My Must-Have Mum
by Maudie Smith, illustrated by Jen Khatun
Interest age: 4 to 6
Reading age: 6+
Published by Lantana, 2022
About this book
Jake's mum is different from most other mums: she loves to collect things that have been thrown away and transform them into something else entirely. From a bendy bike or a broken bath to traffic cones and treacle tins, she tinkers and tailors until she has created new objects which are useful, beautiful or exciting. She even plants a wildflower garden in a rusty old truck, which they keep out the back, as it is too big to carry to their flat on the 14th floor.
Jake is proud of his remarkable mum and marvels at her creativity. However, when grumpy Mr Price comments that she won't be happy until she has changed everything in the world, Jake starts to worry. What if his mum wants to change him too?
There is so much to enjoy in this charming, inclusive picture book, which beautifully celebrates diversity, acceptance and unconditional love. The bond between Jake and his mother, who happens to be a wheelchair user, is utterly heart-warming. Dynamic illustrations combine energetic drawings with vibrant pops of colour to produce images which are full of exciting details to explore.
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Lists of recommended reads
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Picture books about single mums
Mums are amazing - kind, imaginative and super-fun. Here's a selection of fantastic picture books that feature a mother and child having adventures together. There is no dad depicted in these titles. Perfect for sharing with little ones.
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Best picture books about mums for Mother's Day
To celebrate Mothering Sunday, why not share one of these illustrated books featuring marvellous mums? It's a good excuse to have some quiet time with little ones or talk through any issues with older children. Together, you can celebrate all the different kinds of special mums in the world!
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Picture books set in flats and tower blocks
Stories can happen everywhere and anywhere – in fantasy worlds, in space, at school and in someone’s home. Here are some funny, touching and exciting picture book stories where the main character lives in a flat or tower block.