Description
When Mama goes to work,
she wears her working clothes.
She combs her hair,
She packs a lunch,
She takes her special bag.
When Mama goes to work,
I wear my playing clothes.
I comb my hair,
I pack a lunch,
I take my special bag.
When Mama Goes to Work follows several children and their working mothers as they move through their day. From morning to night, through the daily activities of work and play, children and parents keep each other in their thoughts even when they are apart.
Contributor Notes
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch is the acclaimed author of over sixteen picture books and novels. Her earlier picture books include Enough, Silver Threads, Daughter of War, Aram's Choice and The Best Gifts. In 2013 she won the Silver Birch Fiction Award for Making Bombs for Hitler and the Red Cedar Award for Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan's Rescue from War.
Jessica Phillips attended the Alberta College of Art and Design. She currently works as a freelance illustrator, with a specific interest in children's illustration. When Mama Goes to Work is her first book.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 3 to 7
- Grade:
- p to 2
Editorial Review
"Skrypuch treads familiar ground, separation anxiety is a major aspect of childhood development. But this tale isn't full of tantrums or tears; instead, the kids in these families are shining examples of confidence and security. . . Skrypuch follows only four families, but the variety of ethnicities and careers included is commendable. . . Sunny, cartoonlike illustrations add to the cheer"
— Kirkus Reviews
"Charming, playful illustration of different households that have working mothers and cheerful children illustrate this warmhearted picturebook, especially recommended for read-aloud storytime between parents and children."
— Midwest Book Review
"When Mama Goes to Work is a well-written, well-illustrated book for young children. School-aged children may not appreciate this book as they have probably already experienced the issues that young children with working mothers may face. As a working mother with young children myself, I found this to be a great book to share. It opened up a dialogue with my son about what I do when I work and how much I miss him. This book would make a great addition to any children's collection and could work well in a group story-time session with related activities and discussion for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Highly Recommended"
— CM Magazine
