Everything Is Mama
Jimmy Fallon's Children's Books Series
What’s inside...
In 'Everything Is Mama' by Jimmy Fallon, the book humorously explores a baby's perspective where everything is referred to as 'mama.' Fallon, a well-known entertainer and host of NBC's Tonight Show, follows up his first children's book with this lighthearted read. The story features different animals attempting to teach their children that there are other words beyond 'mama' for various objects and activities. This engaging board book aims to expand a child's vocabulary in a fun and relatable way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-2
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the baby animals keep saying 'Mama'?
How do you think the mama animals feel when their babies learn new words?
What is your favorite word to say to your mom or caregiver?
Can you think of other words that are important to say to family members?
How do you show love to your family members?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child about their favorite part of the book and why they liked it.
Encourage your child to think about the relationship between the baby animals and their mothers, reflecting on their own relationships with family members.
Use the book as an opportunity to teach your child new words and explore their meanings together.
Relate the story to your child’s everyday life by discussing family routines and expressions of love.
Praise your child for engaging in the conversation and expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Language Development
Explanation: The repetitive structure of 'Everything Is Mama' introduces young readers to basic vocabulary, focusing on familiar objects and their names.
Real-World Application: Children will start to identify and name objects in their daily surroundings, enhancing their language skills.
Example Lesson: Parent-Child Bonding
Explanation: The narrative revolves around a mother teaching her child, reinforcing the bond through learning and interaction.
Real-World Application: Reading this book together can strengthen the emotional connection between parents and children, making learning a shared, joyful experience.
Example Lesson: Understanding Perspectives
Explanation: The book shows how the baby animal views everything in relation to its mother, which can teach children about relationships and perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the importance of different relationships and how to view the world from other people's perspectives.
Example Lesson: Patience and Repetition
Explanation: As the mother patiently corrects her child with each attempt to name something as 'Mama', it teaches the value of patience and repetition in learning.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that learning is a process, and mastering new skills may require repeated effort and corrections.