JUST LIKE MOMMY

A cheetah cub learning from their Mommy expresses the many things they will be able to do when they grow up.

Based on what their Mommy does/knows, this cub will know about the Earth, the oceans, and the night skies, pictured in the watercolor illustrations with the two visiting a dinosaur exhibit, snorkeling, and viewing the stars on a backyard campout. They will also learn to “be practical and creative,” growing their own food and making music; to find reasons for laughter despite mishap; and that a cuddle is perhaps the best antidote to regrettable actions. This mother (she is the only adult depicted; other kids in the illustrations are diverse species) is involved in her child’s life in a positive way, interacting with both her own child and others’ during trips to the playground, birthday parties, and what appears to be a Scout-like outing. The cub, who narrates, is not gendered, and the activities that Mommy takes part in are not limited to stereotypically feminine ones. Companion title Just Like Daddy is similar, focusing on a raccoon duo who sport bow ties.

A celebration of all the small things (which are really the big things after all) of ordinary parenting that add up to make our world a better place.