A Mother’s Poem
Helen Millman
Halo Publishing International (2020)
ISBN: 9781612448800
Reviewed by Rachel Dehning and Lydia (age 6) for Reader Views Kids (2/21)
“A Mother’s Poem” by Helen Millman is the heart-felt work of a mother who wishes for her children to know that she cares about them. Written from the mother’s perspective, she talks about jokes, entertainment, and trips in which the entire family finds themselves enjoying together. The poem stays sentimental throughout the book, so be forewarned if you are an emotional reader. The mother imprints the idea into the readers that her children have molded and shaped who she currently is, opposed to how she used to be. You know she is serious about her role as a mother and the change she has noticed in herself when she uses phrases about being “emotionally naked,” and her child has helped her love herself without proof. The story is sweet and completely relatable if you’re a parent, especially a mother. The poem also includes the message to be mindful and appreciate the daily happenings going on around you; in other words – stop and smell the roses.
I hope that Millman’s children take this book to heart; she has poured her heart into it. I foresee this poem’s impact lasting for generations to come with the right families. If this book becomes the source for another grateful mother, I hope that those children will understand the importance of the words personally chosen for this poem.
While paging through the illustrations, I noticed how every picture was full, meaning there are items purposefully drawn onto each page that have to do with the text. I have not seen a book that detailed before. I could see this book being a fun game for mothers reading to their younger children, similar to a search and find. When I got to the end of the poem, the ending felt somewhat abrupt; but then I couldn’t give a good suggestion of how else to end it, either. I like the cover art; the pink flowers offer the appropriate “delicate, motherly” vibe. I appreciate the whole work of art, especially after reading the back cover about Millman’s challenges and how this medium served as a form of therapy for her, and likely for many others. Millman succeeded in making every mother in the world better appreciate her kids and the time spent with them.
Note from Lydia (age 6): Like my mom, I also liked the book. I liked how the mom was playing with her kids in every picture and they were all having fun. It was nice to see everyone happy and smiling in the pictures. I also liked looking at the pictures because they have pretty colors. I liked how the story was shorter, but it was still fun to hear read. The story didn’t have many exciting parts, but my mom said that’s because it’s supposed to be sweet instead of full of action. I think that kids my age and older will like listening to the story, but probably not younger.
