Best Mommy Ever

If you need a book about a mom with nothing to do except watch her son play in the mud, wash him each time he comes in, and prepare him lunch, snacks, and dinner of dubious quality, this may be the book you have been looking for. Otherwise, I recommend that you give Best Mommy Ever a pass.

Although the story line is lacking, the cartoon-style illustrations bring a young boy to life with lots of expression. Sam loves to get dirty splashing in puddles and making mud pies. He seems to equally enjoy getting clean, first washing his hands, then washing his feet in the tub, and finally playing with the outside hose. Both the Best Mommy Ever and Sam are filled with smiley faces whatever they do, except for some of the Best Mommy Ever’s culinary efforts. The macaroni isn’t cooked (despite being originally described as slippery), the snack is cut-up apple instead of the hoped-for cookies, and the roast beef is too spicy. It is possible that Sam may have experienced some of his Best Mommy Ever’s spicy cooking before because he knows enough to immediately ask for the antidote – milk.

The illustrations are appealing, but the story needs a focus. Retelling the details of play-wash-eat several times in one day isn’t very interesting or humorous. The Best Mommy Ever’s efforts to not gag when Sam serves her a breakfast of pickles and jam doesn’t really work either.

“This is delicious,” she said smiling, secretly trying not to gag. “You’re such a good chef. Thank you for thinking of me,” she added.”