Linda Ashman
Children's Book Author

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"In this lovely reverie on the joys of being alive and being loved, two veteran talents contedly riff on each other's work. Together, the eloquent simplicity of the words and the understated warmth of the pictures exude a cozy contemplativeness, inviting the very young and those who love them to point and coo, laugh, dream and snuggle." Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

"Ashman rhymes in an effortless way; the pencil-and-wash pictures are in Ormerod's rosy crystalline style; and it's hard to have too many mama books so long as they are as good as this one. Delightful to read aloud and to find all the toys and a ginger kitten on each and every page." Kirkus

"In this valentine to mamas, Ashman's skillful verse and Ormerod's cozy ink-and-gouache artwork improve upon many other picture-book fulminations on mother love. As the poem crests to a poignant finale, vertical panels of moms cuddling their bouncing bundles dramatically express the universality of the maternal bond. The poem never mentions Mother's Day, so offer this for year-round sharing." Booklist

"This well-written and beautifully illustrated book traces the various activities experiencded by mothers and their children throughout the day. The mothers and children represent a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, ages, and sizes, reflecting the diversity of mamas and kids everywhere. A wonderful anytime book for young readers and their female parents." Wendy Glenn, Ph.D., Children's Literature

"Ashman's gently rhyming text takes young readers through a day filled with laughter, play, music and love as she shows mothers and babies at the ocean, on city streets and in gardens. Youngsters will particularly love Ormerod's gouache-and-ink illustrations, which follow a set of children through their energetic day." Karen MacPherson, Scripps Howard News Service

"Soothing rhyming verse follows mothers and what they do for their children each and every day. From waking to dressing to playing with their children, mamas of various ethnicities show that a mother's love is the same no matter where you live or who you are. Illustrations full of babies are sure to delight the very young." The Virginia Pilot

"A lovely book, full of diversity and fun things to study and talk about." Rebecca Young, News Tribune

"A tribute to mothers and their relationships with their children. From waking and dressing, throughout a variety of experiences through the day, to settling for the night, the ties between mother and child are given tender expression. This is a special book to share with young children." Dr. Andrea Deakin, Deakin Newsletter



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MAMA'S DAY

From MAMA'S DAY. Illustrations copyright 2006 by Jan Ormerod. With permission of Simon & Schuster.

Author's Note


Somewhere there's a mama
Lifting baby from a crib,
Snapping rompers, looping laces,
Brushing crumbs from baby's bib.

Somewhere there's a mama
Holding baby in her lap,
Playing games and making music,
Teaching baby how to clap.

There's a mama by the ocean,
Holding tight to baby's hand,
Chasing waves and watching seagulls,
Finding seashells in the sand.



Oh, the journey this book had to publication! Way back in 1998, my editor at Simon & Schuster, Stephanie Owens Lurie (now President of Dutton), asked if I'd like to try writing a Mother's Day book. As a new mom, overwhelmed with love for baby Jackson (and overwhelmed with lots of other things as well), I was eager to make the attempt.

Stephanie bought the story -- and two editors, three illustrators and eight years (!) later, the book is finally out. Jan Ormerod and I had some busy email exchanges from London to Denver as the book approached its printing deadline, and I came to admire and appreciate her talent, professionalism and dry wit. And I love all her adorable babies!


LINDA'S BOOKS
Click on book titles for reviews, awards, and other info

New
M IS FOR MISCHIEF
"Ashman's poetic portraits are packed with lots of tasty assonance and alliteration." Starred Review, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
STELLA, UNLEASHED: Notes from the Doghouse
"A hilarious look at the world through the sharp eyes and nose of a dog." SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS
Other Books
BABIES ON THE GO
"A 10 on the "aw"-inspiring scale." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
CASTLES, CAVES & HONEYCOMBS
"Beautifully crafted and satisfying." Starred Review, BOOKLIST
TO THE BEACH!
"A family outing gone hilariously awry." BOOKLIST
STARRY SAFARI
"A rip-roaring, exciting excursion." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
RUB-A-DUB SUB
An "enchanting ride." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN THIS?
"Youngsters will find nothing but comfort in these pages." KIRKUS
MAMA'S DAY
A "lovely reverie on the joys of being alive and being loved." Starred Review, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
CAN YOU MAKE A PIGGY GIGGLE?
"Vibrant, playful text . . . excellent for storytimes." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
DESMOND & THE NAUGHTYBUGS
"A lighthearted look at bad behavior." KIRKUS
THE ESSENTIAL WORLDWIDE MONSTER GUIDE
"As pithy and clever as Ogden Nash at his best." Starred Review, KIRKUS
MAXWELL'S MAGIC MIX-UP
"A riotous adventure." HORN BOOK MAGAZINE
JUST ANOTHER MORNING
"Ashman captures the non-stop action in rollicking rhyme." KIRKUS
HOW TO MAKE A NIGHT
A "captivating collaboration." Starred Review, KIRKUS
SAILING OFF TO SLEEP
"A splendid bedtime fantasy." KIRKUS
THE TALE OF WAGMORE GENTLY
Wagmore is "a charming, gentle hero." KIRKUS REVIEWS

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