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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
medium-paced
The language and illustrations were definitely worthy of the Caldecott Medal.
Strengths - Beautifully illustrated book with pure Black joy. No underlying message of racism or anything besides a wonderful mama and the child that loves her so much. The comparisons of mom’s item and daughters version are sweet and relatable to kids. Even the end papers have pictures of the comparing items like mother-daughter bikes, swimsuits, winter hats, chairs, etc.
Weaknesses - Some of the text is choppy nd so ungrammatical it is hard to follow. “Some things don’t let go. But for what?” is one example.
Special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused) -
SLJ format: Your Verdict, supported with details from the book and about your audience. Verdict: A great addition to any library to bring diversity and a book that is positive about family and Black joy.
Weaknesses - Some of the text is choppy nd so ungrammatical it is hard to follow. “Some things don’t let go. But for what?” is one example.
Special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused) -
SLJ format: Your Verdict, supported with details from the book and about your audience. Verdict: A great addition to any library to bring diversity and a book that is positive about family and Black joy.
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.*
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.
"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.
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.
Poetic with sensory details and childlike perceptions, Cabrera explores a daughters' bond to her mother through simple, elegant language and striking visuals.
Illustrations are beautiful. Story is nothing spectacular. I think it would have been better as a wordless book.