Mommy love A mindfulness exercise for mothers and babies

Amid "tired and tears," a new mother sits next to a sleeping newborn, a cup of tea in her hands: "I am discovering how to pause/ and sit with what is." Across this serene meditation on caretaking, Verde sets the stage for actions that nurture parent as well as child, modeling self-talk and other practices that might help smooth first weeks and months: "I can be easy on me/ and show you how to be/ easy on you." Digitally finished multimedia paintings by Stoop show mother and child in a warm city apartment that aptly presents the chaos of early days with an infant--heaping laundry, a sink filled with dishes. As well as caring for the child, the new mother seeks community with others "who also are called Mommy and Baby." And as the baby matures, the mother grows into the role, the name "wrapping us both in love." An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. (Apr.)

A lesson in mindfulness for new mommies (and their babies). While this may appear to be a typical picture book, it quickly becomes apparent that the primary target audience is not children, but parents--particularly mothers of newborns. Mommy addresses her baby with words that read like soothing affirmations as she adjusts to parenthood. "There is a voice saying: /You should. / But I am discovering how to pause / and sit with what is and quiet that voice. / Making space to connect, / to be present, / to show you Mommy Love." Stoop's accompanying detailed, warm illustrations seem like a throwback to earlier works by Jane Dyer, or Betty Fraser's artwork for Mary Ann Hoberman's books. Stoop presents Mommy as slightly unkempt, with mussed wavy brown hair and dark circles under her eyes. She has tan skin, while the baby is pale-skinned, and there doesn't appear to be another parent in the household. Their brownstone home is cozy and well appointed; the illustrations show full laundry baskets, a sink stacked with dishes, and a bit of clutter about--visual reassurance for other parents struggling to stay on top of housework. In an author's note, Verde reveals that her own experience with postpartum depression motivated her to write this encouraging title, which should provide solace to new mothers. Words of wisdom for harried parents--this one will make an ideal baby shower gift.(Picture book. 0-4) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.