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Mama Car
CCBC Review:
To the young, white narrator of this picture book, their mom’s wheelchair, or “Mama Car,” is a familiar, comforting part of her. Together they go on expeditions, which may be small (going from the bed to the kitchen for snacks) or big (going to the park). Wherever they’re going, the Mama Car gets them there or gets them around. If a vehicle is required, the Mama Car is folded, loaded, and brought along. Life with the Mama Car is natural and routine for this child, who decorates its wheels and helps by keeping watch for small toys that need to be moved out of its way. Just as the Mama Car is there to help Mama, it’s also there, “like home,” when the narrator needs the comfort of their mother’s lap. “In the Mama car I am as cozy as a sheep. The Mama Car is warm and I just have Mama all around me.” The love of this child for their mother—including her chair—is palpable in this welcome, child-centered story based on the author’s own chair and her daughter’s nickname for it. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Karen George
CCBC Age Recommendation: 3-7
Age Range:
Babies/Toddlers (birth – 3)
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Mothers
Physical Disability
Diversity subject:
Physical Disability/Condition
Publisher:
Little, Brown
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780316578035
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Catchpole