WHEN MAMA GETS HOME

The three children of a mother who works outside the home look forward to her return at the end of the day. Each sibling has a task: The older sister puts the chicken to roast; the brother, Walkman in his ears, peels carrots; and the youngest child, who narrates this gentle story, sets the table. Mama finally comes home with a smile and some hugs, changes her shoes, finishes dinner preparations, and sits down with her children for a meal and recap of the day’s events. After dinner comes baths, a story, a phone call from a grandmother, bed, and sweet dreams. This is a lovely urban fairy tale for single working mothers: Mama is always smiling, leaves work at five o’clock and arrives home in 45 minutes. The children handle their chores like angels, without quarreling or crabbiness. No one does the dishes; no one sits down for some TV. The dreamy quality of the narrative is extended in flat gouache paintings in muted colors. Those with less perfect lives will still want to cast their eyes over this one, which takes for granted that the members of a family can pitch in and show their respect and love for one another in the small details of the day. (Picture book. 3-6)