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Mum's Busy Work
  • Published: 23 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9781776957415
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $24.99

Mum's Busy Work

Formats & editions
Hardback
23 Sept 2025
EBook
23 Sept 2025
Audiobook
23 Sept 2025
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An inspiring and heartwarming book about the relationship between a working mum and her daughter by the former prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.
Today I got out of bed and asked Mum
what day it was. 'Monday,' she said.
I asked if that was a day care day.
She said yes. I stomped my feet.

Even though day care is fun, it’s still hard not to miss Mum throughout the week! But despite her busy job, there’s always time for stories, time for games, time for hugs, and time for love.

Based on real conversations Jacinda Ardern had with her young daughter while she was prime minster of New Zealand, this book celebrates the relationship between working mums and their children. With striking art by Ruby Jones, Mum’s Busy Work shows how, even when a parent and their child are apart during the day, the love between them is unquestionable.
  • Published: 23 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9781776957415
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $24.99
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About the authors

Jacinda Ardern

Jacinda Ardern was elected prime minister of New Zealand in 2017 at the age of thirty-seven and became the country’s youngest prime minister in more than 150 years.

In 2018, she gave birth to her daughter, Neve, and became the first leader of a country in thirty years to give birth while in office.

In 2023, she was awarded the accolade Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She now spends her time writing, speaking, learning, and being a mum.

You can follow Jacinda Ardern
on Instagram and X @JacindaArdern.

portrait photo of Jacinda Ardern

Ruby Jones

Ruby Rose is an illustrator from Aotearoa/New Zealand. She likes to make art that shines a little light on the everyday moments we share with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Ruby’s illustrations often explore ideas around love, relationships, mental health, and body image.

Ruby has illustrated a cover for Time magazine and worked on campaigns with Amnesty International, Nespresso, Bic, Accor Hotels, HP, Invivo X, SJP, and many more. She has also released two books with Penguin Random House, All of This Is for You (2019) and In This Body (2022).

You can visit Ruby Jones at RubyAliceRose.com
or follow her on Instagram @RubyAliceRose
and on Facebook at Facebook.com/RubyAliceRoseArt

portrait photo of Ruby Jones

Praise for Mum's Busy Work

It’s a book that will be enjoyed and appreciated by working parents who’ve been asked “where is your child?” and “are you still working?”. And by children, who will hear that having a working mum is OK, being a working mum is OK – and missing mum is OK, too.

Katie Pickles, The Conversation

The author had the top job in Aotearoa, New Zealand, but this full colour, hardback picture book is very relatable, telling the story of many busy mums. It’s the little moments in a busy week that can mean the most and be cherished in a busy household. A game. A story. Or just a hug. This is shown with both Mum and Dad, along with household jobs. Ruby Jones’ illustrations share the love in this family across the pages, with humour and vibrancy of a young child.

Adele Broadbent, What Book Next?

Discover more

Article
Jacinda Ardern to publish debut picture book with Penguin Random House ANZ

Mum's Busy Work by Jacinda Ardern is set for international release on September 30, 2025.

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