Our Love by Fátima Ordinola
We have a beautiful blog from Fatima Ordinola based on her book, Our Love. Fatima recommends some other wonderful titles, perfect for sharing on Mothers Day and across the year.
Our love is stronger than any shield.
It protects me wherever I go.
Our love guides me through long, dark times.
It is patient and kind,
no matter how slowly I go.
Mother’s Day is a celebration of love. For me, it’s a time to look back and remember my favourite days when I was wrapped in my mum’s arms playing, painting and reading stories. My mum passed away when I was a little kid, but when I think about her and remember the time we had together, it feels like she never left me. She taught me how to draw and read, but importantly, she instilled in me a love of those things. Our Love, published by Post Wave UK, is my first picture book as an author, and it reflects on all the activities that parents do with their children, each as an act of unconditional love.
To celebrate this special day, I want to share some of my favourite books that have inspired me to become an illustrator and that I treasure having on my bookshelf.
My Mum by Anthony Browne
I feel in love when I read this book for the first time. Every page is filled with details that unfold the story in a playful and creative way. This is one of those books you want to read repeatedly, and includes some impressive illustrations by the genius, Anthony Browne.
My Little One by Germano Zullo, Albertine and Katie Kitamura
This is a story that reflects time changing and maternal love. I adore this book so much because of its poetry, the page turn movement and the meaningful illustrations. It shows how motherhood can be evocative and moving. Love can be just like this, and I absolutely love it!
A Mother is a House by Aurore Petit
A mother is everything, and this book express that love from the very beginning of life. The bold, vibrant and graphic illustrations as well as the book design create a unique story of how motherhood is seen through an infant’s eyes. It’s a perfect choice to express that love and to learn about more about the important journey of becoming a mum.
Best Thing Ever by Beatrice Alemagna
In this story, Little Pascaline goes shopping with her mother but not everything goes as planned for either of them. Beatrice Alemagna is a bestselling children’s books author and illustrator. Her illustrations and story evoke adventure, wildness and the magic of being a child. I related to the character and some scenes brought back memories of my own childhood, especially all the times I asked my mum for something at the shop and learned the importance of patience and listening to her.
Nosotros Means Us by Paloma Valdivia
Wonderful, cosy and beautiful. This bilingual book by Paloma Valdivia evokes the relationship and unconditional love between parents and children with poetry and stunning illustrations. I saw this book at a book fair in Peru and I had the opportunity to attend one of her talks and see her creative process. Paloma is such a wonderful inspiration to everyone who wants to be a picture book maker. This story is a reminder that no matter how far we go, our mother’s love will never change.
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Federation.
