The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten by Maureen Fergus, Mike Lowery
on March 1, 2013
ISBN: 152531565X
Genres: School, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This is a paperback reissue of a 2013 title. A humorous spin on the important social emotional learning that happens in kindergarten. Our narrator is a kindergartener who loves school, but things take a zany turn when she invites her mom to join her in the classroom for the day. And while you might think that a kindergarten alum like a mom would know just how to behave, it turns out that this mom has forgotten the basics: she speaks out of turn, cuts in line, and runs inside in her outdoor shoes, among other embarrassing transgressions. Our narrator is horrified, but gentle in her corrections of Mom’s behavior: “I’m sorry, Mom, but…” or “Don’t worry. Everyone makes mistakes at first.” After a quick check in with her teacher, the two decide to give Mom a bit more time to get used to the kindergarten rules, and she does make some improvements by the end of the day. Ultimately, though, Mom decides to stick to a job that plays to her strengths. Our narrator has a kind suggestion: “you’re really good at being a mom, Mom.” Lowery’s child-like illustrations amplify the humor, and select typography emphasizes Mom’s wrongdoings. VERY EMBARRASSING! A fun Freaky Friday where the kid gently and kindly guides the parent through their misbehavior. Main characters read as white.

Reviewed by Carolyn Gallmeyer, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta