Mommy! Mommy!

Starred review from May 6, 2013
First published in Japan in 2004, this hide-and-seek style board book follows a pair of yellow chicks as they try to keep tabs on their mother. “Mommy! Mommy!” they cry in early scenes, to which she replies, “Here I am!” But things aren’t always what they seem: what looks like Mom’s pink comb peeking from behind a bush or pile of rocks could be a flower—or a toothy monster. The story’s gentle surprises are sure to delight, as will the birds’ happy reunion. Simultaneously available: Peekaboo! Up to age 4.

A mama hen plays a game of hide-and-seek with her two little chicks. The hatchlings call "Mommy! Mommy!" when they can't locate her, and she reassuringly appears with the words "Here I am!" with the turn of the page. The first time, their mama is simply in the distance, but the next time, she hides behind a wall before reappearing. This pattern alters as the chicks go on to mistake a fuchsia-colored flower poking out from behind a bush and the scraggly pink coat of a fanged monster protruding from behind some rocks for their mother's comb. The mother-and-chick reunion takes place on top of a barnyard roof while a happy sun looks on. Gomi uses spare watercolors on white backgrounds, graphically simple shapes and the subtle placement of beaks and eyes to convey lots of action and emotion. Adults should share this title sensitively with their youngsters, since some toddlers may find the pink monster (or is it supposed to be a dog?) a little bit frightening. It is lovely to see more and more of Gomi's work being translated into English, but this offering proves that not all of his work has universal appeal. (Board book. 1-3) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.