Mama Says
What’s inside...
Two-time Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon bring to life words of wisdom about living life with compassion and courage in rhyming text. Gentle but powerful life lessons, spoken to a child and delivered with a mother's immutable love, are accompanied by stunning illustrations. 'Mama Says' teaches the importance of kindness, sharing, diligence, faith, courage, and always trying your best. This book is an ideal gift for any mother, serving as a perfect token of love for various occasions.
Discussion points
What do you think is the most important lesson Mama taught in the story?
How did the characters show kindness and understanding to each other?
Why do you think it is important to listen to the advice from elders like Mama?
How would you help a friend who is facing a problem similar to what the characters encountered?
What did you learn from this book that you can apply in your everyday life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and facial expressions while reading to highlight the emotional undertones of the story.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences that connect with the scenarios in the book.
Pause at key moments to ask your child how they feel about the decisions characters make.
After reading, relate the book’s lessons to real-life situations or decisions to reinforce understanding.
Praise your child for insightful responses or connections made during the discussion to encourage deeper engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of listening to parents
Explanation: Throughout 'Mama Says,' the young protagonist learns valuable lessons by listening to the wise and nurturing advice of his mother.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and heed the guidance of their parents or guardians, which can lead to safer and more respectful decision-making in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the main character overcomes obstacles by remembering and applying his mother's teachings.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that challenges are a natural part of life and that perseverance and resilience can help them navigate these difficulties successfully.
Example Lesson: The beauty of diverse cultures
Explanation: Mama imparts wisdom through proverbs and stories from her own cultural background, enriching the child's worldview.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultural heritages, promoting inclusivity and understanding among peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The mother in the book teaches the importance of being kind and empathetic towards others, which the child practices in various interactions.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the value of treating others with kindness and empathy, which is crucial for building healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of education
Explanation: The protagonist's mother emphasizes the role of education in achieving one's dreams, inspiring the child to pursue learning eagerly.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace education as a tool for personal growth and empowerment, highlighting its role in unlocking future opportunities.