Picture Book: Mommy Whispers (by Jenny Lee Sulpizio)

Mommy Whispers, by Jenny Lee Sulpizio, is a celebration of mothers, daughters, and women.  It begins with the birth of a new baby girl.  The new mother sees her daughter as a “true miracle.”  Watching her sleep, she whispers in her little ear, “You are God’s gift to me, forever you will be.”  Though each significant stage—toddlerhood, school years, high school, college, marriage, and finally, motherhood—the mother whispers those same words to her daughter while praying for her growth into the unique woman God wants her to be. 

As a mother, this book reminds me of the importance of valuing and savoring each developmental stage and on praying your children through it.  I love that it is about mothers and daughters because it is a relationship that is often strained, especially during the turbulent teens.  It is also a vital relationship to the healthy growth of any young woman.   Mommy Whispers is one small way of passing on to a daughter her significance as an individual, but even more importantly, as a strong, confident woman.   The book exemplifies the importance of nurturing, encouraging, and honoring our girls. 

The soft illustrations, by Peg Lozier, reflect a calm, loving, and gentle tone that compliments the text well.   The portraits of mother and daughter often depict tender gestures, such as hugging, holding hands, and cuddling, reminding us of the value of a healthy physical connection with our children.   I recommend Mommy Whispers to any mother who has a daughter she wants to feel cherished.