My Great Big Mamma
by Olivier Ka
illustrated by Luc Melanson
- Commended, SSLI Honor Book
- Short-listed, Governor General's Literary Award: Illustration
A little boy tells us proudly how big and wonderful his mother is — from how soft she is, to how loving she is, to how wonderful it is to sit on her lap on the bus. When his mother goes on a diet, "because of what other people say," he is outraged and becomes a picky eater himself to show her how foolish she is being. There can be no doubt that for this child, his mother is great just the way she is.This book is a remarkably life-affirming story about a young child who knows that a person should be loved for being just exactly who and what they are.
close this panelOlivier Ka was born in Lebanon and grew up in Paris. He has been a radio host, photo-engraver, actor and journalist, among other occupations, but now spends most of his time writing novels for adults and stories for children, especially fantasy and comedy. Olivier Ka lives near Toulouse in the south of France.
Luc Melanson won a Governor General's Award for his illustrations in The Grand Journey of Mr. Man by Gilles Tibo. He has illustrated many children's books including Pink by Nan Gregory, a finalist for the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize and the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award, and My Great Big Mamma, which was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award in 2009. Luc lives in Laval, Quebec.
close this panel...[a] heartwarming book...The pictures radiate the love, comfort and security the boy feels in Mamma's presence.
...a touching story about unconditional love, acceptance, and the effects of a parent's self-esteem on their child.
...clearly reflects a child's perspective of how a beloved parent looms large in his or her world and expresses the emotional satisfaction conveyed in a cuddle...[painted in deep hues,] both mother and son glow with warm emotion...[and the] message of nonjudgmental love is sweetly assuring.
Written with subtlety and tenderness...
...A tale that will capture adults and children alike...
...a story celebrating the unconditional love between a parent and child. The book also reminds us, the readers, to accept ourselves as we are.
