Mama Always Comes Home
What’s inside...
From Mama Bird to Mama Cat, mothers of all kinds come home to their children. Mama Bird and Mama Cat and even teensy-weensy Mama Mole must leave their little ones from time to time. But rain or shine, in a tree or in the sea, mamas everywhere find their way home with cozy hugs and lots of love, because every kind of mama finds their way back to their children.
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important for the animals in the story that their mama always comes home?
How do the baby animals feel when their mama is away, and how do they feel when she returns?
What are some ways the mamas show their love to their babies in the book?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the little animals waiting? How did you feel when you saw your loved ones again?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book might be about just by looking at the cover and title.
As you read, point out the emotions of the animal characters, asking your child to share if they’ve ever felt the same way.
After reading, connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing a time when you were apart and how joyful the reunion was.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, discussing the feelings and actions of the characters as they draw.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Reassurance of a parent's return
Explanation: The story illustrates how various animal mothers, including humans, always come back to their offspring, providing a comforting pattern that a child can recognize and understand.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children cope with separation anxiety, giving them the confidence that their parent or guardian will return after work or any time apart.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse family dynamics
Explanation: The book portrays different animal families, which subtly teaches about diversity and that caring families can look different from one's own.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and accept the diverse family structures they encounter among their peers, fostering empathy and inclusion.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: By showing animal mothers caring for their young, the book encourages empathy towards animals and an understanding of their emotional capacities.
Real-World Application: Children can translate this empathy to real-life interactions with animals, treating them with kindness and recognizing their need for care and affection.
Example Lesson: The consistency of love
Explanation: Through repetitive assurance that mothers always come back, the book reinforces the constancy of a mother's love.
Real-World Application: This can reassure children about the unwavering nature of love from their caregivers, helping them feel secure and valued.