Book Review: You Are Not My Mother by P.D. Eastman

You Are Not My Mother

Eastman, P.D. (1960). You Are Not My Mother. Random House Inc.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

A baby bird hatches while it's mother is away. This causes a slew of problems that need to be solved. You find yourself concerned for the baby bird, hoping it finds its way back to its mother.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a repetitive book. The baby bird asks different character the same question making this book a predictable book for readers. This is effective in teaching making prediction while reading. The dialogue in this story carries the plot as the baby bird goes from character to character asking, "Are you my mother?"

The illustrations are very telling in color, action and expression. Simple, consistent colors run throughout the book. This keeps the story coherent and easier to follow.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Scholastic Parent & Child 100 Greatest Books for Kids

Timeoutnewyorkkids.com 50 Best Books for Kids

5. CONNECTIONS

*Author P.D. Eastman was a protege of Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss

*Eastman previously worked in story development at Walt Disney Production and Warner Brothers Cartoons

*Also available in Spanish and Board Book

*Can be integrated in Science curriculum teaching parent and baby pairs

ISBN 0394900189