Reviews

Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera

annsantori's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5. The narrative in the last third is rushed and the change between daytime exploring outside in the rain and bedtime is abrupt. Otherwise, lovely. *I received a free e-ARC from Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.*

jaelikes's review against another edition

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5.0

Lovely day in the life.

gmrickel's review against another edition

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4.0

The description from the inside cover captures most of my thoughts:

"With lush artwork every bit as poetic as her words, Cozbi A. Cabrera introduces readers to a spirited daughter and the wonder of her world as a special day with her mother unfolds -- a world where differences are respected, nature is admired and, above all else, love is abundant. Beautifully so. Me & Mama is a gorgeous celebration of the bond between mother and daughter."

This book felt very present, it seemed like it found joy in the moment. My favorite page spread, from an illustration perspective, is the two-page spread of trees in the rain, with the main character, her mother, and their dog, standing under their umbrellas. The words say "We sing out loud to sky. Sky is taller, taller than the trees. Mama says a song is highs and lows." The illustrations look like acrylic paintings, but I'm not 100% sure. The art was hit and miss for me - loving some pages and feeling pretty meh about others.

middle_name_joy's review against another edition

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4.0

I've read both of Cozbi Cabrera's picture books: [b:My Hair is a Garden|26722926|My Hair is a Garden|Cozbi A. Cabrera|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525020064l/26722926._SX50_.jpg|46755946], which I loved, and now, [b:Me & Mama|52376907|Me & Mama|Cozbi A. Cabrera|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580651107l/52376907._SX50_.jpg|71708169]. I'm getting a real feel for Cabrera's style. She doesn't follow a typical rhythm or flow; there is an undercurrent that's completely its own. And her illustrations carry so much emotion, whether framing a lone sippy cup or capturing moments of everyday joy. At first, it's a jarring combination because...picture books aren't usually put together this way. That's good! That's a relief. Especially in [b:Me & Mama|52376907|Me & Mama|Cozbi A. Cabrera|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580651107l/52376907._SX50_.jpg|71708169], with its hops and skips in narrative and imagery. You don't "see" everything; there are metaphors and repetitions and almost blank pages. But you DO wind up with a feeling of love. Love for the special people in one's life that make the routine of daily actions infinitely precious.

neartothewildheart's review against another edition

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5.0

Poetic with sensory details and childlike perceptions, Cabrera explores a daughters' bond to her mother through simple, elegant language and striking visuals.

katiegrrrl's review against another edition

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5.0

The art is beautiful. Cozbi A. Cabrera writes and illustrates a lovely story about a little girl and her mother.

2021 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award honor

fieldsla's review against another edition

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3.0

Illustrations are beautiful. Story is nothing spectacular. I think it would have been better as a wordless book.

m0rganh's review against another edition

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5.0

My favorite birthday gift this year was a copy of Me & Mama, from my own mama who - just like this story's sweet narrator - is the center of my universe. This one is a treasure.

erine's review against another edition

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A beautiful, poetic look at a young girl and her mother, and the small delights of everyday moments. There were two moments where I had trouble following the flow and was pulled out of the experience: the store as a box and the very end. Otherwise I though it was a lovely ode to family and small pleasures, and a good reminder during this pandemic as it comes 'round on a year.

emitche's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

This is a heartwarming book that reflects on the strong bond between a young daughter and her mother. I loved the word choice throughout the book, as the daughter seems to be telling the story. The words and quotes that she chooses to use reflect her admiration for her mother, which is something that I really enjoyed being evident while reading this book.