Rina Fu, My Mad Scientist Mummy, Little Steps Books, May 2018, 32 pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925545807
Fu has tried to bring her clear love for and knowledge of science into the picture book format with My Mad Scientist Mummy. Her enthusiasm is not however, matched by an equally successful story line, which I found confusing, with plot holes and overly complex language and images.
The illustrations are contrastingly bright and muted computer coloured line in spreads that do not always help the story to flow. An exception to this is the page where mum and daughter are marveling at the thousands of tiny wriggling microbes through their microscope and here Fu’s intention shines through. Readers will find advanced technical terminology explained in helpful line drawings that certainly carry an authenticity and a special song is included on the back pages.
This book might suit older readers who prefer non-fiction or could be used as a series of project cards to spark discussions about what goes on in a research laboratory.
Reviewed by Liz Anelli
