My mother was a nanny

In this beautifully crafted book, a little girl notices that her mother is extremely busy, serving as a nanny, friend, seamstress, baker, and more in their community, and wonders when Mummy will have time to spend with her. What a pleasant surprise for the narrator, then, when at the end of the book she learns Mummy has been working on a super special surprise for her and her sisters and was thinking of her all along. This story depicts the realities of a mother who wears many hats in life, all while looking out for her own children and family. Though the narrator feels a bit pushed away due to Mummy's busy schedule, she is inspired by her mother's hard work and grateful she was not forgotten after all. The art employs vibrant hues inspired by James' African and Caribbean heritage, with each scene feeling like a patterned quilt all its own. A kind reminder that even the busiest of parents can remember and care deeply about their own families.

A child of Caribbean descent follows her busy mother around and learns that love takes many forms. With the days of the week used as a frame for the story, a girl describes her mother's various roles: a parent, a nanny, a teacher, a cleaner, a seamstress, a baker, a sister, and more. Their week is filled with activities, from visiting the market to making bread to listening to an aunty call a daughter back home in Antigua. While Mummy does her work and tends to grown folks' business, she alternates between enlisting the child's help and shooing her away. On Saturdays, when Mummy cleans the office of a graphic designer, the child gets to take home art supplies Mr. Waters is getting rid of. On Saturday nights, aunts, uncles, and cousins gather and share food. And one Easter Sunday, Mummy brings out a surprise that shows just how much she's been thinking of and spending time on her own daughters all along. The clever narrative structure conveys a child's-eye view of a strong maternal relationship despite the hustle and bustle of Mummy's busy life. Vibrant acrylic paintings use dramatic compositions and whimsical designs to establish the book's Brooklyn setting. The protagonist's quest for her mother's attention is ultimately rewarded with a delightful surprise ending, making for a unique and loving portrait of a close-knit family. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A tender read-aloud and a valuable discussion-starter. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.