All Moms

March 1, 2022

Toddler-PreS-A much-needed book about moms and families of all kinds, featuring a refreshing array of skin, hair color, and gender revealed in illustrations and text such as, "Janie's two dads give hugs just like moms." Ellis and Ellis-Henderson describe the variety of things moms can be and do, such as fly planes, march in parades, and give kisses, but come back to the comforting reminder that all moms love and support their children. Rambaldi's big, busy illustrations will engage readers with friendly, familiar scenes of everyday life. VERDICT This delightful book about diverse families is recommended for purchase.-Kristy Pasquariello

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 2, 2022
Married coauthors Ellis, a GLAAD executive, and Ellis-Henderson, a musician, offer an expansive view of motherhood in this stylish homage. True to its name, the book attempts to celebrate “all moms”—including a pilot, a boss, and a doctor, as well as a single mother, two dads who “give hugs/ just like moms,” and one “great nana.” One notable scene features a joyous march with participants holding aloft Pride and Transgender Pride flags, as well as signs that read “equality” and “love is love”: “Some moms make signs/ and march in parades.// Some moms give kisses/ and make lemonade.// But all moms/ will help you/ and come to/ your aid.” Matching the energy of the text’s rhyming prose, Rambaldi’s hip illustrations busily burst with life, depicting parents and children with varying abilities, gender expressions, skin tones, and body types, though facial features are often hazy and some border on cliche. With their inclusive focus, this well-matched trio show that above all, it’s kindness and care that define “mom.” Ages 4–8.