A Chair For My Mother

by Vera B. Williams

“A Chair For My Mother” by Vera B.Williams. Published by Harper Collins. A beautiful picture book showcasing the indefatigable spirit and love of a family.

The story is narrated by Rosa who is a little girl living with her mother and grandmother. Her mother works as a waitress in a diner. Rosa goes there to do some errands whenever she can. They are saving money in a jar. Rosa is waiting for the day when the jar will be so full that even one coin will not go inside it. That’s the day they can go and buy a chair! The chair that will be the best in the whole world. It will be soft, beautiful and a fat armchair. A place where her mother and grandmother can sit comfortably and rest whenever they feel tired.

Times weren’t like this for the family before. There was a big fire in their previous house and everything got burnt in it. They had been out at the time of the fire and escaped. With the help of their extended family and neighbours, they set up their new home in the apartment downstairs. But the rooms were empty. They had to start all over again. A year had passed. They still didn’t have a sofa or big chairs. That is why Rosa’s mama got the biggest jar from the diner to collect coins and save money for a chair.

Does Rosa manage to save enough money? Do they get the chair that they have been waiting for? Will it make them happy? Read the story filled with love and warmth to find out. The story is a classic. The illustrations are gorgeous and transport us to the setting. Kindness, love, family bonding, sharing, saving money, gratitude, hope, finding happiness and joy are the themes of this beautiful story.

My seven year old loved the story. He appreciated Rosa’s plans and was happy to see her positive attitude. The book is a Caldecott Honor book. Thank you Vidya Mani of Funky Rainbow for recommending this book! The book is apt for children aged 5+.

Where to buy from?

An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.