This
big-hearted book smacks of joie de vivre from every angle, and the
extraordinary mum depicted in its pages gives sister Bertrille a run for her
money (youngies, I’ve got one word for you: Google!).
It’s easy to
forget how extraordinary we really are… sometimes we all need reminding.
Flying nuns aside, My EXTRAordinary Mum brings us a free-spirited, quirky and very capable individual whose daughter (our narrator) is growing up to emulate her mum’s considerable repertoire of moves - in her own individual and child-like way, of course!
This book is a rumination on what it is to be fearless and whole-heartedly yourself. It takes some of the very best and strangest parts of motherhood and deposits them into a vivacious, surprising and delightful story.
The woman at the centre of this book is an amalgam of every mother you’d love to meet (and some you’d rather not): the midnight-drumming-in-the-moonlight types, the tattooed barefoot world-wanderers, the inclusive nurture-gatherers, the creative fun-loving-motherers. She’s a classic everywoman who is deeply admired by our narrator.
The illustrations
are a wonderful experience unto themselves, and they enlarge the story by being
quite lavish and full of wonderous things to pore over. They also pick up on,
and free-range around, the narrative ideas by surprising and delighting with
their detail and reach.
The combination of an uplifting, expansive storyline alongside these colourful,
vibrant and resoundingly happy illustrations, leaves the reader with an
inspired sense of hope.
A delightful read.
Title: My EXTRAordinary MumAuthor: Dani Vee
Illustrator: Alexandra Colombo
Publisher: Larrikin House $24.99
Publication Date: 1 March, 2022
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781922503893
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
