FICTION

The Best Mother

by Cynthia SURRISI
illus. by Diane Goode. 32p. Abrams. Apr. 2018. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781419725340.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Frustrated with following her daily rules and routines, Maxine decides to look for a new mother in the park, at the toy store, and at the zoo—but in the end, she discovers her "old" mother is the best. Surrisi's concise writing explores this universal theme in a fresh way, but leaves the main message unarticulated (except for the title), skewing this book for a slightly older picture book reader in spite of the short word count. Goode's recognizable pen-and-ink drawings with watercolor, gouache, and pastel suit the humorous and heartfelt story. The illustrations are done in a cartoon style very similar to those in Kate Feiffer's My Mom Is Trying To Ruin My Life, also illustrated by Goode.
VERDICT This is a sweet (but not too sweet) general purchase especially suited for a Mother's Day storytime, but is likely to be enjoyed by both children and moms all year round.
Reviewed by Hillary Perelyubskiy, Los Angeles Public Library , May 01, 2018

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