I Love My Mommy Because...

From Publishers Weekly
Although the titles of these companion volumes threaten to engulf the reader in sentimental accounts of how parents endear themselves to children, they instead deliver sweetly appealing looks at how animals care for their young. The opening page of the first book reads, "I love my mommy because she reads me stories," and shows a boy and his mother curled up in an armchair. The motif throughout the second book, meanwhile, is "I love my daddy because he plays with me." Though the text that follows describes situations that children can identify with ("She feeds me when I'm hungry"; "He watches over me at night"), each illustration subsequently features either a domestic or wild animal with his or her young, clearly labeled and engaged in the specified action, and realistically depicted in native habitats. Unfortunately, the tendency here to emphasize Mommy as caretaker and Daddy as protector may reinforce sex-role stereotypes. Sturdy, coated pages and paper-over-board bindings make these reasonably priced books almost toddler-proof. Ages 18 mos.-4 yrs. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
"I love my mommy because she gives me great big hugs." This beloved, best-selling concept book, richly illustrated by Ashley Wolff, is now available as a board book for small hands. The youngest nursery tots will appreciate how phrases and actions from their own experiences also apply to animal babies. Each book begins with an affectionate scene between a human parent and child, but moves on to caregiving in animal families. "She listens when I talk" shows a mama cat and her mewing kitten. "She tucks me in" features a kangaroo with her joey peeking out of her pouch. "He sings me songs" shows a gray wolf and his cub. In concept, text, and art, these are among the most warm and reassuring lap books ever. I Love My Mommy Because . . . will also be available in bilingual (English/Spanish) board-book editions.

Card catalog description
As a child explains the many happy, loving things Mommy does, many different animal mothers are shown caring for their young.

About the Author
Laurel Porter-Gaylord is an artist as well as an author. Ashley Wolff is the creator and illustrator of many popular picture books.


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This listing of reasons of why a child loves mommy—"She feeds me when I'm hungry." "She keeps me safe and warm." "She comes when I call."—becomes more interesting due to the illustrations. Each page is a different animal baby and mother performing the action mentioned in the text. For example, a mother kangaroo is shown putting her joey in her pouch. The text reads, "She tucks me in." According to a statement on the back inside cover, "The animal behavior pictured in this book has been verified by wildlife biologists." There is a wide range of animals from domestic, to farm, to woodland to arctic, to sea life, and more. Wolff's animals are drawn clearly and distinctly for the toddler set. The variety of animals in their natural habitats adds great interest to the book. The theme could lead children to creating their own responses to why they love their mommies. 2004 (orig. 1991), Dutton, Ages 1 to 4.


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