Mama Says I’m Fine

Cooper spins the many definitions of fine into a sensitive story about a strengthening mother-child bond. “All my life, my mama has said two words to me. ‘You’re fine.’ It’s just two little words, but those two words can mean a lot,” heartfelt first-person narration begins. Subsequent pages spotlight variable meanings of the phrase: “I have to be tough,” “I should be proud,” “I’m the most beautiful little girl,” and “we don’t have enough, but we’ll get through.” As the examples unfurl, the narrator conveys the resultant confidence the reassuring sentence inspires before pivoting to the way the phrase can be mirrored back to Mama, who is “doing this all on her own” and “isn’t always fine.” Incorporating botanical motifs, limited-palette digital renderings have colored pencil–like outlining; tucked throughout spreads are reminders of the comforting titular sentiment (“I’m fine and I’m kind” says a school poster; “You’re fine” spells lettering atop cupcakes), further driving home the text’s grounding message. Creators’ notes conclude. Ages 4–8. (May)