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The bond between mom and young child makes delightful fodder for picture books. As Mother’s Day approaches, Toni Buzzeo’s adorable new book Stay Close to Mama explores the theme with love and tenderness.
A young giraffe named Twiga (which actually means giraffe in Swahili), sees the big world from under the legs of his tall mama, and he longs to explore it. Mama is aware of some dangers and she wants to keep Twiga close. Twiga’s curiosity gets the best of him, so despite his mother’s warnings he ventures away from her a few times to see what he can see. As he goes, his mother keeps a watchful eye on him, but she doesn’t stop him outright from his investigations. When he gets too close to danger, Mama is there to rustle the grass to fend off a danger, and in the end, Twiga can always find comfort in his mother’s snuggles.
Young children know all about this experience, for their worlds are expanding just like Twiga’s, and we parents want to provide the reassurance to them that we’ll always be there when they’re ready to return from their adventures. The soft-toned illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka perfectly convey the warmth and love between Twiga and his mom. Cuddle up with your own little one this Mother’s Day for a shared reading of Stay Close to Mama!
We have one autographed copy of Stay Close to Mama to give away today. Please leave a comment here to be entered, U.S. and Canada addresses only. We will announce our winner in our May 14 column.
The winner of Girl Unmoored is #15 Lori.
Catherine says
I would love to read this to my daughter. Looks like a very cute book. Thanks for the chance.
Carrie at In the Hammock Blog says
This looks so sweet! thank you for the contest!
Anita Yancey says
This is a really cute book. My little granddaugher would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
Hailey L says
My 3 year old would love this book!
Vickie Couturier says
My grandchildren would love this,they are so into books right now
vlbelk(at)Hotmail.com
Rebot says
Toni Buzzeo’s other book One Cool Friend was a fabulous book! How will this one compare!?
Krista says
I have 4 little ones to cuddle up to this Mother’s Day… how did that happen??? 😉
susan says
This sounds like a wonderful story! I’d love to share it with my little one.
Megan G. says
I have a feeling my daughter would love this book!
ANGEL JACKLYN says
THIS WOULD BE A WONDERFUL GIFT FOR MY COUSIN, WHO IS EXPECTING. THANKS SO MUCH!
Kelly L says
I would love to win this for my daughter!
Kristie says
This book looks so cute! Thank you for the chance to win! 🙂
Staci A says
I would love to read this with my boys!
Lisa Davis says
My girls would love this book, thanks for the chance!
Kristi says
I would love to win this. My daughter loves giraffes.
Debbie Welchert says
This would be a great story for my grandchildren.
Margaret says
My kids would love this book! Thank you!
Margaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com
Beth C says
The cover is adorable. Please enter me.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
bobby says
my kiddies would like this book
Idaho Jill says
My daughter would love this!
Liz says
My kids would love this!
Elizabeth B says
I would love this for my girls! Thanks!
Vilmarys says
Very sweet! I would love to share this with my daughter! Thanks for the chance.
kelly willis says
would love to read to my four boys
Jamie Brigham says
I would love to win this to read to my 3 children 🙂
memetu says
Sweet story and true.
Barbara Manatee says
This would make a great gift for my BFF who is expecting her first baby!
Tammy Gordon says
Looks like a sweet book!
Carolyn says
Such a sweet title!
Joy says
Awe my granddaughter would love this!
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Kim says
how cute! pick me!
Rochel S says
My son would LOVE this book!
Garrett says
Very nice book for us all.
Mary says
What a beautiful little book! I would love to share it with my Grandson!
Jeff says
Our grandchildren would enjoy this book.
Cindi says
The cover alone of this mother/child book is so sweet…
Our oldest son had separation anxiety, as a very young
child, for a few years! I like how this book shows that a mother
is letting her child explore beyond her, but is still there to
keep her child out of harm’s way!
Many thanks, Cindi
Denise M says
so adorable! my daughter loves giraffes too
Kim says
I love Toni’s books–she’s an amazing author (and former librarian!) I’d love to win this one.
Van says
Sure to be a winner with the children at our house.
jennifer downing says
This sounds like a really awesome story! I’d love to share it with my little ones.
Beth cole says
What a sweet story.
Don says
Will be read for bedtime story.
Chuck says
Great book for the little one’s.
samantha w says
I would love this book for my kids
June says
This story book sounds so good.
Cari says
This is my sisters first Mother’s Day (she is due mid-June) and I would LOVE to be able to give this to her:)
Mejia Mamma says
I would love to win this…my daughter just loves books, especially one’s with animals (and how can you not resist that it’s about a mama’s love & protection for her child!) What a great mother’s day gift to get!
cheryl says
I really would love to win this book so that I can share it with my daughter!
Liz says
Life is such a delicate balancing act. Stay Close to Mama sounds to be a gentle book of instruction on maintaining balance.
Sharon Schoepe says
I would love to read this to my twins.
HappyMomC says
Would love to win this for my daughter!
Jenn says
My little ones love animals – and this sounds like a great story. Thanks for the chance to win!
Shaira says
Sometime we just have to let go and let our kids make mistakes and learn for themselves. We will always be there to guide them.
Angela E. says
What a cute story, will share for sure.
Jill says
I would love to share with my little guy.
Lori D. says
Would love to read this to my grandchildren.