WHEN MAMA COMES HOME TONIGHT

by Eileen Spinelli ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1998

The few precious hours between an outside-the-home working mother's arrival at her child's side and that child's bedtime are viewed through an idealized lens; the effect--either loving or hopelessly sentimentalized--will depend on the outlook of adults who open this book for lap-sharing. The rhythmic text meant to soothe seems forced and stilted; the repeated use of the phrase ""dear child"" distances the words unnecessarily. Muted pastel illustrations conjure an era from the past: The mother's old-fashioned rosiness, hairstyle, and dress are WWII or earlier, reminding readers that ""working"" mothers are not a novelty. As mother and child share both boisterous and quiet activities, culminating in peaceful slumber, the well-tended house and the gentle admonishment to put the blocks away are elements that may reflect how mothers would like to envision their day, rather than what really transpires.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1998

ISBN: 0689810652

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1998

Categories: CHILDREN'S