Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman

Mommy, Mama, and Me Reviews

• 
  Airiz

  Not so long ago, we heard about Peter Parnell’s controversial children’s book And Tango Makes Three, a true story about a pair of male Penguins in Central Park Zoo raising a chick. In its wake, many other gay-centric picture books were drawn and penned. Writer Leslea Newman and illustrator Carol Thompson created a twosome of such books, focusing on lesbian and gay parents separately.
  
  Mommy, Mama, and Me is a simple glimpse at how two mothers care for their kid.
  
  In artful mixtures of pastel-colored illustrations and rhythmic, playful voices, these books feature a day in a life of a lesbian and a gay couple. I’m pretty sure that LGBT parents will be happy to know that there are bedtime stories that can reflect their family setup.
  
  The best thing about these books is a message that lies embedded at its core, one that even most adults find hard to comprehend nowadays: there’s really nothing wrong with having two homosexual parents as long as they love their child and they can provide his/her needs. The writing is pretty straightforward—no frills and complexities and ‘coming-out’ problems and all that jazz. In fact the books didn’t even touch the sensitive issues of homosexuality, they just zeroed in on the loving relationship between mothers, fathers, and children.
  
  These are not exclusive for gay parents. I think these would be great starting materials to teach any child that there are different types of families, that love comes in many different ways, and (I’ll reiterate) that what’s important in family is not the gender of a kid’s guardians but that all of the unit’s members love one another.
  
  Controversies would always be close on this kind of literature’s heels, of course. I wouldn’t be surprised if these simple books would be listed as ‘most challenged.’
• 
  Bek MoonyReadsByStarlight

  3.5/5 stars
• 
  Betsy

  What is the purpose of your average everyday board book? It's not really a crazy question. In the history of printed literature, board books are relative newcomers. I mean, books for babies and toddlers? A radical notion! Yet parents who start reading to their kids early find that their children are better readers later on down the road. As a result, sometimes board books are simplified adaptations of already existing picture books, and sometimes they are written with the intention of beginning and ending their lives as board books (though if you're
  Sandra Boynton, sometimes you'll see the rare board book to picture book crossover). Topics cover everything from animal sounds to colors, peek-a-boo, letters, numbers, and families. Always with the families. Small children like to see children like themselves in books just as parents like to see their family situations reflected in the literature their kids read. The problem is that there really isn't a lot to pick and choose from if you're a modern gay or lesbian couple. On the picture book side of things you can sometimes find a sweet story in the midst of all the pabulum (
  Mini Mia and her Darling Uncle perhaps), but it's relatively rare. And on the board book side of things? Essentially you can either find translated/bilingual editions of Moreno Velo and Termenón Delgado's charming
  Manu series, but that's almost entirely it. Now Tricycle Press is taking a chance and producing some quality baby board book fare for the busy single sex family. What is the purpose of your average everyday board book? To teach children about the world, of course. Credit to author Leslea Newman and illustrator Carol Thompson for producing not one but two titles (Mommy, Mama, and Me and Daddy, Papa, and Me) for new families.
  
  In Mommy, Mama, and Me a small child (Boy? Girl? Unclear) discusses the activities that make up a day with Mommy and Mama. Gentle rhymes describe everything from "Mommy lets me help her cook" to "Mama helps me read a book." No matter what this family does, however, they do it together until at the end of the day, "Now I'm tucked in nice and tight. Mommy and Mama kiss me goodnight." Similarly the book Daddy, Papa, and Me covers similar ground. Only in that book a slightly older toddler runs, plays, and eventually tuckers out an exhausted Daddy and Papa. Accompanied by bright and lively illustrations, these board books are keepers from page one onward. The art itself is a mixture of mixed media and what looks to be watercolors.
  
  There was a time (and I like to think that it's past) when if an author or illustrator chose to write a story with a family in it that wasn't white, people would start tsking and murmuring under their breath that no white family would ever consider purchasing books about anything but similarly white families. The fact that black, Asian, Hispanic, and other ethnic groups readily purchased stories about all kinds of families that weren't their own race never really seemed to change their minds on the matter. As a children's librarian I do occasionally have to deal with parents who look at the books I recommend to them and then say, "Do you have anything less . . . urban?" *sigh* Still, it's less common than it used to be. Now in the case of these two books, I can almost anticipate people readying their arguments that no straight family would ever buy board books about gay folks. And again, the fact that gay families have little choice BUT to buy stories about straight family units doesn't seem to make much of a difference. To my mind, I don't think you're giving people enough credit. Are there people out there who will exhibit shock and horror at these loving little portraits and forbid them from their homes? Undoubtedly. Such are the times in which we live. But by the same token, I have faith that there are lots of forward thinking, intelligent people out there who recognize that if you want to build tolerance in your youngster, why not start sooner rather than later? Why not indeed.
  
  I think one of the things I like the most about this book is the fact that like that delightful
  And Tango Makes Three, the whole point of the book isn't wrapped up in the fact that these families have homosexual parents. I've been waiting for good books where the parents just happen to be gay to come out, and so far I've been routinely disappointed. In the case of these Newman/Thompson titles, what you're dealing with here is just your standard I-love-my-mommies / I-love-my-daddies fare. No different really from a million other board books out there today. And yes, the point behind writing the books may have been to write something for those same families, but its themes are universal; Toddlers and parents loving one another. And I think we've plenty of room on our bookstore and library shelves for that.
  
  In terms of the art, I've seen Carol Thompson's illustrations for books like Frieda Wishinsky's
  Oonga Boonga and Toby Forward's
  What Did You Do Today before. In this book she has managed to walk that fine line between being realistic and being stereotypical. She could have flamboyanted up the gay dads and butched to the nines the moms if she wanted to. So her job here was to create believable families that didn't reek of faux values. So, for example, while you won't see the dads sporting out-of-date moustaches and earrings, at the same time these don't look like two businessmen who happen to be living in the same space. Similarly, Mommy and Mama make up a believable lesbian couple that doesn't resemble television's vision of what lesbians look like (long-haired models, etc.).
  
  Yup. Pretty nice from top to toe. I urge you, however, to consider these books as more than just merely token lit. Sure, I'd love to see publishers taking a chance and creating more books of this type out there, but the stories really stand on their own merits and deserve to be considered as just great little board books in and of themselves. Cute and touching by turns, it's the lucky baby that gets to have these read to them. No matter what your family looks like, if you have an anklebiter on your hands, these are fine literature for tiny tots. More than just the sum of their parts.
  
  Ages 0-2.
• 
  Abigail

  This adorable board-book features a happy toddler spending time with her two mothers: playing on the playground, cooking together, and reading a bedtime story. The rhyming text by Lesléa Newman is made for reading aloud, and the bright illustrations by Carol Thompson capture the joy of each moment.
  
  I'm always looking for new children's books that present same-sex parents in a positive and natural fashion, without becoming too didactic or political, and Mommy, Mama, and Me fits the bill! I especially appreciate the fact that it's a board book, and therefore meant for the very young child, as I cannot think of any other early childhood books in a similar vein. Whether intended for the child of same-sex parents, who needs to see her reality reflected in the books around her, or for the child of heterosexual couples, who needs to see that families come in every shape and size, this (together with its companion,
  Daddy, Papa, and Me) would make a lovely gift!
• 
  Katie

  Very simple, but sweet kids book about the experience about having 2 moms. The overall theme is having two moms is normal and they do everyday things too like going on adventures, eating ice cream, etc.
  
  What I like about it is that it is matter of fact. It's a great world building book for a kid whether your kid has two mommies or you are a single parent or whatever else. I think its a great book to add to your rotation of kid books.
  
• 
  Lisa C

  My absolute favorite thing about this book and the follow-up story, Daddy, Papa, and Me, is that at no point is there an effort to say "this is what it's like to have same-gender parents." The entire point, told in part by it's absence, is that home-life is essentially the same as having two-gender parents. Both show love and attention; teach; guide; parent. Unlike some older titles, neither mother is attributed in either action or artwork as more "feminine" or "masculine." In fact, it's a little hard to tell the difference, other than by what the child itself describes, making both parents truly equal. Simple, accessible, and an excellent way to introduce LGBT normalcy in all types of homes.
• 
  Madison Misner

  Mommy, Mama and Me by Lesléa Newman is a classic children’s book that has a theme of inclusion. This board book includes the characters of a young child that has two mothers with a setting of a home and playground. The story has a nice rhythm to it and makes it a fun book for children to read. This 2010 Stonewall Award winner explores the family bond of same-sex parents and their child. The style of the illustrations is basic but appealing. In the majority of the photos, there is no background color, this helps keep the reader's attention focused on the characters in the story. I enjoyed this artistic choice because it helps keep the attention on the main point of the story. This is a delightful book for emergent readers due to the easy text and fun illustrations. This would be a great story for a read-aloud.
• 
  Allie

  I'm reading this tomorrow for my letter M playgroup! The rhymes are really fun and the illustrations are warm and inviting.
  
  I've been pushing the boat out a little bit in playgroup lately by including books that are explicitly about diverse topics (vs. books with diverse children in the illustrations but not necessarily about a diverse topic). It always feels scarier before you do it. You get scolded once and it really can affect you! In reality, it's not a big deal and everyone is fine because good books are good books. And if they're not fine, they can stick it in their ear.
• 
  Nouru-éddine

  We will be in need to such books for our young offspring in the upcoming days.
• 
  Caitlinleah

  I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed this yet. Totally unpretentious about a lesbian family, a very homey book about a toddlers day. A good choice for any family.
• 
  Mandy

  This was a very simple picture book for children under the age of five. This story is perfect to show young children the diversity of different families around them, and that some families can have two mommies in them. The author’s style was likely to inform younger children of different kinds of families. This story could easily spark a discussion with young children about the different types of families other kids have and how it is completely normal. The characters include mommy, mama, and baby. The baby talks about all of the things that her mommies do for her, which is what the plot basically is. The theme for this story is simple: family.
  Overall, this is a super cute book. It is perfect for introducing young children to the diversity of families, whether they see it as a window or a mirror.
• 
  Liz

  Mommy and Mama enjoy a day with their darling, bouncing baby. Each mother does their own special things with baby during the day from flying up in the air to cooking in the kitchen. At the end of the day baby is tucked into bed and kissed good-night by both Mommy and Mama. Showing that love truly does make a family.
  
  Pioneer Gay and lesbian author Leslea Newman's newest books Mommy, Mama and Me and Daddy, Papa and Me offer a board book option for loving same-sex families. With the colorful illustrations by artist Carol Thompson the day to day life of these non-traditional families is depicted in a realistic way. Newman's basic text reiterates the universal "I love my mommy/I love my daddy" themes. These books are wonderful additions to any board book collection but they are particularly valuable to a community that is greatly under-represented in children's literature.
• 
  MaryannP

  I wasn't sure what to classify this book as under our current genres so I classified it as realistic fiction because it discusses family units that exist.
  
  I enjoyed this book because it was very simplistic, easy for early readers to read and comprehend, and can be extended to early elementary students as a mini lesson to guide discussion around various family units.
  
  The book walks us through a young boys family which consists of two mom's, one that is referred to as mommy and one that is referred to as mama. They are presented separately on some pages, showing what they help the child with such as reading a story or bathing, but also show the mom's helping the child do things together. I like how the book is poetic where the lines rhyme so it's easy for early readers to follow.
• 
  Christian Kali

  I've wonder for some time about how one could enter into a discussion about matters related to LGBTQ people with younger children; this picture book offers a developmentally appropriate way of doing so for early elementary children. The illustrations and the language used in reading the book are substantive without being inaccessible to younger children. I see the right balance as presenting LGBTQ people in a way that is within the Zone of Proximal Development of young children. Overall, I found the book engaging and the way the two mothers is presented in a way that warms my heart as a reader which I believe would be the experience of younger readers.
• 
  Michelle (driftingsong)

  D'aww, such a cute little book! written in verse, to show young kids a different kind of healthy loving family dynamic than what they might be used to / expect from society.
• 
  Ali

  This is a cute book for young children. The rhyming, illustrations, and simplicity of the book can keep the children interested. The language is suitable for young children and the illustration relates to the age group that would most likely be reading it. If I were a child, I probably would not have noticed the two moms and no dad, I would be focused on the activities they were doing. Unless I had two moms myself, then I would be able to relate. So, I think this a great book for children who are beginning to read and to get them familiar with the concept of same-sex parents with out them even realizing it. If they are exposed to the ideas early, it will limit confusion and judgement in the future because it will already be "normal" to them. is interesting to children. This book is very simple, it does not go into cultural diversity, but does have interracial parents. It does not include a rich plot, problem, or solution. It is age appropriate for beginner readers and the activities the characters are doing will definitely gain interest and help children relate it to what they play with their family. Because the book is short and sweet, there was not a lot of room for different perspectives and values. At that age, children typically only see their perspective , and then other books when they are older will include more things to question and consider. I did not notice any stereotypes of biases, just a family having fun playing together!
• 
  Emilie Liebert

  This book shows a young boy going through his day with his two mommies. They both are very involved in his life, and clearly love him.
  It's beautifully written and illustrated, and delves into the life of a child with two mothers. It shows that it doesn't matter whether the parents are two women, two men, or anything in between because they show the child love and acceptance, and that's all that matters. They take care of him. All he knows is how happy he is. I love that it switches between Mommy and Mama in the stanzas so you know they both care for him in ways; they don't have gender roles either. The illustrations show you who is who to him. It's also in fun to read out loud due to rhyming stanzas that can be almost musical. It's a sweet story that shows that LGBT+ parents are the same as what is considered "normal" parents. It would be best between preschool and maybe 1st grade, depending on the audience.
• 
  Hannah Goble

  This is an excellent book to teach very young children about diversity from a very young age in a normal, uncomplicated way. The book, by Leslea Newman, uses simple language to tell the story of a young child and her two loving and nurturing mommies in a loving way that all children should be able to relate to. The book does not draw as much attention to the fact that the child's parents are a lesbian couple as it does to the fact that they love their child and are doing an excellent job as a normal parents who are doing everything in their power to care for their baby. The illustrations in the book are colorful and well done, and the cover is eye catching and engaging to young children. I would suggest this book for ages 3 to 5. It would be excellent in both the classroom and at home to teach children about diversity and the true meaning of family.
• 
  Kristen

  Mommy, Mama, and Me is a board book about a toddler and its two moms. Every pair of pages shows each mom doing a different activity with the toddler. There are few words on each page, and they follow a sing-song-like rhythm. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together. Mommy, Mama, and Me shows the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children. I'd recommend this book for any age.