Review: Mommy, Daddy Please Teach Me! by Michael A. Brown

A colorful, inspiring, and heartwarming children’s book, Mommy, Daddy Please Teach Me! by Michael A. Brown is a treasure trove of wisdom for young children. Exquisitely illustrated by Zoe Ranucci, this vivid storybook touches on some of the countless opportunities for learning that parents can share as their children grow.

From their very first lessons in life to more abstract ideas of self-esteem and joy, parents provide critical support for a child’s view of the world. Whether teaching a child how to cook, explaining the value and importance of money, or encouraging them to seek out professions that excite them, parents are a natural source of inspiration and guidance.

As this book shows, the process of parenting evolves over the years, as does the type of wisdom and knowledge parents are responsible for sharing. Introducing such a wide range of essential lessons with so few words is impressive, yet Brown manages to plant the valuable seeds for work/life balance, mutual respect, ambition, independence, responsibility, positive self-talk, healthy eating, and more in less than 35 pages.

The simple language makes this a great starter book for early readers, while the images make it a stimulating experience, regardless of one’s reading level. There are some stumbles in phrasing and rhythm, which isn’t always consistent, and there are numerous slant rhymes, despite there being in-meter alternatives that would have fit in as well. When there is a limited amount of text in a book, every line is important, and these sudden shifts in rhythm can be awkward. However, these minor errors could frequently be fixed by simply spelling out a contraction.

The visual aspect of this children’s book is exceptionally detailed, dynamic, and varied throughout. Ranging from full-page images to more abstract, disembodied visuals, the stimulating colors and expressive characters will engage younger readers, or act as tools for learning about emotions and nonverbal communication. The broad range of families represented on these pages also reminds children who may not be exposed to such diversity that the world is a unique spectrum of people and experiences.

The final image of Maslowe’s hierarchy could be a great launch point for conversations about a child’s happiness, desires, and emotional management. This is often a concept introduced later in life, most often treated as a quick note in sociology or philosophy lessons, when it should be given far more space and time in our collective education, which is why this book is so exceptionally unique and rewarding. Understanding this foundation for a happy and healthy life can and should start much younger, and the colorful, intuitive version that concludes this book is accessible and engaging, unlike the more academic formats of the pyramid most often seen.

All told, despite some inconsistency in the meter and the at-times acrobatic syntax to complete a rhyme, this is a quick, beautiful, and impactful read with lessons for both children and parents alike.