This is a tell-all picture book, oh yes it is. Written with consummate ease and hilarity by the masterful McLeod, we learn the true shenanigans that occur on Mother's Day - not the warm tea and the button-clad cards, no no - this is the real deal:
The shoddy clay mug that won't hold water (honesty's so cruel) . . .
The box of chocolates that are devoured by the hoards before mum even gets a look in . . .
The hot mess in the kitchen (that eventually gets cleaned all by itself) . . .
The homemade muffins that would make fabulous briquettes . . .
Oh yes, it's all here. And what's also here is Mum, secretly wishing for a day alone, to hide away under the doona and avoid the 'delights' of Mother's Day altogether.
Relate?
This perfectly funny book (in perfect rhyme) is perfectly illustrated by Judy Horacek, using her signature style of peeps, and all done in a collection of colours that are ravenously scrumptious.
Great fun - and perfect for Mums with a sense of humour - or those in need of one (although, I ask you to show me any mum without a well developed funny bone!).
Title: The Night Before Mother's Day
Author: Doug McLeod
Illustrator: Judy Horacek
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $9.99 RRP
Publication Date: April 2012
Format: Small edition hardback
ISBN: 9781742379401
For ages: 12+
Type: Picture Books for Older readers, Rhyme