MUM, ME, AND THE MULBERRY TREE

A quiet celebration of a mother-child bond.

On a special day, a child is nudged awake by their mother in a modest bedroom. The trust between the child and their parent is immediately clear as Mum’s “strong and steady” hand tugs them toward the bus stop. The pair, who have light skin and dark hair, refreshingly use public transit to access an idyllic greenspace that is devoid of other people. Gentle greens, blues, and browns are punctuated by the warm red dots of mulberry "jewels" in the tree. Full-page illustrations are balanced with gently rounded rectangular panels and negative space. When the day turns rainy, Mum takes it in stride, and the pair use the tree for shelter. The lone tremble of drama occurs when Mum climbs up the tree and out of sight, which causes the child to call out. The lack of other characters strengthens the idea that Mum is the whole world to the child and that they are present in their experiences together. The book also offers a positive representation of a one-caregiver household and a narrative of abundance instead of scarcity. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Cozy and sweet but not too drippy.