This clever subtle story, so beautifully extended by its sensitive illustrations, is a perfect package of artful storylelling, emotional engagement and gorgeous artwork. It’s a remarkable achievement for Melbourne based debut author Angie Cui and Evie Barrow, who has illustrated numerous picture books including Almost a Fish by Julianne Negri and Cub and Brown by Edwina Wyatt.
A little girl is not looking forward to Parents’ and Carers’ Day at school, in fact, she is dreading it, because her mum is coming…turn the page and there is mum, a big beautiful stunning bird! Yes, mum is different. She has odd ways of brushing hair, warming the Milo, buttering the toast. Everyone stops when they walk into the classroom. There are stares and whispers. The little girl’s embarrassment reaches a peak when her mum sings in front of the whole group. At morning tea she and her mum perch in a tree away from the others. But everything changes when a girl comes screaming with a huge spider in her hair. Everyone tries to get at it but it is her mum who succeeds in her own spectacular way.
This humorous story is an understated plea for acceptance of diversity, for understanding and appreciation of difference. As Angie Cui explains ‘ 
I set out to create a story that celebrates individuality and the beautiful diversity that sets us apart from one another… to inspire young readers to accept and celebrate who they truly are, while recognising the unique gifts that diversity brings.’
