Mum Goes to Work by Libby
Gleeson, illustrated by Leila Rudge (Walker Books)
HC RRP $24.95
ISBN 9781921529825
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis
It’s morning. The childcare centre is a-buzz with
activity as parents drop of their children and head off to work. Lunchboxes and
backpacks are handed over. Hugs are exchanged and goodbyes said. It’s the most
hectic time of day because mum goes to work.
But where do mums go? What work occupies them all
day between dropping off and picking up their little ones again? What’s more,
what do children do throughout the day while their mums work at all these
important roles? We get a look into the lives of so many different mums at work
or study, juxtaposed with all the activities that fill a child’s day at
childcare.
This book is ideal for children from 3 years old and
up will be entertainment for every child that has asked their mum what she does
at work. Maybe they can find their mum’s job among the many here. Mums also
get an overview of their child’s hours away from them.
Themes cover learning skills, the importance of
play, friendship, interaction with others and more. The entire book is alive
with curiosity and discovery due to the detailed illustrations and their
layout. These are beautifully designed and presented, and created by mixed
media, including watercolour, coloured pencil and collage. The end pages are
eye-catching. These too, can be a source of name-the-picture play.
Mum, Goes to
Work should
be in all homes with children, schoolrooms and libraries. It will generate
lively discussion between adult and child about working mothers in general and
their roles, particularly in classes of pre-schoolers and first graders.
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