Title: Just Like Mama
Author: Nandita da Cunha
Illustrator: Shreya Sen
Publisher: Tota Books, an imprint of Speaking Tiger Books
Type: Paperback
Pages: 24 pages
Recommended Age: 3-8 years
A great conversation starter for expecting parents and elder siblings
“No matter how big they grow, a mother’s love for her babies never changes—it only grows stronger”
Just Like Mama is a warm, beautifully illustrated children’s book that celebrates the special bond between a mother and her child. Mika is a 6-yr old girl who loves her mama a lot. She feels that her mother used to be so fun—she baked cakes with her and had camping nights right on their bed with flashlights and stories. But then the new baby was born, and everything changed. Mika’s Mama started acting like a rule monster! No more staying up late, no more extra treats, and she’s always busy taking care of the baby. Mika is upset and misses her ‘fun’ mama. Will Mika get her fun mama back?
The story strikes a special chord with us because we have experienced almost everything described in the book. I have two daughters – Ananya (soon to be 8 yrs!) and Anika (soon to be 4 yrs). I think a 4-year-old Ananya might have felt a mix of excitement and confusion when I was expecting our second baby. She was happy imagining having a new little baby to play with. I think she might have been unsure on how things will change once the baby is home (though she never spoke about it).
It made us reflect on our own journey when we welcomed little Anika. Ananya and Anika were born just one day apart (though in different years!), but that year was a mix of emotions—Covid, a new baby, and missing Ananya’s birthday celebration because I was still in the hospital. We planned ahead for Ananya’s birthday goodies, toys, and treats, imagining them as gifts from her little sister—celebrating her special day while also getting ready to welcome the new baby.
A little baby in my arms alongside a toddler made things challenging, and maybe that’s when I did become a bit of a “rule mama.” I now realize I might have become a “rule mama” a little too soon—but then my other little “rule mama” appeared: Ananya, the big sister!
Here is our conversation on the story and more
Me: What did you like about the book?
Ananya: It was nice, made me think about baby Bittoo (Anika). I still feel sad thinking about the day you were not home.Me: Did I become a rule mama too?
Ananya: Not much. I do remember I had to keep my volume and excitement down when she was sleeping, which was always!Ananya: Do you know which is my best birthday present?
Me: Which one? Lego?
Ananya: It’s Bittoo! (screaming)
Me (happy and surprised): I am so glad you think so.Me: Who makes rules in this house?
Ananya: You & I!
Me (to Anika): Are you also a rule monster?
Anika: You both make rules but i am the boss – i don’t listen!
I really liked the story—it felt genuine and heartfelt. It resonated deeply with my own personal journey, making me reflect on similar experiences in my life. The illustrations complemented the story perfectly, adding warmth and emotion to each page. The book is a great conversation starter for parents expecting a new baby, offering gentle insights and relatable moments that help prepare families for the exciting changes ahead.
Overall, it’s a wonderful book to read slowly, reflect on, and connect with your own journey through change and growth.
Other books by the author are Just like Papa (read review here) and The Magic in My Fingers. Do check out My Trip To La-La Land and Pedru and the Big Boom which are chapter books. We all love The Miracle on Sunderbaag Street deeply; The Miracle on Kachhua Beach is the next book in this series. Amongst other books are Who Clicked That Pic and A Bite Before Christmas.
If this review resonated with you as well, please order your own copy from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Pooja and Ananya are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
