Review
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Title: Mom Says I Can
Author: Judy Cooley
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Genre: Children’s Picture
Year Published: 2008
Number of Pages: 27
Binding: Hardback
ISBN: 978–1–59038–872-3
Price: $17.95

Reviewed by Karen Hamilton

Judy Cooley is a talented author, as well as illustrator. Judy has filled this book with fun and wonderful full page paintings that are exciting to look at with my younger children. It was interesting to hear my children’s comments as to how they would like to dress for some of the adventures that happen in this book.

Max is a high spirited boy with a healthy imagination, who is able to have many adventures close to home. All he needs is the right outfit, his wagon and some encouragement from Mom. Max is out to find “the World’s Greatest Treasure." In one day he has nine costume changes for the nine different adventures.

It is amazing to have such a simple, yet moving example of how powerful mothers really are. Every day children are seeking reassurance from Mom that the world is as it should be and that it is ok to be a kid. I have found that my children are more likely to try new adventures if I tell them that they can.

Judy Cooley has captured that tender sentiment that mothers feel for their children with the exuberance of a boy’s imagination and the comfort of having Mom there to help, if needed. What more could a mother want…besides a clean home, clean children and the bills paid with a little left over…..than to know that her children look to her for loving support in all their endeavors.

This is a wonderful book with engaging illustrations and text. The illustrations cover the entire two pages that you are looking at. The text is three to six sentences long on every other page. It is easy type to read and with simple words; a beginning reader should have little to no difficulty reading this book to Mom.

This is a new, favorite book at my home. It has given me a small glimpse of what to expect with my own little boy. I look forward to the day that Judy Cooley does a similar book for little girls. This book is a keeper.