Just Like a Mama

Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her, though not blood related. Beginning with the morning routine, the story progressively demonstrates the small or substantial, though all significant, ways Mama Rose cares for Carol, just as a biological mother would. The overflowing gratitude Carol has for Mama Rose is evident in the examples Carol gives of the parental role Mama Rose plays in her life, combing Carol’s hair, calling out “I love you, Ladybug” when Carol leaves for school, and reminding Carol to eat her vegetables and clean her room—showing that “just like a mama,” Carol is encouraged, disciplined, and loved. While the story has an overarching note of positivity, each page is full of emotions that combine to form a large spectrum of feelings in the entirety of the book, including the feelings of sadness and longing Carol has for her currently absent parents. Each emotion is impressively and relatably displayed through the diction, the facial expressions, and the body language portrayed in the memorable illustrations. Carol’s tender story and Mama Rose’s example of unconditional love combine to create an inspirational tribute to caretakers who have stepped in during a time of need or any non-traditional family related by more than blood—love.