"What Moms Can't Do" by Douglas Wood

Summary:
What Moms Can't Do by Douglas Wood (illustrated by Doug Cushman) follows the day of a mother and son (drawn as dinosaurs/lizards). The book takes the reader through many things that moms "can't" do, many of which require her young son to "help" her in order to complete a task. The illustrations depict the reality of the statement; for example, when the text states that "They can't make the bed without lots of help," the illustration shows the mother attempting to make the bed while the son jumps on it. The book ends by stating that, while there are numerous things that moms can't do, the one thing they do better than almost anyone is love you.

Developmental Information:
I was able to use this book as a "what not to do" guide for my daughter, as well as a reminder of the consequences she receives for some of the behaviors highlighted. It was also an opportunity to introduce the "unreliable narrator" literary device.

IMHO:
I have enjoyed other books by this author (usually in collaboration with Audrey Wood, whom I believe is his wife). However, I'm not a fan of this one. I feel that it could encourage kids to behave like spoiled, self-centered, narcissistic brats and to not appreciate their mothers. Since my daughter can't read on her own yet, she didn't have the chance to absorb the message without my commentary. It opened up dialogue about behavior, which I always appreciate, but I feel that overall it upholds values that I don't agree with.