includes a note from the author that includes background on why she wrote this story. It is very touching and insightful.
This book fills a huge gap - offering the opportunity for many children whose parents are absent to see themselves in a book. This will be excellent to use as a discussion-starter for counselors, therapists, and other professionals working with children.
Highly Recommended for PreSchool - grade 2.
March 20, 2020
Told in the first person, this picture book celebrates adults in children’s lives who take on the role of mother even if they aren’t related to the child. The little girl in this book lives with Mama Rose. Their relationship is never clarified as foster parent or relative, making it a picture book that will speak to children living in a variety of circumstances. Mama Rose does everything a mother does. She combs the little girl’s hair, get her to school, teaches her skills like making a bed or dribbling a basketball. Mama Rose encourages the little girl to dream and to know that she has potential. She also has rules like finishing your vegetables before you get dessert and doing chores like cleaning your room. Mama Rose is home and there is plenty of love to go around between them both.
With a repeating refrain and writing that is simple and accessible, Duncan shows that it is not actually being a biological mother that matters but instead being a mother figure for a child whatever the relationship. In her author note, Duncan speaks to the long tradition of fictive kin that dates back to the times of slavery and the broken families that resulted from the brutality. In the story itself, the focus is on love and support for a child and what that looks like every day.
Barlow’s watercolor illustrations show a clear connection between Mama Rose and the little girl. Filled with color, they capture the many moments that make up a relationship of parent and child.
An important book that embraces different kinds of families. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
With a repeating refrain and writing that is simple and accessible, Duncan shows that it is not actually being a biological mother that matters but instead being a mother figure for a child whatever the relationship. In her author note, Duncan speaks to the long tradition of fictive kin that dates back to the times of slavery and the broken families that resulted from the brutality. In the story itself, the focus is on love and support for a child and what that looks like every day.
Barlow’s watercolor illustrations show a clear connection between Mama Rose and the little girl. Filled with color, they capture the many moments that make up a relationship of parent and child.
An important book that embraces different kinds of families. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
February 12, 2020
There are all kinds of families in our communities, and it's terrific when a picture book recognizes that and celebrates the stories of those who are being raised by kind, generous, brave individuals who step up when a child's birth family is unable to care for him or her. The little girl in this beautifully illustrated book wishes she could be with her own parents, but Mama Rose is "just like a mama." The book uses lyrical, repetitive text to share the ups and downs of daily life - mealtime, bedtime, chore time. But through it all, the little girl knows that she is loved. In a note at the end of the book, the author explains, "As a schoolteacher working in an urban environment with all of its complications, I have witnessed great success stories, I know countless grandmothers, aunts, big sisters who did not retreat - who valiantly cared for children not their own...I wrote Just Like a Mama to celebrate fictive kin, adoptive parents and guardians who have chosen to love and care for a child when they have no obligation to do so."
October 31, 2021
This book won the NCSS Notable Social Trade Books for Young People. This story was about a little girl who lived with Mama Rose because her parents live far away. She wants to be with them, but then comes to love Mama Rose like her own mother, because she is her new home. The print context of this book displays different fonts for when Mama Rose is speaking. By doing this, the author is making it more personal for the readers to 'hear' Mama Rose saying these things to make it more personal. The composition of this story in the visual sense displays the perspective of Carol. Whatever task is at hand, it is in the perspective of Carl. For example, when she is told to clean her room, it gives an image of her room at the height of what I, as a reader, assume of Carol. This book can be utilized on the book selection of a teacher in a lesson of which they are teaching children that home is whatever/whoever you make it out to be. They may be struggling in a life without their parents, and it teaches them that there is someone else who cares about them and they can make a home out of them.
April 20, 2020
Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye Duncan Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Published in 2019
Read aloud to elementary aged students. This book is about a girl named Carol Olivia Clementine who lives with her Mama Rose who is her adopted parent. Just because Carol has parents, doesn't mean that she isn't missing her real parents. She learns that the love she is receiving right now is all she has and is dependent on that. She learns to ride a bike and clean her room as these are things that her Mama Rose teachers her to do and any mom desires to give her child. Carol realizes that her Mama Rose truly loves her even if there is no relation by blood. This is a book that emphasizes the importance for children to feel secure, safe, successful, and deeply loved. I would recommend this book to be in all classrooms as we have students who are adopted or in a foster family. This book would remind them that they are loved and known!
Published in 2019
Read aloud to elementary aged students. This book is about a girl named Carol Olivia Clementine who lives with her Mama Rose who is her adopted parent. Just because Carol has parents, doesn't mean that she isn't missing her real parents. She learns that the love she is receiving right now is all she has and is dependent on that. She learns to ride a bike and clean her room as these are things that her Mama Rose teachers her to do and any mom desires to give her child. Carol realizes that her Mama Rose truly loves her even if there is no relation by blood. This is a book that emphasizes the importance for children to feel secure, safe, successful, and deeply loved. I would recommend this book to be in all classrooms as we have students who are adopted or in a foster family. This book would remind them that they are loved and known!
December 12, 2023
A story of how many black women open their hearts to children who need real flesh and blood people to nurture and love children when their parents live far away from each other."Just like a mama" walks us through day by day living with Mama Rose.
My heart goes out to those who still need a Mama Rose in their lives.Mama Rose is there for this little girl every step of the way - learning to dribble a basketball, make a bed, eat those yucky peas, complete those chores so that everyone's small effort allows more time for all of the family to do things together and enjoy each other.
The coat buttoning is a humorous look at the mysterious suiting up for the cold in a funny outcome of overdress. Laughter can defuse many small problems. May the solid foundation of these loving people build solid relationships in their growing up years.
My heart goes out to those who still need a Mama Rose in their lives.Mama Rose is there for this little girl every step of the way - learning to dribble a basketball, make a bed, eat those yucky peas, complete those chores so that everyone's small effort allows more time for all of the family to do things together and enjoy each other.
The coat buttoning is a humorous look at the mysterious suiting up for the cold in a funny outcome of overdress. Laughter can defuse many small problems. May the solid foundation of these loving people build solid relationships in their growing up years.
May 6, 2021
A much-needed title showing a foster parent and child relationship. Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose, and tells the reader all the ways that Mama Rose is just like a Mama, while acknowledging that her own parents live far apart and wishing they could live together. We see photos of Carol's family, indicating a respect and love for that relationship. The love of Mama Rose shines in every spread, even when she's scolding or correcting. I LOVED the illustrations, which show such life and expression, body language and beautiful details like Carol's baby hairs. I'm seriously in love with the fuchsia color found in every illustration in several ways, including as a highlight in Mama Rose's hair. Gorgeous all over.
February 9, 2022
This children's storybook is about a girl named Carol Oliva Clementine who lives with Mama Rose. Her parents lived miles away so Mama Rose took care of her like any mother would. The illustrations go along with the text. Everything Carol describes Mama Rose doing for her, it’s portrayed. But although she loves Mama Rose, she misses her parents dearly, like any child would. She shows affection, makes sure she eats her vegetables and even calls her lady bug. This shows a relationship many children have today with adults who aren’t their parents but raise them without question. The illustrations are pretty realistic down to the baby hairs on Carol to Mama Rose’s fashion style. I like this one a lot and think little girls in elementary or anyone who has experienced something similar.
January 22, 2020
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Family: Granddaughter and grandma
Identity, Author: African American
Identity, Illustrator: African American
We need more books like these beautiful, unique family dynamics that exist in our world! Such a beautiful celebration of Carol's relationship with her grandma without ignoring her feelings about the hard separation that Carol has away from her mom and dad. A beautiful spread shows multiple illustrations of Carol feeling sad with a slouched body and crossed arms but she transitions to reassured and jubilant as she grasps her grandmother's hand.
A short read but packed with a lot to relate to and discuss for readers.
Family: Granddaughter and grandma
Identity, Author: African American
Identity, Illustrator: African American
We need more books like these beautiful, unique family dynamics that exist in our world! Such a beautiful celebration of Carol's relationship with her grandma without ignoring her feelings about the hard separation that Carol has away from her mom and dad. A beautiful spread shows multiple illustrations of Carol feeling sad with a slouched body and crossed arms but she transitions to reassured and jubilant as she grasps her grandmother's hand.
A short read but packed with a lot to relate to and discuss for readers.
February 6, 2020
Carol lives with Mama Rose because her parents live far away. But Mama Rose loves her, she teaches here how to clean her room, how to ride a bike; Mama Rose bought Carol a watch and taught her to tell time. Mama Rose is her home and loves her "just like a mama".
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow's illustrations are beautiful! I loved the story, what a great tribute to the people who step up and care for our children. The repetition "my mother and father live far away" make this a memorable read aloud and opens the discussion of what is a family. I loved the author's note at the end.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow's illustrations are beautiful! I loved the story, what a great tribute to the people who step up and care for our children. The repetition "my mother and father live far away" make this a memorable read aloud and opens the discussion of what is a family. I loved the author's note at the end.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
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February 14, 2020This super sweet picture book celebrates the love between a girl and her foster mother who is raising her while her parents can't right now. Although Mama Rose isn't her mother, she is "just like a mama", encouraging her and making her clean her room and taking her to the park and doing all the things a mama does.
This is a necessary and beautiful picture book. I don't know if you've ever tried to look for books about foster families to share with families who need them, but I HAVE. There are not very many and there are really not very many good ones. This is a great one. It's a must-buy for library shelves.
This is a necessary and beautiful picture book. I don't know if you've ever tried to look for books about foster families to share with families who need them, but I HAVE. There are not very many and there are really not very many good ones. This is a great one. It's a must-buy for library shelves.
September 12, 2020
Such a sweet book.
This was the story of a girl and her caretaker/guardian who treats her "just like a mama" would. It was such a good message that I was able to pass onto my class that it doesn't matter who loves you, just that somebody loves you and takes care of you. I have a few students who live with grandparents (and not their parents) this year, so this was perfect for the, but really just very nice for everybody to hear. My class was really into this story. We had quite a conversation about who exactly Mama Rose is - the girl's grandma? Auntie? Who knows! And that's part of the draw for me. I loved this.
This was the story of a girl and her caretaker/guardian who treats her "just like a mama" would. It was such a good message that I was able to pass onto my class that it doesn't matter who loves you, just that somebody loves you and takes care of you. I have a few students who live with grandparents (and not their parents) this year, so this was perfect for the, but really just very nice for everybody to hear. My class was really into this story. We had quite a conversation about who exactly Mama Rose is - the girl's grandma? Auntie? Who knows! And that's part of the draw for me. I loved this.
March 18, 2021
The author note in back is worth reading, and explains the heartfelt dedication.
This is a charming and fun celebration of a child who feels the sad feels of separation from parents, but learns, thrives, and celebrates the loving support of someone who loves her and lives”just like a mama”. I. Th8s case, it is the young and energetic grandma, but the back note points out the many ways in which children are often raised in make-do families that very much make and do and love and grow together.
Illustrations are a story in themselves, and worth repeated readings, during which title ones will begin chiming in with the text.
This is a charming and fun celebration of a child who feels the sad feels of separation from parents, but learns, thrives, and celebrates the loving support of someone who loves her and lives”just like a mama”. I. Th8s case, it is the young and energetic grandma, but the back note points out the many ways in which children are often raised in make-do families that very much make and do and love and grow together.
Illustrations are a story in themselves, and worth repeated readings, during which title ones will begin chiming in with the text.
April 14, 2020
Oh this book made me feel all the things. A beautiful story about a little girl and the woman who cares for her while she is away from her mom and dad. Her person who is "just like a mama." It is never explained why she is apart from her mom and I love that. I love that this book fills a gap for so many children. Children who don't have a mom or don't live with their mom but have a mom type figure in their life who cares for them and teaches them things and loves them every day. This book is so needed and I'm so grateful this was written with such tender care.
July 2, 2020
A warm, embracing, and emotionally honest celebration of family. Carol's mom and dad live far away and, while she wishes they were near her, she loves living with her grandmother Mama Rose, who loves and takes care of her in every way. The pacing of this book was just right, and the illustrations are vibrant and full of motion and life! Carol is depicted with light brown skin and tightly curly brown hair, and Mama Rose has dark brown skin and dark brown hair. An author's note at the back describes the importance of extended kin in her own life.
Themes: Family, Love, Grandma,
Age range: 3-7
Themes: Family, Love, Grandma,
Age range: 3-7
December 26, 2020
"Mommy and Daddy live miles away. I wish we lived together. Maybe one day that will be. I live with Mama Rose right now. She is just like a mama to me." Carol Olivia knows love and care through her Mama Rose who makes sure she eats her vegetables, cleans her room, and learns how to ride a bike. Inspired by the author's aunt, who was raised by the author's mother after her grandmother died, she explains, "I believe it is love that defines our relationships. Blood related or not - love is the tie that binds."
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