Momma's Going to March: A Review
by Jennifer Maruno; illustrated by Vivian Rosas, Groundwood Books, August 6, 2024
With skill and panache, Momma’s Going to March introduces the idea of marching for a cause. The 32-page picture book begins simply and effectively—perfectly suited to children ages three to six.
“Will there be bands and bugles?” I asked.
“No,” Momma said. “It’s not that kind of march.”
For, she is marching to ensure our laws protect everyone.
Shown through the perspective of five different mother-child twosomes, the succinct question-and-answer pattern repeats. With each telling, more emerges. Accomplished Burlington, Ontario author Jennifer Maruno tells the story in a manner that is gentle and simple, never overwhelming. For example, the next marching pair dons white clothing as a symbol of equality. A third pair marches for peace with the mom explaining that “people can solve problems without war.” Others march for clean water and the environment.
Cropped page showing illustration from the book Momma’s Going to March by Jennifer Maruno; illustrated by Vivian Rosas (Groundwood Books, 2024)
The cover is immediately striking. It sets off the book’s title in a simple, bold banner, held high by a mother marching with two children. Toronto artist Vivian Rosas depicts a wide array of people from babies to older adults—all drawn with minimal lines and uniform swaths of colour. Eye-catching details like painted fingernails, earrings, eyeglasses, graphic tees, baskets, and drums individualize the marchers, while varied skin tones and body sizes further promote inclusion and diversity.
For readers craving more, the nonfiction endpapers are informative and satisfying. They define what makes a march, explain the reasoning for wearing certain colours and the importance of signs, slogans, flags, drums, and music. The author’s note nimbly wedges in more historical facts—highlighting one of the first recorded women’s marches (way back in 1789). Maruno outlines five other famous marches, including the 2019 Global Climate Strike when Sweden’s young Greta Thunberg inspired the world.
The notion of creating positive change triumphs. By reading aloud, parents, grandparents, and educators will encourage children to empathize with others, join a community, and stand up for personal beliefs and human rights. Parents and grandparents might learn a thing or two as well!
Highly recommended.
