My Mum is the Best!

By Nic McPickle & Tommy Doyle

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

This creative team also published the companion volume, My Dad Is the Best, while Nic McPickle is also the author of Fire Truck Santa and Tommy Doyle, an  illustrator, ceramist and graphic designer,  also illustrated A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet.

The title, the pink cover with bold pink lettering and hearts all over tells you straight away that you are getting a big love letter to mums everywhere. Tommy Doyle has used animals from all over the world to present family situations where mums shine and it is a long list. We see them being supportive, organising the household, teaching, helping, and above all loving their children and family.

The simple text rhymes but has a somewhat stuttery rhythm. The illustrations are bold, funny, insightful and expressive. My favourite page, since it brought back memories of the way children have no boundaries, is the skunk mum who says: What if you let me wee alone, just once before your’re fully grown? to a child who has burst in needing a jar opened. 

Perfectly timed for Mother’s Day and a charming book for families to explore and enjoy all year round.

Albert Street Books 2025

Nic McPickle

Tommy Doyle