Have you read Tough Like Mum? Whew, this one hits home.
Tough Like Mum is a POWERFUL story of mother daughter love, of being being independent but also accepting help, and of taking care of each other in the ways we can.
This post includes affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase (thanks!). As always, check your local library first.
One day Kim’s mum doesn’t sign her field trip form, and we find out there’s a $6 fee. Kim’s teacher points out a box on the form that Kim says means they need help to pay the fee… but Kim’s mum is tough and never checks that. When Kim gets home she makes some tomato soup for her mum to help her feel better, and after a simply beautiful caring moment, mum checks the box.
This book was suitable for our four year old, and started a great conversation about why we bring a can of food to preschool every week for people who don’t have enough food. Older kids may understand more fully the poverty aspect.
As a mom I appreciate this book because, especially during the pandemic, we never know what our neighbors are going through.
Tough Like Mum is written by Lana Button and illustrated by Carmen Mok. This picture book is available on Amazon and Bookshop.
If you like this book, you’ll also like Maddie’s Fridge about two friends with different levels of food security.
And if you have the means, help a local organization today. It could make the world of difference to a kid whose mom is choosing between food and a field trip. We supported the Downtown Women’s Center here in Los Angeles.
Looking for more? Take a look at our last read, The Bench by Meghan Duchess of Sussex (aka Meghan Markle). Or you might want to check off some of the 100 Childrens’ Books To Read In 2021.