Mama: A World of Mothers and Motherhood by Hélène Delforge, illustrated by Quentin Gréban

Mama: A World of Mothers and Motherhood by Hélène Delforge, illustrated by Quentin Gréban. Floris Books, 2022. 9781782507710

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4

Format: Hardcover 

What did you like about the book? A beautiful dedication to the mother figures of the world. The book is a collection of short reflections/stories about mother figures and motherhood. Some of the narratives read from the perspective of a mother/mother figure and some of the stories are read from the perspective of a child. The stories show the different aspects of being a mother. For example one story was about a mother that wanted to be a doctor but she stopped her schooling. She was never able to realize her dream because she became a mom. However, the story ends with her realizing her other dreams, her child and being a mother, so motherhood is not a burden for her. The stories are beautiful and very emotional. I appreciated the diversity of the illustrations: indigeinous women are displayed, women of color, working mothers, mothers who are exhausted, and mothers who are happy. The illustrations look like paintings that have been digitized. 

Anything you didn’t like about it? No 

To whom would you recommend this book?  This would be perfect to read during women’s health month or around the Mother’s Day holiday for children ages 7 and older. 

Who should buy this book? Elementary/middle school and public libraries

Where would you shelve it? 306.8743

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes 

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Rose Metayer, Boston Latin School, Boston MA

Date of review: February 16, 2022