The Way Mothers Are

by Miriam Schlein, Joe Lasker (Illustrator)

A little cat tries to understand the depth of his mother's devotion. And over and over, his mother reassures him of the most important fact of life, her unconditional love.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Miriam Schlein was an American author who wrote nearly 100 books that helped teach children about animals and more obscure ideas such as space and time. Her books include The Year of the Panda and Discovering Dinosaur Babies. Schlein died of vasculitis in Manhattan, New York, at age 78, in 2004.

Reviews

[Cathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet book with a lovely message about unconditional love which a mother has for her child. The illustrations are cute, colorful, and heartwarming. The story is a little bland, so this wasn't a huge favorite with our kids, but I still like its message.

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother loves her little one, even when he's naughty. Ages 3+

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this book was originally publishes in 1963, it's a not surprising that the illustrations feel a little dated. But the anthropomorphic cats are cute and the message is great.

From the second to last page:
"So you don't think I love you just when you're good, and stop loving you when you are naughty, do you? That's not the way mothers are. I love you all the time, because you are mine."

[Keegan Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this for Joy School. I loved the message. I've noticed that with three-year-olds it's especially easy to be confused about parents being happy with them and love, and parents being unhappy with them and not loving them. This is a good chance to talk about how moms love you whether you make good choices or bad choices-- they love you always.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has since been updated with newer, more colorful illustrations, and that would probably raise my rating a little. In this version, there is color only on every other page, and my storytime kids don't know what to do with black and white illustrations! Still, the story is sweet, and the "why do you love me? question is one that still resonates today.

[Skylar Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I apparently needed to reaad to my daughter, although I didn't know it until I read it. It's about how mothers love their children even when they are naughty, and not becuase of the good things they do, but just because we are their mothers and they are our children.

[Janene · Rating 4 out of 5]

My best friend RaNae gave me this book for my oldest child when I had my second. It's a great book and a favorite with the kids.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY CUTE! This is a conversation between a small boy cat and his mother...he's confused because she always loves him and he wants to know why. Very simple answer at the end.

[MJ]

odc this evening