My Monster Mommy

My Monster Mommy
by Megan Ryan, Illustrated by Brenna Senger
Published by Meow! Pete’s Press
Review by Shelley A. Leedahl
$15.99 ISBN 9781069345912

The luckiest among us were read to as children, and long may that wonderful tradition continue. Giving children books as gifts—and spending quality time sharing these books with our loved ones—can lead to a lifelong love of literature. In today’s hectic technological era, I wondered if the sharing of “bedtime stories” is something that exhausted contemporary parents still have the time and energy for. After a little Googling, I learned that as recently as 2024, children’s and YA books [still] accounted for 40% of all English-language book sales in Canada. That’s great news—for writers and readers.

With all the children’s books published over the centuries, coming up with original ideas can be challenging, but Saskatchewan writer—and busy mom—Megan Ryan has a delightful new children’s book that is indeed unique. My Monster Mommy is also timely: it addresses how mothers who also work outside the home might be extra tired, and require a little “alone time” as they switch gears between their jobs/careers and family time.

The softcover My Monster Mommy—digitally illustrated by Brenna Senger— introduces us to young Sammy, who’s concerned that his mother is some kind of monster because of the unusual things she says and does. After a “fraught” night, the child finds his father watching football—and here illustrator Senger uses humour to show a male figure literally watching a stationary football on a screen—and asks if mom’s “turning into a Yeti,” because “She was hairy and stinky and her mood was real sour.” Sammy’s patient and loving father ensures him that his mother is not becoming a Yeti, “but she does/need her time,/For personal hygiene,/to help her feel fine.”

The book, dedicated to “all the moms who feel like monsters,” addresses this grown-up theme in a way that children can both comprehend and enjoy. The story’s told in rhyme, providing a musicality that children aged three to eight might especially appreciate.

Still unconvinced, Sammy wonders if perhaps his mother’s a Zombie (“She got up with her eyes closed and walked/into the door!”), or a Ghost (“Sometimes when I look for her, she/vanishes! Poof!”), or a Banshee (her awful shower singing has even Sammy’s omnipresent stuffed dinosaur holding his hands over his ears). She comes home late and sometimes Sammy doesn’t see her until the morning: could she be a Vampire? Again, each of Sammy’s concerns is quelled by his compassionate father. He confirms that the boy’s mother loves Sammy deeply, and that “Being a mother is the most precious gift, But/sometimes she just needs a break from her/shift.”

We learn that Sammy’s mother is a nurse who works nightshifts. The book’s author is a longtime Care Aid in Saskatoon. This topical story, paired with Senger’s bold, humorous and telling illustrations, ie: dust bunnies under the couch, would be a great addition to any child’s library, but especially to the scores of youngsters whose mothers share the simultaneous responsibilities of earning income and trying to be the best mother possible.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM THE SASKATCHEWAN PUBLISHERS GROUP WWW.SKBOOKS.COM