Floating on Mama’s Song, by Laura Lacamara and illustrated by Yuyi Morales is a picture book about the joy of a mother’s song. One day, when the music stops, everyone in Mama’s world is saddened.
The story begins when seven-year old Anita comes home from school. As she enters her home listening to her mother’s beautiful voice, she witnesses an astounding site. Dog Tito and Mama are floating. Mama’s song from the opera, Carmen, acts “like a golden staircase.”
Soon Grandma comes for a visit and ends the foolishness. “What would the neighbors think?” she asks. So Mama gives up song and drops into a funk.
Floating on Mama’s Song is written in English and Spanish. Morales’ watercolor art animates the characters. Lacamara bridges three generations and shows young readers how a tiny member of the family can have the opportunity to affect positive changes. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages.
5 stars
