Taking Care of Mama

When Mama Raccoon catches a cold, her husband and kids insist she stay in bed: “ 'Well, I might sleep/ A few minutes more...'/ We tuck Mama in/ And shut the door.” Modarressi tells the story from the giddy perspective of two children. Whispering, “Tiptoe, tiptoe,” they bring Mama medicine, but in ironic contrast to these helpful voices, Modarressi pictures a household in chaos (a baby sibling plays with muddy, fresh-picked veggies, and the kitchen is a disaster). The result is an affectionate tribute to mothers who deserve a sick day (or a holiday), and wry instructions on how to treat them right. Ages 3–5. (Mar.)