ANNOTATION

A small Eskimo boy discovers that Mother's lap is a very special place with room for everyone.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A little Inuit boy discovers there's room for himself and his baby sister on their mother's lap.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The furnishings are few in this chilly Eskimo dwelling, but when Michael jumps in Mother's lap, the love between them warms the room, as ``back and forth, back and forth, they rock.'' Michael runs to get Dolly, then his carved boat, a reindeer blanket and even his puppy: the small rocking chair is full. When Baby cries, Mother insists there's room for her too, but Michael pouts and hides. All of them end up back in the chair, crowded but cozy; Michael admits, ``It feels good.'' Pastels in earth tones and turquoise create a luminous setting with the captivating faces of the serene mother and her two small children. Though the story is very slight, it makes a reassuring point for little ones, who need to know that a mother's love is an expandable quantity. Ages 2-5. (Mar.)

Children's Literature

The story is familiar. Michael's favorite place to be is on Mother's lap while they rock back and forth in a rocking chair. He brings his favorite things--a dolly, a boat, his reindeer blanket, and a puppy. When baby wakes up crying and wants to join them, Michael claims there is no more room. Leave it to Mama, she finds room for everyone and everything. What adds special interest is the family--they are Inuits and the setting shows them in a cozy home. A brief glimpse out the window shows a snowy landscape and parka clad youngsters playing outside. 2000 (1972), Clarion,

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

On Mother's Lap has been re-issued with colored illustrations which help to show the warmth of an understanding mother who knows how to comfort her first born in the face of a new baby. Michael, enjoying sole attention and a lovely "back and forth, back and forth" rock is finally able to welcome his new baby into sharing Mother's lap "where there is always room."

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-- An update of the 1972 collaboration (McGraw-Hill; o.p.). Coalson improves upon a fine original work, drawing the Eskimo mother as a younger woman and adding color, finer lines, and details of contemporary Inuit life. Scott's spare, gentle text has not been altered; the difference is its placement on the page. The universality of all-encompassing maternal love transcends ethnicity and still rings true in the update, but Coalson's realistic, warm illustrations give On Mother's Lap revitalized energy to reach a new generation of youngsters. Libraries still owning the earlier work can get by, but this one is a top choice. --Mollie Bynum, Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK