Missing Mommy
Rebecca Cobb, Author and Illustrator
Henry Holt and Company, Fiction, April 2013
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Theme: Death, Grief, Mother, Family Support
Opening: “Some time ago we said good-bye to Mommy. I am not sure where she has gone. I have tried looking for her.”
Synopsis: A young boy’s mother dies. He doesn’t understand what has happened or where she has gone. He searches for her and finds some of her clothing hanging in the closet. He feels scared and angry because he doesn’t think she is coming back. He worries that she left because he was naughty. Daddy finds a way to help the boy and his sister keep their mother’s memory alive.
Why I like this book: I really like that this story because it is told from the boy’s viewpoint with a lot of simplicity and honesty. It is a touching and loving debut picture book written and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. I am always searching for good grief books for children. Missing Mommy deals with the pain, fear, and anger of the losing a parent, but is balanced with the loving support from family. The artwork is childlike, as Cobb uses watercolors and crayons to create childlike simplicity for her young readers.
Resources: Missing Mommy will help spark a discussion about death and grief between children and parents. It’s never too early to talk about death with children because they may first experience the death of a pet or grandparent. For further information visit Rebecca Cobb at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Oh! This is such an important theme. I can’t imagine anything worse for a child than to lose his/her mummy. Thank you, Patricia for your vigilance in always finding treasures.
Thanks Niamh. It is an important for kids to have the right resources at difficult times. This book is so child friendly.
Tough topic. It seems like it’s covered in a really sensitive, kid-friendly way. I wish no child ever needed to read it, though……
It is written in a sensitive way. But, it is a reality of life and it’s nice to know books like this are available to help.
Such a good book to feature as we go into Mother’s Day weekend. It sounds as though this book deals with an incredibly tough topic in a sensitive way. Thank you for sharing it with us, Pat!
I’m always looking for good grief books for kids. It is a top search on my blog. So, I am always happy to find one with a different perspective.
Patricia, the theme of this book is indeed heart-wrenching, but how wonderful that the author will bless those who need it and also – that you have shared it.
Thank you Laura for your kind thoughts. It’s nice to know there are sensitive grief books for kids who need them.
Looks and sounds delicate – must find his one. Thanks, Patricia.
This one is delicate and a little different from others I’ve reviewed.
Not an easy topic to write about. This sounds sensitively addressed, Pat.
The author has addressed the subject with great sensitivity. I like to find good grief books because I receive so many searches for them on my blog.
Situations like the one the boy is going through, break my heart. What a truly devastating time for someone in life. But I think books can be a powerful force for good to help in these difficult times that life sometimes hands us. Sounds very good.
It is heart breaking for a child to lose a parent. It is part of life, but hopefully the first experiences will be with pets.
Looks like you’ve found another winner. A tough topic indeed, and a much needed book. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, it is a tough topic and very much needed. I usually share a lot of grief books in May for military families.
Kudos to Rebecca Cobb for tackling such a tough topic for a debut book and being published by Henry Holt!
Thank you for visiting. Rebecca Cobb did very well to have her first PB published by Henry Holt. Am always searching for good grief books. Many people visit my blog to search for them.
This sounds like a great book for this subject. I think I’ll check it out.
It’s always good to know about good grief books. I get a lot of requests. And you never know when you may need to refer a friend to a book during a time of need.
It looks like this book deals with the subject in a relistic and sensitive way. Thanks. I will be on the lookout for it.
Yes, it does Joanne. I have a lot of people searching my blog for grief books for kids, so I’m also happy to find a good book.
A book like this one would be helpful to a grieving child who has lost its mother. Close friends of my grandsons lost their mother a few years ago. At that time, I wouldn’t have thought about a book to help them understand. Since I’ve been following your blog, Patricia, I understand how books might help to heal children who are hurting from life’s experiences that many have to face.
Thank you Freeda. I am always searching for books that are healing for children during important times in their lives. Rebecca Cobb’s book is ideal for a young child dealing with loss.