Book Review: Mothers and Children

Mom… probably one of the most important and meaningful relationships in many of our lives. And the bond that they share with their children is universally unbreakable. A new book from National Geographic, Mothers and Children, explores the various roles that mothers take on for the sake of their children. It also shows the numerous emotions and moments encountered between mother and child.

Read on for a brief description of the book, its contributors, and my own take on this captivating and uplifting publication.

Also, read on for a chance to win a free copy of the book.

Mothers and Children (ISBN 978-1426204258) can be purchased directly from National Geographic or through Amazon.com.

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a paid review, nor has it been reviewed or edited by the book’s author or publisher. The book was sent to me by the publisher free of charge. I am in no way affiliated with the book or the publisher of the book.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mothers and Children is a hard cover 6″x8″ publication with 120 pages containing 100 photos in both color and black & white. There are 8 chapters divided into two main categories: the facets of moms and kids, and geographic location. The facets category consists of chapters covering mothers and children at home, at work, and at play. The geographic chapters cover the north (Inuit & Northern European), south (Mexico, South America, & Australia), east (India, Japan, & China), and west (United States & Western Europe).

The photos in the book take us on a trip around the world while showing the many expressions and emotions of mothers and their children. The photos are divided amongst the chapters in a logical manner, making the book easy to follow. Most pages contain only a photo, a location, and the photographer's name — making the book very visual and quick to digest. A few famous quotes are scattered about, and a couple of short stories can also be found in the book.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS

Many of the photos in Mothers and Children are from National Geographic photographers in addition to other professional photographers. You'll see images from the likes of Annie Griffiths Belt, Sam Abell, Jodi Cobb, Joel Sartore, and more.

The author of the book, Lynne Perri, is journalist-in-residence and a teacher on presidential election and visual strategies at American University. She brought the concept of the book together and she wrote the book's introduction to set the mood. Writer Craig Wilson also shares a few stories and insights at the start of several chapters.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

Mothers and Children is a good little coffee table book. I like the fact that it's hard bound — you know it will last and it sort of has that “photo album” feel in your hands. It's fairly small compared to other books from National Geographic, but it can make for a short or a long read depending on how far you wish to immerse yourself in the photos. I found that a flip-through was enjoyable, and a deeper study of the photos was captivating and worthwhile.

This is a good one to have on the bookshelf or the coffee table, especially for those surrounded by a family. I think that mothers would appreciate the intent and gesture of the book, fathers will appreciate the mothers and wives, and kids always like to see photos of other kids. It might also make a good gift for an occassion such as Mother's Day! At $15 or $16, the price is definitely right.

Mothers and Children (ISBN 978-1426204258) can be purchased directly from National Geographic or through Amazon.com.

WIN A FREE COPY!

We're going to run a little competition here in the comments, and 2 winners will receive a free copy of the book. To enter the contest, all you have to do is leave a comment with a link to a photo or leave the actual photo (or photos) using html — and please try to remember to keep them at around 240 pixels on the long edge.

The theme of the photo must be “Mothers and Children” — or just mothers… or just children… whatever you do, try to keep it somewhat on-topic. More than one is fine, but don't flood the comments with a bajillion photos — pick a few good ones.

I'll choose the winners in about one week from the publication of this review — so around April 2 or 3.