Lots of Moms

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Just in time for Mother's Day, this affectionate photo-essay pays tribute to kids' moms and the many things they do. Each spread introduces another aspect of modern momhood, as in "Sometimes they're busy working," which shows doctor, truck driver, teacher and homemaker moms in action. "They teach you" (children are instructed in violin, baseball, bike-riding and reading); "They say, `Be careful,' and sometimes, " `No!' " (a child teeters precariously on a jungle gym while mom admonishes). The photos, many taken outdoors in idealizing, golden autumnal light, emphasize the intimacy of the mother-child bond. Though racially diverse, most of the mothers appear to be close in age, between their late 20s and late 30s, and they project a kind of low-key affluence; the setting appears to be Rotner's hometown of Northampton, Mass. Postcard-pretty. Ages 18 mos.-6 yrs. (Apr.)

Children's Literature - Deborah Zink Roffino

This is a joyous collection of action shots with moms and kids in motion. Parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and shopping, it's a celebration of outdoor activities with mother. The love is crystal clear in every photograph, across all ages, all colors, and every mood.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2Lots of Moms scores with its crisp, clear, full-color photographs and minimalist text. A multicultural potpourri of women are shown teaching children, caring for or playing with them, and working. The text reads like a primary-grade assignment ("write a sentence describing mom") with phrases such as "sometimes they are tired and sometimes they are in a big rush." The strength of the book is the enormously appealing photos. Rotner ends this celebration of motherhood by stating, "They hug you and smile and say, `I love you.' It's good there are lots of moms." A worthwhile addition to update community/family sections.Lisa Marie Gangemi, Sousa Elementary School, Port Washington, NY

Hazel Rochman

Like Morris and Heyman's "Mommy Book" (1995), this uses lots of bright color photographs and a simple text to celebrate families in their daily lives. The cast is multicultural, the moms and their children are all smiling. Young kids will talk about the pictures that show them playing, hugging, and going places with the mothers who love them.