Mum’s Busy Work

By Jacinda Ardern & Ruby Jones

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Children’s books written by famous people whose field of expertise is something totally different can be interesting and challenging for all sorts of reasons. Jacinda Ardern was Prime Minister of New Zealand and here, in this account written from the point of view of a child whose Mum works long hours, we get a glimpse of what her home life may have been like. Ruby Jones is well-known in New Zealand artist.

Mum leaves for work early and comes home late and tired but always makes time to read a story to her daughter. Every day for a week we see how Mum and daughter interact.  They admire a painting done in Day Care, play hide and seek until bedtime, and more. The weekend is relaxing in the playground and enjoying a picnic. The theme throughout is that no matter how important work may be our real job is taking care of, dancing with, reading with, playing with and loving our children.

Ruby Jones has used a restrained colour palette, with simple lines on mat paper. The backgrounds are soft colours with minimum objects so the figures  always standout. Mum’s Busy Work could start a conversation at home about different roles, commitments and responsibilities that people have in the family.  In schools it could spark discussions about family life, work and life balance, and gender roles.

Picture Puffin 2025

Jacinda Ardern

Ruby Jones