cover image Just Like Mommy

Just Like Mommy

Lucy Freegard. Sterling, $16.95 (32p) ISBN 978-1-4549-3420-2

An anthropomorphic leopard child doesn’t want to be a doctor, astronaut, or firefighter—instead, “When I grow up, I want to be... just like Mommy!” By following her lead, the child learns about the earth at a natural history museum and under the night sky as well as how to garden and play a stringed instrument, and how to head out on an adventure. She’s also great at giving cuddles, and “is always ready for fun, just like me!” In Freegard’s light, playful art, Mommy dresses in zebra-print rain boots, a clown wig, overalls, and even in disco garb. Readers will grasp the significance of a mother’s many roles. But with such an inspiring parent as a model, the narrator could shoot for the stars. After all, mothers can be doctors, astronauts, and firefighters, too. Also available: Just Like Daddy. Ages 3–up.[em] (Mar.) [/em]