Every now and again I am asked about ways to inspire the love of reading in energetic toddlers when settling down with a book is the last thing they want to do. Keeping their attention focused is challenging even at the best of times let alone at bedtime read-alouds when they’re tired. Finding books they love (rather than what you think they would love) is the key. Shirley Hughes was one of the few authors who has instantly hit the spot with my son.
Check out my earlier post to learn more about Shirley Hughes’ much celebrated writing and illustrating career and to explore Shirley Hughes’ stories and poems anthologies which were a big part of my son’s early childhood reading journey.
In “Mother’s Day”, like in most of her stories, Shirley Hughes shows episodes from a child’s life seen through that child’s eyes. She has a gift of making the reader appreciate and celebrate the ordinary, those deceptively insignificant moments which usually tend to go unnoticed or be taken for granted by us grown ups. Here a child tells about their routines and daily experiences with their mother recounting simple and down-to-earth moments. “We wait with Mum when the light is red… We walk with Mum when the light is green…” Seriously…?! I hear you say. But have a look at the page spreads below and you’ll feel three or four again, securely holding your Mum’s warm hand and gazing at the world around you with wonder.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and grandmothers! You are the best. Every one of you.
