What do you think?
Rate this book
The Trouble with Mum
Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
2 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 6, 2023
A young boy describes the various things that set his mother apart in this amusing picture-book from British author/illustrator Babette Cole. From the hats she wears-witch's hats!—to her questionable method of dealing with the other attendees at PTA night—turning them into frogs—she has her own style, and her own way of doing things. When the boy's classmates come to his castle-like house to play, they enjoy themselves immensely, but their parents don't approve, and soon arrive to take them home. It is only when the school catches fire, and the boy's mother is first on the scene to save the day, that she is finally accepted by the other parents...
I have a high regard for Babette Cole's storytelling, and for her droll artwork, which never fails to amuse me. Despite this, and the fact that I have greatly appreciated those books from Cole that I have read, I don't seem to have made much of an effort to seek out more of her work. I'm not sure why that is, but after finding The Trouble With Mom completely delightful, I will have to remedy the oversight. The first of five picture-books exploring the "trouble" with various relatives (the original British title, naturally enough, was "The Trouble With Mum"), this book explores how the narrator's witchy mother stands out from the crowd. The word "witch" is never once used in the text, but it is clear from the artwork that that is what she is, and the disconnect between the matter-of-fact narrative and wildly expressive artwork is simply delicious. I loved Babette Cole's quirky, expressive characters, whether human or animal, and there were plenty of them here. I also appreciated the theme of accepting differences, both within our own families, and in the wider community, and found the eventual rapprochement between the witchy mother and the other parents charming. Recommended to fans of the author/artist, as well as to those who (like me) enjoy witchy picture-books. I read a copy of this online, but I think I may need to invest in a copy for my personal library!
I have a high regard for Babette Cole's storytelling, and for her droll artwork, which never fails to amuse me. Despite this, and the fact that I have greatly appreciated those books from Cole that I have read, I don't seem to have made much of an effort to seek out more of her work. I'm not sure why that is, but after finding The Trouble With Mom completely delightful, I will have to remedy the oversight. The first of five picture-books exploring the "trouble" with various relatives (the original British title, naturally enough, was "The Trouble With Mum"), this book explores how the narrator's witchy mother stands out from the crowd. The word "witch" is never once used in the text, but it is clear from the artwork that that is what she is, and the disconnect between the matter-of-fact narrative and wildly expressive artwork is simply delicious. I loved Babette Cole's quirky, expressive characters, whether human or animal, and there were plenty of them here. I also appreciated the theme of accepting differences, both within our own families, and in the wider community, and found the eventual rapprochement between the witchy mother and the other parents charming. Recommended to fans of the author/artist, as well as to those who (like me) enjoy witchy picture-books. I read a copy of this online, but I think I may need to invest in a copy for my personal library!
March 31, 2011
The Trouble with Mom is an illustrated children's book (first/second grade reading level) that takes a slightly skewed look at life from the point of view of a young child whose mother is refreshingly different from the rest of his classmates. The child doesn't find his mom's quirks at all refreshing though and is a little embarrassed by mom.
The mom wears lots of bright lipstick, funky pointed hats rimmed with rats, and she wears the most adorable high heels even when she's doing something as ordinary as stirring her bubbling cauldron. Her gothic looking home is outfitted in spooky décor and she keeps a giant furry bird, a creature that looks like a huggable alligator and a fuzzy tarantula as pets.
One day the child decides to invite his friends over for a visit. The "normal" parents, of course, are horrified at the suggestion and tell their kids they cannot go. The kids, being typical kids, ignore their parents, go anyway and have a fabulous time being "wild". When their parents discover where they've been they freak and call the "different" mom some hurtful names which make her sad.
When the school is ravaged by a terrible fire and the "witch" mom saves the day the other parents realize that, hey, maybe they were wrong and she's okay after all! A lesson is learned by all. The young child and the PTA members accept the unique mom for who she is and learn to co-exist quite nicely after their rough start.
This is a great story with some laugh out loud moments, comical illustrations and a thoughtful message. The words were all familiar or easy enough that my six year old beginning reader figured them out without becoming frustrated. He enjoyed reading the entire story to his little sister and read each word with enthusiasm. Being six, he particularly enjoyed the illustrations of the "Fear Factor-like" cupcakes his mom served to members of the PTA that were crawling with bugs and other various grossness (I got quite the laugh out of the horrified reactions of the parents too). This is a five star read in our house!
The mom wears lots of bright lipstick, funky pointed hats rimmed with rats, and she wears the most adorable high heels even when she's doing something as ordinary as stirring her bubbling cauldron. Her gothic looking home is outfitted in spooky décor and she keeps a giant furry bird, a creature that looks like a huggable alligator and a fuzzy tarantula as pets.
One day the child decides to invite his friends over for a visit. The "normal" parents, of course, are horrified at the suggestion and tell their kids they cannot go. The kids, being typical kids, ignore their parents, go anyway and have a fabulous time being "wild". When their parents discover where they've been they freak and call the "different" mom some hurtful names which make her sad.
When the school is ravaged by a terrible fire and the "witch" mom saves the day the other parents realize that, hey, maybe they were wrong and she's okay after all! A lesson is learned by all. The young child and the PTA members accept the unique mom for who she is and learn to co-exist quite nicely after their rough start.
This is a great story with some laugh out loud moments, comical illustrations and a thoughtful message. The words were all familiar or easy enough that my six year old beginning reader figured them out without becoming frustrated. He enjoyed reading the entire story to his little sister and read each word with enthusiasm. Being six, he particularly enjoyed the illustrations of the "Fear Factor-like" cupcakes his mom served to members of the PTA that were crawling with bugs and other various grossness (I got quite the laugh out of the horrified reactions of the parents too). This is a five star read in our house!
November 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, as it showed differences in people and how the other parents bullied and extradited the mum to begin with until they learned to appreciate and accept her differences. This can be related to a PSHE activity (cross-curricular), about how we treat people and why.
July 5, 2011
I have read many of Babette Cole's works and I have recently stumbled upon this rare gem, “The Trouble with Mom” “The Trouble with Mom” is a children's book by Babette Cole which is about how a little boy's mother is a witch and is shown to be quite odd towards the other children and their parents. “The Trouble with Mom” may have some creepy images, but it is definitely one hilarious book for children!
Out of all the books I have read from Babette Cole, I think that this book was the most heartwarming, in standards of accepting your parents for who they are. Babette Cole's writing is extremely simple and cute at the same time as it details a young boy's eccentric mother and her odd ways. I loved the say that Babette Cole described the boy's mother as being a witch since I rarely read many books where a child describes their parents as warlocks or witches and thinks they are cool, which really brought out the creativity of the story. I also loved the message of this book about how a boy accepts his mother for who she is and never complained about how weird his mother is which really proved how much the boy cared about his mother. I also loved the surreal tone of this story as it is spooky and hilarious at the same time and I loved seeing all kinds of weird activities that the witch mother has done including turning a group of parents into toads. Babette Cole's illustrations are creepy yet hilarious at the same time as the boy's mother is shown to wear a black dress and a tall black hat with a blue snake, a rat and flowers all over it. I also loved the image of the boy's mother putting her husband in a jar and the jar has a label called “Pickled Husband 1982.”
The only problem I had with this book was that some of the images were a little too creepy, mainly the images of the monsters that lived at the boy's mother's house. Probably the creepiest image was of a dragon who had bloodshot eyes. Parents might want to make sure that their children can handle monster images before they read them this book.
Overall, “The Trouble with Mom” is a truly cute book about accepting your parents' unique natures that many children will love for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up due to creepy images.
Out of all the books I have read from Babette Cole, I think that this book was the most heartwarming, in standards of accepting your parents for who they are. Babette Cole's writing is extremely simple and cute at the same time as it details a young boy's eccentric mother and her odd ways. I loved the say that Babette Cole described the boy's mother as being a witch since I rarely read many books where a child describes their parents as warlocks or witches and thinks they are cool, which really brought out the creativity of the story. I also loved the message of this book about how a boy accepts his mother for who she is and never complained about how weird his mother is which really proved how much the boy cared about his mother. I also loved the surreal tone of this story as it is spooky and hilarious at the same time and I loved seeing all kinds of weird activities that the witch mother has done including turning a group of parents into toads. Babette Cole's illustrations are creepy yet hilarious at the same time as the boy's mother is shown to wear a black dress and a tall black hat with a blue snake, a rat and flowers all over it. I also loved the image of the boy's mother putting her husband in a jar and the jar has a label called “Pickled Husband 1982.”
The only problem I had with this book was that some of the images were a little too creepy, mainly the images of the monsters that lived at the boy's mother's house. Probably the creepiest image was of a dragon who had bloodshot eyes. Parents might want to make sure that their children can handle monster images before they read them this book.
Overall, “The Trouble with Mom” is a truly cute book about accepting your parents' unique natures that many children will love for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up due to creepy images.
November 6, 2017
This was an interesting picture book. You wouldn't guess it from the cover, but, the mother in the book is a witch. That comes with a set of problems including things like mom making bug infested cupcakes for PTA and arriving to school on a broom and letting visiting neighborhood children run wild. Basically, the other parents do NOT approve. Then something happens where her overall 'witchiness' comes in handy and she manages to save the day.
I love that Babette Cole's books don't really teach an obvious lesson. So many authors get hung up with teaching a moral that it feels like being hammered over the head. Cole's books teach more obscure lessons. This book's lesson, from what I can tell, is that even if people don't like you for being yourself they may be able to overlook that if you have performed some grand gesture on their behalf.. lol Which, let's face it, that's real. That is real human behavior.
I love that Babette Cole's books don't really teach an obvious lesson. So many authors get hung up with teaching a moral that it feels like being hammered over the head. Cole's books teach more obscure lessons. This book's lesson, from what I can tell, is that even if people don't like you for being yourself they may be able to overlook that if you have performed some grand gesture on their behalf.. lol Which, let's face it, that's real. That is real human behavior.
August 28, 2021
In a passel of ordinary mothers, there's frequently at least one who stands out. She doesn't wear sweater sets, or have neatly coiffed hair. Instead she wears pointy hats, and rides a broomstick.
Her unusual ways, though scorned by grownups, frequently seem to be a hit with the kids, usually because these moms have a more permissive, more live-and-let-live attitude.
This is the tale of one such mother. If you've been nurtured by, or perhaps even been one of these moms, you'll probably dig this book.
Her unusual ways, though scorned by grownups, frequently seem to be a hit with the kids, usually because these moms have a more permissive, more live-and-let-live attitude.
This is the tale of one such mother. If you've been nurtured by, or perhaps even been one of these moms, you'll probably dig this book.
May 6, 2012
This is a fun and lighthearted look at Moms. The mom in this story is a bit...odd, at least compared to the other parents. But her children love her and she is popular with the other children in the neighborhood. The other parents discover her true worth and eventually come to appreciate her special talents when disaster strikes. The illustrations are hilarious and the narrative is very entertaining. We enjoyed reading this book together and we have read it a couple of times.
This story was selected as one of the books for the May 2012 - Mothers reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This story was selected as one of the books for the May 2012 - Mothers reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
May 18, 2012
My first response to this book was…hmmm. So, I read it again. The story and illustrations are a little quirky but the book is still successful.
A young boy moves to a new school and he must figure out how to fit in with his troublesome mom. His mom is a witch so her appearance, mannerisms, and behaviors do not quite sit well with the other parents but sometimes being quirky has its perks and the boy’s mom proves to not be so troublesome after all.
A young boy moves to a new school and he must figure out how to fit in with his troublesome mom. His mom is a witch so her appearance, mannerisms, and behaviors do not quite sit well with the other parents but sometimes being quirky has its perks and the boy’s mom proves to not be so troublesome after all.
February 4, 2025
When your mom is a witch, things don't always go according to plan. You get treated differently. You're judged by adults and questioned by other children. You want friends, but Mom isn't the kind of parent most other parents want their children to be around. But sometimes people misjudge others for their looks and diversities. But sometimes, it's those diversities that make you unique and special. A very delightful book with fun pictures.
December 21, 2019
Visiting my dad's place, helping him sort through his office. There are two long shelves of kids' books from my childhood that will be coming to our place once the baby is born. I was reminded of how much my dad loves reading to small children when he took this book off the shelf and read it to me and the baby bump.
November 21, 2020
This book never sat well with me as a child. "I have a problem with my mom." The horror! A little boy embarrassed of his mother. Unthinkable! Afraid for his friends to meet her. OMG! It shook me. I'd never met a child think or speak ill of his parents. What an abomination, I thought. It wasn't until I was over 7 that the lesson became apparent to me.
November 9, 2018
Great book to at the end of the day or for children read by themselves. I think children will find it quite funny and perhaps relatable. I think it has a good moral message in so perhaps could be used in PSHCE lessons. K would recommend this book to children.
June 19, 2019
One of my favorites from my childhood that's for sure!
October 14, 2021
So you thought YOUR mom was embarrassing?
March 2, 2025
This book was super silly and had so many little hidden illustrations that I loved. I would use this book during Halloween or even everyday book if we were maybe talking about families.
December 31, 2024
(I must have a version from England as the title of my read was THE TROUBLE WITH MUM, not Mom). Once again, Babette Cole cleverly tells two tales, side by side, one in the simple narrative (try reading the words to a child without the pictures and ask them to tell you what they imagine is happening in the story) and one in her delightful illustrations.
Narrated from a young school child's perspective ~~ who really never does present "trouble" from his viewpoint ~~ words in the storyline narrate simple descriptions of Mum's troubles that don't seem "troublesome": "The trouble with Mum is the hats she wears." But in the illustrations however, readers see that the hat clearly defines her as a witch. A typical witch hat. When the narrator complains his mom doesn't get along with the other parents, readers "reading" the illustrations observe as she turns them into frogs. Parents might not like Mum, but the other kids do and ask to come visit (in the castle-like home of course).
Cole has a way of tickling the funnybone of readers through her simple but scintillating illustrations with expressive expansion and detailing of the storyline that creates an engaging and lively story kids return to again and again: a quite ageless story.
Narrated from a young school child's perspective ~~ who really never does present "trouble" from his viewpoint ~~ words in the storyline narrate simple descriptions of Mum's troubles that don't seem "troublesome": "The trouble with Mum is the hats she wears." But in the illustrations however, readers see that the hat clearly defines her as a witch. A typical witch hat. When the narrator complains his mom doesn't get along with the other parents, readers "reading" the illustrations observe as she turns them into frogs. Parents might not like Mum, but the other kids do and ask to come visit (in the castle-like home of course).
Cole has a way of tickling the funnybone of readers through her simple but scintillating illustrations with expressive expansion and detailing of the storyline that creates an engaging and lively story kids return to again and again: a quite ageless story.
May 9, 2012
I usually love quirky, humorous books with unique illustrations with few exceptions (no bears crushing bunnies - I'm looking at you Klassen!) and The Trouble with Mom by Babette Cole is no exception. This off-beat, funny look at acceptance of those who are different is a winner for me.
Cole's illustrations are wonderfully funny. The gothic looking home of the witchy mother has friendly monsters and assorted creatures. I enjoyed the diverse classmates and the contents of the pantry. Best of all was the well-meaning mom with her weird hat, occasionally-off cupcake recipe and her ability to deal with judgemental PTA parents - froget about them! Mom's ability to come through in a crisis endears her to all - and the kids benefit!
The deadpan text from the child's point of view will produce laughs and smiles. The lesson of acceptance reminds me of Eulalie and the Hopping Head where a mischievous offspring is completely accepted by a parent. A very sensitive younger child might get scared of some of the monsters, though most will find them fun. I recommend this for school and public library collections. I must find more Cole books! 4.5 star rating.
For ages 4.5 to 7, family-situations, fantasy, gross-humor, humor, monsters, differences, acceptance, and fans of Babette Cole.
Cole's illustrations are wonderfully funny. The gothic looking home of the witchy mother has friendly monsters and assorted creatures. I enjoyed the diverse classmates and the contents of the pantry. Best of all was the well-meaning mom with her weird hat, occasionally-off cupcake recipe and her ability to deal with judgemental PTA parents - froget about them! Mom's ability to come through in a crisis endears her to all - and the kids benefit!
The deadpan text from the child's point of view will produce laughs and smiles. The lesson of acceptance reminds me of Eulalie and the Hopping Head where a mischievous offspring is completely accepted by a parent. A very sensitive younger child might get scared of some of the monsters, though most will find them fun. I recommend this for school and public library collections. I must find more Cole books! 4.5 star rating.
For ages 4.5 to 7, family-situations, fantasy, gross-humor, humor, monsters, differences, acceptance, and fans of Babette Cole.
April 15, 2013
This book was about a little boy whose mother was a little different than all the kids at schools mom; his mom was a witch. She wore different hats than the other moms and when asked to make cupcakes for the PTA her cupcakes were not the usual but the kids went wild for them. The other parent’s didn’t want their kids going over to their house but they went anyways. The parents had a fit when they found them at that house. When a fire broke out at the school his mother even beat the fire fighters there and put out the flames and from then on out all the other parents could thank her enough. I think this book teaches a great lesson by teaching not to judge people by what they look like or what they wear. That you need to get to know someone before you talk or judge them. I think this was a fun and silly book with good illustrations.
June 22, 2012
This is an old favorite. I enjoy Cole's quirky humor and stories. I have used this and "The Trouble with Grandad" in Story Times in the past when I got older children - ages 4 & 5. I also read this right after Polacco's book and thought the mother not fitting in tied in well though she and her son are finally accepted.
In Our Mothers' House
In Our Mothers' House
September 8, 2014
This is definitely one of my favorite all time books...and when I took it out, both C and A said, "Oh, I love this book". It is beautifully written, in a less is more style of wording. The pictures are fantastic. It has a real British tone, and the message (to me anyway) is watch when you're judging people, because it's often the slightly strange ones that make all the difference in the end. Love it.
July 18, 2019
Tämän Babette Colen kuvakirjan muistan hämärästi omasta lapsuudestani! Varmasti jokaisella lapsella on jossain välin elämäänsä kohta, jolloin omat vanhemmat voivat hävettää tai ainakin arveluttaa ihmettelevätkö ystävät vanhempiesi outoutta. Tämä kirja pureutuu huvittavalla tavalla vanhemman erilaisuuteen.
Read
January 11, 2012All people are different, and some parents may not be understood by the other parents at first. This book will help students feel more comfortable about their parents coming to school if they act or dress differently from most other parents.
March 9, 2008
awesome, rcognizable
April 5, 2011
It was okay. A bit bizarre but made a good point about differences and giving people a chance.
May 22, 2012
The other parents don't like mom because of her funny hat, strange clothes and, oh yeah, because she is a witch. But when she saves the day, the other parents realize she has talents too.
February 25, 2013
This book is about a child who is embarrassed by their mom. I think that many adolescents could relate to the story line. This would be a fun book to read around Halloween.
April 22, 2013
This is such a great fall read aloud. Although it is quite obvious who mom is, kids can guess that she is a witch. Great for use in the fall near Halloween.
December 2, 2015
Such an adorable book!
March 31, 2016
Hilarious!
April 3, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. I think my children would have enjoyed this if I read it to them when they were young (they are 25 and 29 now).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews