RAINBOWS, STARS, AND APPLES

Dr. Maya Jones is called many things by many people, but the name she hears the most? Mommy.

Mommy juggles plenty of responsibilities: teaching classes, grading papers, and raising young Rosa. When Daddy goes out of town on business, Mommy’s plate is fuller than ever. As Rosa attempts to prolong bedtime one night, Mommy at last reaches her breaking point, and tears begin rolling down her cheeks. Like countless parents before her, though, she takes a deep breath and soldiers on, singing a song for Rosa about the things that bring her calm: rainbows, the stars she loves to observe from the beach, and the apples the family enjoys picking in fall. Eventually mother and child snuggle up, falling asleep together. Working parents the world over will rejoice in this deeply empathetic story of the struggles—and joys—of balancing family life with a demanding career while also making time for self-care. Tallie’s text blends a winsome, folktale-esque flair (“Once upon a time there was a Mommy”) with frank acknowledgment of the realities of childcare. Her prose pairs beautifully with Jean-Gilles’ stunning cut-paper collage art, showcasing the deep love between mother and child. The visuals have a naïve look (the families’ facial expressions are conveyed with simple dots and rounded lines), with images set against textured backgrounds that vary in hue. The protagonists present Black.

A true balm for overscheduled parents and their children.