Mumma Bear

Mumma Bear by Rory H. Mather, illustrated by Hélène Magisson (Scholastic) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761521171

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

When a cub loses his mother in a park, he asks the other animals, ‘Have you seen my Mumma Bear?’ She is kind, graceful and protective, and she has the ‘softest fur’. Mumma Bear is the cub’s hero, and he hopes to be as strong as her one day. Eventually, the smell of roses leads the cub to the picnic that his perfect Mumma Bear has prepared.

Rory H. Mather’s simple rhyming couplets gently express the beautiful qualities of Mumma Bear that many human mums also possess. Kids aged four to eight will delight in the sharing and caring relationship between the bears, as well as the inspiring way that Mumma Bear encourages her offspring to be kind, fair and virtuous in their interactions with others.

Hélène Magisson’s bright and dreamy illustrations have a slightly fuzzy quality to them, like a snuggly bear hug. Even when night-time frights infuse the pages with the darkness of indigo, touches of warmth in rich brown leaves and fur offer visual comfort. Littlies will love the characterisation of all the animals, especially the cuddly protagonists.

Although it’s an ideal book to read on Mother’s Day, Mumma Bear is really a celebration of all the magnificent maternal role models in children’s lives. The sweet-as-honey story is sure to leave readers with a glow of gratitude for their ‘Mumma Bear’.

My Little Star

My Little Star by Rory H. Mather and Matt Shanks (Scholastic) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781761294501

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

The night sky, with its twinkling stars, holds fascination for many children and adults alike. For some, it’s the science, the world of astronomy – planets, meteors, the sun, stars. For others, it’s the mythology – the stories, rituals, and cultural beliefs around space. For many, it’s the magic – the fantasy and the mystique of a different world.

For Rory H. Mather, the author of My Little Star, the stars in the night sky represent connection, a memory of loved ones gone too soon.

Through a series of gentle and reflective poems – and warm, soft, beautiful illustrations by Matt Shanks – My Little Star gives voice to an array of children who are dealing with the death of their siblings.

In turn, each child tells the reader that their brother or sister ‘is a star’, then goes on to share what this means to them – their star is someone to watch, to feel safe with, to feel happiness for and to feel safe with. Above all, their star will always be there and will never be forgotten.

The hope and love in the beautifully crafted, yet simple words will bring tears and then comfort to readers young and old as they deal with their own grief and create a special place for memory.

My Little Star is a huge departure from the fun, playful stories we’ve come to expect from Rory H. Mather. This is writing that comes from deep in the heart, which is what makes it so very special. Matt Shanks was the perfect choice as an internationally renowned illustrator whose characters you just want to pick up and cuddle.

Everyone, at some stage of their life, is touched by grief and loss. And everyone deals with these emotions in their own way. My Little Star offers a way for readers of all ages, 3 years and above, to accept their grief, reflect and remember.