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?

The contrast between the conversations Ardern had at work and the ones she shared at home is striking—and it’s easy to see why she wanted to preserve those tender moments in a book for Neve, and for all working parents and their children...Ruby Jones’s illustrations are stylised, with crisp black outlines and bright, inviting colours. She often zooms in close to centre Neve’s point of view—kitchen benches looming large, hands mid-cuddle, shoes on the move—so the world feels exactly child-sized...This is a warm, delightful bedtime read.

Maria Gill, Kids Books NZ

I love this life-rich book so much. Ruby Jones’s illustrations catch the gold nugget moments so beautifully, both the stomps and the dances. I love the design – how it echoes the pared-back, honeyed writing flow...As a leader Jacinda Ardern inspired me on so many levels, especially in times of crisis and challenge, and now she re-inspires me, as I get invited into a personal space to see how care and kindness and dreaming matter to a family.

Paula Green, Poetry Box

The story is told from the child’s perspective as mum, dad, and daughter navigate the joys, adventures, and difficulties of a week. I loved the honesty of the story; the daughter stomps her frustration when she must go to childcare on one of the days, but the stomping turns into dancing and laughter as her mum stomps with her. The book is imbued with warmth and tenderness, and the illustrations beautifully capture the moods and moments of the days.

Judges' comments, NZ Booklovers Award