Is That Your Mama?: An Empowering Celebration of Family
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Is That Your Mama? is a vibrant and heartwarming celebration of family diversity, written by Patrice Lawrence. The story follows a young boy named Jaxon as he explores the many different ways that families can look and feel, and learns to embrace the unique qualities of his own family. Through a series of playful and imaginative scenarios, Jaxon discovers that family is not just about who you look like, but about the love and support that you share. The book's colorful illustrations and uplifting message make it a joyful and empowering read for children and families of all backgrounds.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What makes a family unique according to this book?
How do the characters in the story show love and support for one another?
Can you think of ways our family is similar to or different from the families in the book?
What did you learn about the different kinds of families from this story?
How did the book make you feel about your own family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by discussing your own family structure and how it relates to the story. This helps the child connect personally with the book’s themes.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite family moment in the book, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
Use a family photo album to draw parallels between your family and the ones depicted in the story, creating a visual and relatable experience.
After reading, ask your child to draw their own family, emphasizing the unique aspects celebrated in the book.
Discuss with your child the importance of support and love in a family, reinforcing the book’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Diversity and inclusion
Explanation: The book showcases a range of family dynamics and compositions, emphasizing that families can look different and still provide love and support.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and accept diverse family structures among their peers, fostering inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Empowerment and self-identity
Explanation: Through the narrative, the characters discover and embrace their unique identities within their families, promoting a sense of self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and affirm their own identities, boosting their self-esteem and personal growth in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of asking questions
Explanation: The characters in the story often engage in asking questions to understand their world better, illustrating the value of curiosity and learning.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of inquisitiveness and seeking knowledge actively, which helps them in educational settings and personal development.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: By encountering various types of families and their unique stories, characters learn to empathize and understand different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to put themselves in others' shoes, enhancing their ability to interact compassionately and thoughtfully with others around them.
Example Lesson: Celebration of familial love
Explanation: Regardless of the family structure, the underlying theme of love and support is consistent throughout the book, celebrating the bond that ties family members together.
Real-World Application: This can help children value and cherish their family connections, understanding the importance of love and support within their own families.