Mummy! Where are you? by Charmaine Oates. Illus. By Jelena Jordanovic-Lewis

‘Mummy! Where are you?’ is a very familiar cry for young mothers, especially Charlie’s mother as she tries to get a myriad of household tasks done while being trailed by a toddler and his dog.

This is a delightful story what will appeal to young children and to the adults who read it to them. The illustrations and layout of the book are clever and very appealing. On each double page spread, the reader sees a scene, with the words 'Mummy! Where are you?' and then on the next double page spread is a lift the flap that shows mum trying to do some work and Charlie asking if he can help. On the following double page spread is the refrain 'Mummy! Where are you?' while the illustrations show the chaos that Charlie and his dog have left behind. He piles things over the bedroom floor, scatters the laundry and knocks plants out of the wheelbarrow. Finally, after a very busy day, Mum and Charlie go to sleep.

The text is short, and toddlers will love to repeat the refrains, 'Mummy! Where are you?' and 'Charlie help too' and beginning readers may find this a lovely book to try out their first words. The love and warmth in this little family shines through both in the narrative and the illustrations. The gentle pastel colours of the illustrations are gorgeous and Charlie, Mum and the dog come alive on the pages.

This book is a keeper for me.

Themes: Family, Children, Mothers, Housework.

Pat Pledger