The Best Mother

As Maxine unhappily awakes in the morning, she brushes her teeth, washes her face, has her mom comb her snarly hair, and makes a decision—she needs a new mom. When her mom inquires about her day at breakfast, Maxine unapologetically announces that her agenda is to find a new mom, to which her mother agrees that it “Sounds like a good idea.” As Maxine questions moms throughout her day at the park, the zoo, and the toy store (“If you were my mother, would you make me pick up all my toys?”), her “old mother” can be found peering around corners but staying close to make sure her daughter is safe—despite the rather harsh process currently in play. As Maxine observes the mother animals at the zoo—after no one answers her questions in a satisfactory manner—she is reminded of the wonderful memories she’s had with her mother, who is actually “the best mother.” The illustrations are wonderfully expressive and entertaining. Surrisi’s mom figure shows cheerfulness, care, and lightheartedness while granting her daughter the independence to discover what truly makes a wonderful mother. The amusing premise of a daughter at the stage when she thinks a mother making her brush her teeth is the worst thing in the world makes this celebration of motherhood all too realistic, but extra touching with the reminder (and Maxine’s realization) of just some of the wonderful ways mothers care for and love their little ones.