My Mama Is a Work of Art

PreS-Gr 3--A poignant and uplifting exploration of the stories behind tattoos, skillfully narrated by a young boy. The book beautifully captures the essence of honoring the individuality woven into the inked canvases of the characters' lives. From the boy's mother to doctors, teachers, and grandparents, each person's tattoos are a visual tapestry of their interests, memories, and dreams. The narrative delicately addresses the varied reaction to tattoos in public, portraying both enthusiasm and curious stares, while imparting a valuable lesson about treating everyone with respect, regardless of appearance. A pivotal moment unfolds as the mother takes her child to a museum, offering a profound lesson that diverse forms of art are appreciated by different individuals. This reinforces the overarching message of the book--embracing diversity in all its forms. The story concludes with a touching scene of the mother getting a new tattoo, symbolizing the ongoing journey of self-expression and acceptance. Colorful and inclusive illustrations breathe life into the narrative, showcasing a spectrum of skin tones and enhancing the book's universal appeal. This joyful celebration of tattoos, acceptance, and self-discovery is a delightful read for those with or without tattoos, encapsulating the beauty of this art form in a heartwarming and accessible way. VERDICT A wonderful addition to any library, as it fosters understanding and celebrates the uniqueness that makes each individual a work of art.--Melanie Leivers

In rhyming verse and thin-lined portraiture, Acado portrays one child's view of their tattooed parent: "Proud, out, and unashamed." Mama cuddles the child, who describes Mama's left arm as having "a sailing ship and my name in a heart, // A flower, and two cats that you cannot tell apart." The parent-child pair, portrayed with brown skin, walk through their neighborhood and admire other "living works of art," greeting community members who have "memories and lifelong dreams etched artfully on their skin." Addressing those who "stop and stare," the child says, "I learned from her to treat with kindness everyone I see--/ Tattooed or bare, I should not care, but just let people be." As the often community-focused illustrations nod to famous works of art--Mama appears in a frame posing in the manner of Girl with a Pearl Earring--and follow the duo to the tattoo parlor, the work celebrates the autonomy and ritual that tattoos represent for one parent who is regarded as nothing short of "a masterpiece." Background characters are portrayed with various body types and skin tones. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)