Mama's Day with Little Gray

AIMEE REID wanted to be two things when she grew up—a teacher and a mother. First the overturned laundry basket she used for a pretend desk became a real teacher's desk, and then she had three wonderful children. In fact, her daughter's words at bedtime sparked this story. Mama's Day with Little Gray is Aimee's debut.

LAURA J. BRYANT has illustrated many books for kids, including God Gave Us You, Yummiest Love, and How Many Kisses Good Night? She lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

A cozy tale about a young elephant imagining what things would be like if he were grown.

An elephant mother spends the day with her Little Gray. His desire to grow up and his conflicting desire that his mother always be there to offer advice and support are at the root of his many questions. “Mama, when I grow up, will you grow down?” Mama elephant is portrayed as the ideal mother. Her gentle words put her young one at ease and bolster his growing confidence. When Little Gray states he will share leaves from a tall tree when he is bigger, Mama exclaims, “You would be big!...And very kind.” Pastel-hued spreads are dominated by pale yellows, warm greens and watery blues. The elephants’ expressive eyes convey admiration and love, while the nimble movements of the younger pachyderm contrast with the steady, darker-hued mother, whose bigger shape often frames her child. (Picture book. 3-6)