Chang, Victoria. Is Mommy? illus. by Marla Frazee. 40p. ebook available. S. & S./Beach Lane. 2015. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781481402927.

Toddler-PreS –A troupe of toddlers cheekily field questions about their mothers. An unseen narrator asks, “Is mommy tall.../or short?” A red-headed imp ponders the query and imagines a tall mommy reaching down for a loving embrace, and then fantasizes about towering over a suddenly diminutive, doll-like mommy. A huge speech bubble, spread across the next two pages, shouts the child’s answer: “Short!” More options are posed to a growing crowd of mischievous tots, such as whether Mommy is boring or fun, young or old, neat or messy. The contrary answers are bellowed out with unabashed glee. The final question, “Do you love your short, ugly, mean, boring, old, messy mommy?” is answered with an unequivocal “YES!” Frazee’s tempera paint illustrations take center stage and star a colorful cast of children who are outfitted in primary color wardrobes and have uniquely fashioned hairdos. VERDICT Toddlers will relish the simple, headstrong text in this quirky book.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

This review was published in the School Library Journal December 2015 issue.