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M.O. Lufkin is a children's book author who resides in New York City. Lufkin enjoys telling stories in rhyme, while invoking the broadest range of emotions in young readers as they explore their thoughts and feelings about the world as they embark on their journeys into adolescence and adulthood.
Nina Khalova creates traditional animation, cut-out animation and illustrations. Located in Ukraine, she has produced artwork for titles such as Thinking of Mom, Hazel Twigg & the Hollyhock Hideaway, The Fox Hole, On Top of a Hill There's a Billy, and The Lion's Pride.
Jody Mullen is a highly sought-after writer and editor whose diverse portfolio includes public relations and marketing, corporate communications, and government grant proposals. She is also an acclaimed professional singer who has performed in venues such as Don't Tell Mama (NYC) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. She holds an A.B. from Barnard College of Columbia University in New York.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Ella is remembering her mother in the storybook Thinking of Mom by M.O. Lufkin, and she is feeling nostalgic and sad. Her mom used to help Ella brush her teeth, make her bed nice and neat, and dress in matching clothes. She always took Ella to the park to play, made lunch and dinner for her daily, and tucked her into bed every night with a goodnight kiss. Mom falls sick and there is no one to help Ella to brush her teeth, help her with her clothes, and take her to the park. Ella is sad and wants to run away. Though her dad was helpful, Ella missed her mom, her love, hugs, and kisses. Will Ella be able to get over her sadness?
The story is poignant and beautiful and it captures the emotions of a little girl, helping children connect easily with Ella’s pain and sadness. The water color paintings are fabulous and they bring out the concept and Ella’s emotions with clarity and make the story come alive. It is a good bedtime storybook and it can be read in classrooms and school libraries for read aloud interactive sessions using the discussion questions. The story teaches children how to cope with losses in their lives and to find happiness amidst sadness. The book helps parents, educators, therapists, and counselors to handle children who have lost a loved one understand grief better. The story is definitely a must-read for all children who are grieving over the loss of a parent or a loved one.
