Review by Booklist Review
The cheerful, peppy monster-character family in Because I'm Your Dad (2013) return, with a similar blend of whimsy, humor, and sweet sentiments, this time showcasing a mother-child relationship. As Mom narrates, Santat's signature vibrant cartoon illustrations portray a range of comical scenarios--"Because I'm your Mom, you can pick out your own clothes even if your shoes don't match, because that's cool!" Elsewhere, Mom permits eating nachos for breakfast and Popsicles in the shower and having a "mega awesome" birthday. But along with the fun activities, like digging for backyard treasure or attending Dad's rock concert, there are tender moments: Mom kisses "owies away," makes "wishes on shooting stars," and promises, "I will do all these things for you and more . . . because that's what my mom did for me." Throughout, blue-furred Arrow and upbeat, purple-haired Mom's mutual affection is evident, and the story's playful elements will amuse, entertain, and reassure, all while highlighting how special one-on-one time with a parent can be.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This picture book from the creators of Because I'm Your Dad follows up that volume's mischievous escapades with this portrait of a monster-styled mother who's equally game for good times. "Because I'm your mom, you can have nachos for breakfast, pancakes for dinner, and Popsicles in the shower," begins Zappa's fun-centric litany of activities. Other high-flying hijinks involve interactions with "cosmic-powered, smushy-faced puppicorns," skipping the child's piano lesson to skateboard at the beach, and jetting off to Switzerland and Egypt. In Santat's signature illustration style, chartreuse, magenta-haired Mom and her turquoise offspring dance, hug, and grin across the pages, alongside humans portrayed with various skin tones. And as the book winds down, Mom also promises to kiss owies, read books, and make wishes. Altogether, it's a lively accounting of a parent's promises that subverts typical sentiments around the titular phrase. Ages 4--8. (Mar.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A decade after Because I'm Your Dad (2013) came out, musician Zappa and illustrator Santat reunite to bring the same story to life from a slightly different perspective. Grandiose promises mix with those of a more standard variety as a mama monster makes a series of vows to her child. An innocuous "Because I'm your mom…you're gonna get kissed all over your tummy every day" appears not long before, "Because I'm your mom, you can have nachos for breakfast, pancakes for dinner, and Popsicles in the shower." As the book progresses, the mama continues to couple loving low-key activities alongside others involving plane rides, rock concerts, and "selfies with the Sphinx." Why would the mama monster do such things? "Because that's what my mom did for me." The affection rings true, but actual mamas may balk at a couple of the more extravagant vows, worrying about their own child's expectations. Santat aids where he can, giving the whole venture a peppy vibe replete with bright greens, purples, and blues. Alas, horned monsters and puppicorns can take you only so far when the unmemorable text fails to invite rereads. (This book was reviewed digitally.) For Zappa fans, a book to rejoice in. For everyone else, a story you've seen before, in one iteration or another. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
