Mum's Busy Work

Mum's Busy Work by Jacinda Adern, illustrated by Ruby Jones (Penguin Books 2025) HB RRP $24:99  ISBN 9781776957415

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

Today I got out of bed and asked Mum what day it was.

'Monday,' she said.

I asked if that was a day care day.

She said yes. I stomped my feet. 

Mum's Busy Work has been written by the former Prime Minister of Aotearoa NZ and is based on the words and lessons taught to her by her daughter during the time she was in office.

Told from her daughter’s point of view, this picture book story shares a special insight (though snippets of conversation and peeps of activity) into what day-to-day life may have looked and felt like for a young girl having her mother’s time and attention divided between being Mum and doing her important work as Prime Minister.

This book is also a story about a mum juggling her professional role with her mothering role. Over the duration of a week, we see how Mum - who is working long hours (she leaves early for work - and gets home late) always takes time out with her daughter. No matter how demanding her day may have been - or how tired she might be feeling - there is always time for loving her child.

The story begins on a Monday, with Mum leaving for work: the daughter doesn't want to go to day-care, and Mum confides that she doesn't always want to go to work either. 

On Tuesday, the daughter hears Mum trying to sneak off early to work but her clippy-cloppy shoes give her away. (I love the recurring motif of the clippy-cloppy shoes - which adds this engaging element for children and so endearingly ties the story together.)

And on Wednesday, when Mum asks her daughter if she knows what she does for a job, her daughter answers 'Eat chocolate!' (Due to the chocolate she always finds hidden in her Mum's office desk.)

We learn that the daughter loves to paint and wants to be an artist when she grows up. That Dad is in charge of the washing, And that weekends are for spending as much family-together-time as possible.

The book ends as Monday rolls around again. I absolutely love how after the daughter stomps her feet, Mum stomps her feet too. Then they stomp together until it becomes this big circle of stomping dancing laughing fun. They forget about work and day-care. They forget about everything - other than being in the moment together. 

Ruby Jones has illustrated this text by keeping things easy on the eye with clean minimal backgrounds - coloured in soothing tones of (mostly) pink, blue, yellow, lilac and green. In so doing, she has allowed the facial expressions and body language of the parents and child to shine forward - highlighting the undeniable emotional bonds between them.

This is a family that knows how to work together and do what needs to be done whilst prioritising what matters most. And this is a bright little girl who knows exactly how much she is loved and who learns that no matter how important Mum's work might be, that being mum to her is the most important job of all.

May every child know that no matter what, 

they are our life's greatest work. — Jacinda Ardern. 

Mum's Busy Work is a heartwarming story about the relationship between a working mum and her daughter. It showcases the importance of having together-time with our children. In busy worlds for busy working mums, it's sometimes about grabbing moments. Getting lost in them. Letting go of everything else. And no matter how small those moments - filling them to the brim. Because sharing little acts of love, care and kindness refuels and sustains the hearts of us all. 

Suitable for age 3-7 years

Suitable for age 3-7 years