Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
There are many children’s books of this title and most appear to be presented by Bluey and Bingo. The book I have just read is part of Albert Street books, Allen and Unwin, and has been compiled by Nic McPickle, a fun-loving children’s author based in Melbourne who has also produced a book for dads. The beautiful illustrations which dominate each page are by Tommy Doyle, a Melbourne-based illustrator, ceramist and graphic designer, originally from Montreal.
The book promotes various animals and their young which are featured on the back cover. The story is narrated by a koala joey. A picture of him and his mother grace the pink cover, as well as the last page of the book.
The MUM-preciations at the beginning of the book says it is for all the mums, particularly the windsurfing ones.
The text is presented in rhyming couplets with full page illustrations of the animals which are dominant on each page. The joey begins with voicing all the things his mum does that make him cringe and asks if other mums do the same. There is a four-page response from other animal families before the joey stresses that without any doubt his mum is the very very best. The next four pages indicate how they are the best through illustrations of different animal groups.
The remainder of the pages promote the family groups mirroring words the joey is writing on a card for his mum.
This is a beautifully presented book for young children to praise mums everywhere. By using animals to do this adds variety and humour which will no doubt catch the attention of young children.
My Mum is the Best
(2025)
by Nic McPickle
Illustrated by Tommy Doyle
Albert Street Books, Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 978-176118-116-0
$19.99; 28pp