This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
Mama's (honest) ABCs is a unique twist on the traditional alphabet book. Heidi Sharrard follows the standard alphabet book format with a word for each letter followed by a rhyming sentence. What is different about this book is that all the words relate to the joys and challenges of being a mother. Often the challenge is followed by a joy, for example, "Q is for Queasy, when you're not feeling too swell, but R is for Relieved, when we bid that sickness farewell." The illustrations depict a mom with two active toddlers as they go through their day. Mom not only takes care of her kids but also many other tasks as well. Many moms will relate to the words and emotions that are shared in this one-of-a-kind ABC book.
Heidi Sharrard has clearly written this alphabet book from her own experience as a mom. Mama's (honest) ABCs doesn't shy away from the more challenging aspects of raising young children. However, the overwhelming message is that despite the challenges, the unexpected joys of watching kids grow up and mature more than compensate for them. The illustrations by Nellie Hutchinson are kid-friendly but will elicit some chuckles from parents. I especially enjoyed the slightly green face on mom as her son is feeling queasy. Sharrard's rhymes flow easily, making this a great story to share out loud. There are many alphabet books available, but Mama's (honest) ABCs is one that both kids and parents will enjoy. Mama's (honest) ABCs celebrates and encourages moms and lets them know they are doing great!
