Lana Button is an expert in creating children’s books that cover some pretty important social-emotional topics. In her new picture book illustrated by Carmen Mok, Tough Like Mom we meet a family working hard during a tough time. Kim is a little girl who spends a lot of time helping out her mom. Her mom is a tough woman but at times struggles to get out of bed and make sure there is enough milk in the fridge.

It can be so difficult to ask for help. In the story, Kim is navigating all of the feelings she is experiencing. She feels confident in being able to take care of herself and her mom but also feels mad and sad at times when her classmates point out her sandwich is made from the butt ends of the loaf of bread or when the teacher shows her the I need help check box on the field trip form or when mom can’t get out of bed.

The topic of parental depression and poverty is not widely addressed in picture books even though we know 1 in 5 children in Canada live in conditions of poverty. Living below the poverty line can sometimes go hand in hand with mental illness. Lana Button addresses both of these topics straightforwardly. She doesn’t over simplify, doesn’t scare and doesn’t try to tell her reader that everything is fine. There are so many feelings built into the book that are addressed head on, that are named and the child in the story uses tools to help her with those feelings. So many children will feel less alone when enjoying this story. Also, adults reading this story will gain a very important reminder, especially teachers, about how they can support students and families like Kim’s.

The illustrations by Carmen Mok are perfect. Her style lends itself to the tone and the feeling of this story impeccably. The people in the story are realistic and the pages are not overly filled with extras. The illustrations are soothing and wrap the reader in a great big hug.