In My Heart

Mama wakes up to cheery tip-toeing and giggles from her daughter, jumpstarting their morning routine. As they’re in the car leaving for the day, the daughter asks Mama what she will be doing all day, punctuating her question with a tender “I will miss you.” The mother narrates her day for her child as the illustrations follow her timeline, starting at dropping off her daughter at what appears to be either an appealing daycare or preschool and ending at bedtime. After a goodbye kiss, Mama reminds herself that “Though we’re not together, / we’re never truly apart / because you’re always on my mind / and you’re always in my heart.” She highlights moments throughout her workday that remind her of her daughter—like eating the same packed lunch—and circles back to the sweet message with her daughter at bedtime that they’re never truly apart when they’re thinking of one another. This substantive board book stands out for its focus on parental love from the view of a working mother. Løvlie’s trendy illustrations are filled with color, decorative motifs (like ducks, rainbows, and tulips), and fun details (like Mama’s bunny slippers and locket). Porter’s story is lovingly sentimental for working moms and reassuring for kids who attend daycare or preschool, though the text’s flow contains some awkward interruptions with a few near rhymes. The positivity and heartfelt message make this board book about parental and child separation during the workday an encouraging and comforting read.