Jake’s mum is not like most mums. Say there's a skip in the street, most mums will pass right by without a second glance. Not Jake’s mum. “Look at this, Jake!” she'll shout. “We must have this! We must have this, too! And we simply must have this!” That’s Jake’s mum for you. She’s a must-have mum. So when Jake’s mum upcycles every last thing in their flat, Jake begins to worry that the only thing left to change is . . . him! A heart-warming story about the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son, and a little boy who learns that he is perfect just the way he is.
A Sunday Times Book of the Week 2022
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Maudie writes humorous and touching stories for children including the picture books Milly and the Mermaids and The Dressing-Up Dad. She has an MA in Writing for Young People and lives in a village near Bath, UK.
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Jen is a children's book illustrator cosily living by the coast of East Sussex in the UK. Her work resonates with the hidden magic in everyday life and the close bonds between people, nature and memories.
My Must-Have Mum Book Trailer | Written by Maudie Smith & Illustrated by Jen Khatun
“A truly lovely book, every page feels like a warm hug.”
-Michelle Robinson, children’s author
“My Must-Have Mum is an exciting, joyful uplifting book about the super special relationship between mother and son. Told from son Jake’s point of view, I love how much he adores his mum and her quirky habit of collecting and upcycling so many wonderful treasures. Utterly gorgeous!”
-My Book Corner
"A heart-warming story that embraces diversity, environmental issues and unconditional love. Mum’s comforting words as Jake worries about her wanting to change him are so supportive and heartfelt - they are words that will reassure every child.”
-Story Snug
"This is a totally LOVELY book and deserves lots of attention - great for opening good conversations about disability, although the ABILITIES of the Mum in this story are what count most."
-Nicola Davies, children's author
“There is so much to enjoy in this charming, inclusive picture book, which beautifully celebrates diversity, acceptance and unconditional love. The bond between Jake and his mother, who happens to be a wheelchair user, is utterly heart-warming. Dynamic illustrations combine energetic drawings with vibrant pops of colour to produce images which are full of exciting details to explore.”
-Book Trust
