Booklist - 10/01/2011 It is hard to tell who will enjoy this more, kids or mom. The wry text attempts to explain this befuddling creature and offers helpful hints for her care and feeding: “It is extremely important that she get at least two well-balanced meals a day from the ‘ideal’ or ‘acceptable’ categories below.” An accompanying illustration shows readers that lunchbox leftovers are quite acceptable. Advice includes watching for danger signs: “Experience has taught us that certain auditory signals may indicate minor malfunctions.” The listed signals will be familiar to all families: heavy sighing, groaning, snapping, and “eerie silence.” The humor does get one-note after a while; but scratchy cartoon illustrations on each page keep things light and often express what can’t be put into words: “If you see this, escape is the only option” is accompanied by an illustration that shows a mom who is clearly about to lose her cool. The conceit of child-as-owner is apt; many kids do feel proprietary toward their parents, and parents may often feel they are in the service of small, demanding tyrants. - Copyright 2011 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 10/01/2011 K-Gr 3—This humorous guide to the care and feeding of moms includes directives on how to ensure they get enough sleep, nutrition, exercise, and water. Written like a manual for a washing machine or dishwasher, the book touches on topics such as, "Grooming," "Outdoor Use," and "Troubleshooting." It includes a brief history of mothers, ideas on what to do in the case of minor malfunctions, and directions on how to "Reset" your mother. Sketchy, colorful pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations add energy and laughs to the presentation. This title might make an entertaining gift for mothers and mothers-to-be, but children will give up on the overlong narrative, even though it is ostensibly directed toward them.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI - Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.