My Mum by Anthony Browne

Picture Corgi, 2010. ISBN 9780552560207.
(Age 3+) Recommended. From the beginning sentence, 'She's nice, my mum,' with its picture of an ordinary woman in a flowery dressing gown, I knew that I was about to read another one of Browne's warm, quirky stories. Told through the eyes of a young child, in this story Mum can do anything. She is a great gardener, cook and juggler. She could be dancer or an astronaut - in fact she is a SuperMum!
The illustrations are bold and vibrant with lots of touches of whimsy like Mum turning into a floral armchair and a beautiful butterfly. Readers will be delighted to see Browne's signature gorilla's face on one page, and it is lovely to follow the heart motif that portrays the great love that Mum has for the child and the child for the mother. Browne's clever touches like Mum in a classic Marilyn Monroe pose and as a medieval angel playing a harp,(albeit with fluffy slippers), bring a smile to the face.
With My Mum, Browne pays a moving tribute to mothers everywhere with a powerful portrayal of motherly love. This book would make an excellent addition to a library and a great Mother's Day present.
Pat Pledger