Combines clear text with expressive illustration, creating a reading experience that is both engaging and reflective.
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
Mum’s Busy Work is a warm, observational picture book that explores a child’s imaginative interpretation of what a parent does during the working day.
Presented as a sturdy picture book suited to repeated use, the format balances durability with accessibility. The size allows for generous illustration space while remaining easy for small hands to manage. It feels designed for both independent browsing and shared reading, particularly in home or early learning settings. It is good to see that ‘mum’ has its Australian/ New Zealand/ British spelling rather than the more often seen American ‘mom.’
The premise is simple and immediately relatable. A child reflects on their mother leaving for work, then begins to imagine, and in parts interpret, what that work might involve. This creates a layered narrative where reality and imagination sit alongside each other. The concept is handled with clarity, allowing young readers to follow the progression without confusion.
The text is concise and well-structured, supporting early literacy while still offering enough variation to maintain interest. Sentences are short and clear, making it suitable for emerging readers, while also functioning effectively as a read aloud text. The font is clean and consistently applied, positioned in a way that supports the natural flow of the page.
Ruby Jones’ illustrations are central to the success of the book. The style is soft, expressive, and contemporary, capturing both everyday environments and the imaginative overlays created by the child. There is a careful balance between realistic depiction and playful interpretation, allowing the reader to distinguish between what is happening and what is being imagined without the need for explicit explanation.
Colour is used thoughtfully, with a palette that shifts subtly between scenes. Everyday settings are rendered in gentle, familiar tones, while moments of imagination introduce brighter or more dynamic elements. This contrast helps guide the reader’s understanding and keeps the visual experience engaging.
The relationship between text and image is well-integrated. The illustrations extend the narrative, often revealing additional layers of meaning that are not directly stated. This encourages closer observation and supports discussion, particularly in shared reading situations where an adult can guide interpretation.
Pacing is steady and deliberate. The story moves through the day in a logical progression, mirroring the child’s thought process. Each page builds on the last, maintaining a sense of continuity while allowing moments of pause. Page turns are used effectively to reveal new ideas or shifts in understanding.
Beneath the surface, the book carries a gentle message about connection, curiosity, and understanding the roles of others. It acknowledges that a child may not fully grasp the realities of work, but still seeks to make sense of it through imagination. This is presented without judgement, allowing the story to remain open and relatable.
The physical design supports repeated reading. Pages turn easily, and the layout encourages both quick revisiting and more considered reading. It is well-suited to classroom discussion, as well as one on one reading at home.
For a potential purchaser, Mum’s Busy Work offers a thoughtful exploration of everyday experience through a child’s perspective. It is a balanced, quietly imaginative picture book that invites young readers to consider the unseen parts of a parent’s day, while reinforcing a sense of connection and understanding.
Reviewed by Leanne Caune
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: September 2025
RRP: $24.99
