By: Michael A. Brown
Illustrated by: Zoe Ranucci
Publisher: MABMA Enterprises, LLC
Publication Date: September 2020
ISBN: 978-1735202464
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: October 23, 2020
Author Michael A. Brown has been quite busy putting together a series of wonderful books to inspire, and help, both children and parents as they navigate the ups and downs of life. The latest offering in his series, Mommy, Daddy Please Teach Me! continues the series with a helpful book to guide parents on what to teach, and show children the wonderful opportunities that await them.
The story begins with a very young child who is being adored and cared for by her loving parents:
You gave me life. Now I am here
For who knows how many years.
You give me love by what you do.
Protect, clean, and feed me, too.
We see the little girl learn to crawl and then walk, with her parents close by to cheer her on. By the fourth page of the story, the child is a bit older and eager to learn:
More alert, I look to thee.
Mommy, Daddy, please teach me!
And this – please teach me – is the focus of this delightful book.
As the story moves along, we meet numerous families, each with one or two children. On each page we see parents helping their children do various things, from getting dressed in the morning to selecting the proper shoes. These things might seem mundane but yet, they are so important. Grocery shopping, going to work, or going for a run – these are all things we do every day. Parents might think that these common activities provide little or no opportunities for teaching, but the author points out many examples of what can be taught. Are you cooking dinner? Teach your child how to cook. At the grocery store, there are so many things you can teach your child, such as what food items to choose to live a healthy life. And don’t forget to point out what things cost! What items are a good value, or perhaps cost too much. And when you pay for that food, teach your child about money:
Dollars, pennies,
Nickels, and dimes.
Teach me money!
We’ve got the time.
Mommy, Daddy Please Teach Me! is the fourth book in author Michael A. Brown’s “What I Tell Myself” series. These books aim to teach children positive self-actualization by showing examples of real-life situations, and showing children how to handle each situation. In this book, the author shows both parents and children how important it is to use everyday situations and use each to advance the education of the child. While the book is a children’s book, it is also useful for parents who may be struggling with their parental responsibilities. The author drives home the point to teach your child now so that they will be equipped to handle what the future throws at them.
This is the second book in this series that I’ve read/reviewed and I enjoyed both very much. The positive message within its pages is one that parents can, and should, share with their children. Too often parents miss opportunities to advance their children’s education and this author shows them exactly how to take advantage of everyday activities to help their children become successful and happy members of society.
Quill says: Mommy, Daddy Please Teach Me! is an excellent addition to the “What I Tell Myself” series. Both parents and children will benefit from the words of wisdom within its pages.
For more information on Mommy, Daddy Please Teach Me!, please visit the website: www.whatitellmyselffirst.com
