August 1, 1999
PreS-Gr 1-Various mammals and birds populate this warm and tender story. Animal mothers caring for their young are portrayed on one- or two-page spreads, accompanied by rhyming couplets that are occasionally clumsy to read aloud. Repetition of the phrase "Mama loves" brings home the point again and again. McCue's soft, full-color illustrations are realistic, except for the fanciful smiles. The text is large and the page layout appropriate. Children who enjoy a soothing bedtime story will soon learn the rhymes and be able to read the book themselves. Mothers who share this with their youngsters will be compelled to end with a hug and a "Your mama loves you, too."-Sharon R. Pearce, Geronimo Public School, OK
Copyright 1999 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 1999
Attractive but romanticized portraits of mother animals with their babies illustrate a singsong rhyme about how these animals care for their young, e.g., Mama Robin "watches baby so her little one won't slip and fall" from the tree. In addition to the anthropomorphism, which has beavers and bats hugging their offspring, the book is too difficult for its audience--preschoolers learning to read.
(Copyright 1999 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)