That we were all completely overjoyed at that moment is a testament to the power of the book. Staring at the final spread of the small village under a blanket of snow was devastating-until my older daughter discovered Mama and the boy, teeny-tiny on the page, walking home, hand-in-hand. Each time a trolley car came and went without his Mama stepping off, we were crushed. We love the gorgeous muted illustrations, the spare, repetitive text, and the hopefulness and yearning of the young boy who waits at a trolley stop for his Mama to arrive, one cold, gray winter’s day. Thanks, Colin West!Īges 5-8 years | Publisher: Kingfisher | 2004 | ISBN-13: 978-0753457153 Waiting For Mama It was one of the first books both girls read independently. Our younger daughter was drawn to the book around the same age and it instantly became one of her favorites, too. The humor, simple text, and fun illustrations make the book very appealing to kids.

She used to bring it with her everywhere, including camping! She really, truly loved it.

We must have read it to her hundreds of times. Our older daughter picked out this easy reader book at a camping store when she was three years old. Our whole family gives this book, and its sequel, Dory Fantasmagory and the Real True Friend, a big thumbs up.Īges 6-8 years | Publisher: Puffin Books | 2015 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-0147510679 Moose and Mouse As a former first grade teacher and mother of two, Abby Hanlon really understands young children-their innocence, vulnerability, and especially their disarming frankness and unselfconsciousness. The character of Dory and the accompanying illustrations are so hilarious and loveable that we laughed, cringed, and rooted for her, often at the same time. Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant | The Children’s Book Review | September 7, 2015Īt the strong recommendation of our local bookstore, The Curious Reader, we recently read this book with both our daughters, age 10 and almost 6, and we all loved it.

Bee bim bop by linda sue park