My Mother Is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Becky Reyher |
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| Illustrator | Ruth Stiles Gannett |
| Publisher | Lothrop |
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Publication date
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1945 |
| Pages | unpaged |
| Awards | Caldecott Honor |
My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World is a special picture book from 1945. It was written by Becky Reyher and had beautiful pictures drawn by Ruth Stiles Gannett. The story is about a little girl who gets lost and tries to find her mother. In the girl's eyes, her mother is the most beautiful woman in the whole world. This book was so well-loved that it received a 1946 Caldecott Honor for its amazing illustrations.
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About the Story
What is the Story About?
The book tells the story of a young girl named Varya. She lives in a small village in Ukraine. One day, Varya gets separated from her mother while working in the fields. She feels very lost and scared. As she searches for her mother, she asks different people if they have seen her.
Varya describes her mother as "the most beautiful woman in the world." Each person she meets tries to help her. They ask for more details about her mother's looks. But Varya can only repeat that her mother is the most beautiful. This makes it hard for others to know who she is looking for.
Main Characters
- Varya: She is the main character of the story. Varya is a young, innocent girl who deeply loves her mother. Her simple description of her mother shows her pure heart.
- Varya's Mother: We don't see much of her until the end. She is important because she is the focus of Varya's search. Her beauty is seen through her daughter's loving eyes.
- Villagers: Various people in the village help Varya. They show kindness and community spirit. They try their best to help the lost girl.
Important Themes
The book explores several important ideas:
- Love and Family: The strongest theme is the deep love between a child and her mother. Varya's search is driven by her love.
- Beauty from Within: The story teaches that true beauty is not just about how someone looks on the outside. It's about how much they are loved and what they mean to you. Varya sees her mother's beauty because of their special bond.
- Perspective: The book shows how different people see things in their own way. What one person finds beautiful, another might not. Varya's view of her mother is unique and personal.
Meet the Creators
Who Was Becky Reyher?
Becky Reyher was an American writer. She was born in 1897 and passed away in 1989. Reyher wrote several books for children. She was known for her simple yet touching stories. My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World is one of her most famous works. It shows her talent for telling stories that connect with young readers.
Who Was Ruth Stiles Gannett?
Ruth Stiles Gannett was a talented American illustrator and author. She was born in 1923 and lived until 2024. She is perhaps best known for writing and illustrating My Father's Dragon. This book also received a Newbery Honor. Gannett's illustrations for My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World are simple and warm. They help to tell the story's message of love and beauty. Her drawings perfectly capture the feelings of the characters.
Awards and Recognition
What is the Caldecott Honor?
The Caldecott Medal is a very important award for children's books. It is given each year by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). This group is part of the American Library Association (ALA). The award celebrates the artist of the most outstanding American picture book for children.
A book that receives a "Caldecott Honor" is also very special. It means the book was a runner-up for the main Caldecott Medal. It is still recognized as one of the best illustrated children's books of the year.
Why Was This Book Honored?
My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World received a Caldecott Honor in 1946. This was because of Ruth Stiles Gannett's wonderful illustrations. The judges recognized how her drawings brought the story to life. Her artwork helped to show the deep emotions and the simple beauty of the tale. The illustrations made the book even more memorable for its readers.
Why This Book Matters
This book continues to be loved by many families. It teaches a timeless lesson about love and how we see beauty. It reminds us that the people we love are often the most beautiful to us. The story's gentle message and lovely illustrations make it a classic. It helps children understand that true beauty comes from the heart and from the bonds we share.
