Book Birthday Countdown Fun! Your Mama
In anticipation of the April 6, 2021, release of YOUR MAMA (HMH/Versify), the picture book debut of NoNieqa Ramos, NoNieqa is celebrating mamas and maddies in this fun blog post.
Here’s more from NoNieqa!
To celebrate the release of my picture book debut YOUR MAMA, illustrated by reina Jacqueline Alcántara, I decided to invite the mamas of PB Troupe 21 to share a special pandemic mama/maddy memory, a shout out to a ride or die mama/maddy in their lives, a pandemic-themed song, and a Mother’s/Maddy’s Day fantasy.
I am inviting everyone who reads this blog to RT on Twitter, use the hashtag #YOURMAMAPB, and join us in doing the same!
From me, NoNieqa Ramos, author of YOUR MAMA, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara, and HAIR STORY, illustrated by Keisha Morris (Sept. 7, 2021.)
What are treasured memories among you and your kiddos that occurred during the pandemic (so far)?
The funniest moment is when my seven-year-old and my tweenager insisted I judge an hour long twerking contest in which my partner joined in. I need to point out that my tweenager labored to find twerking music without any offensive language that might besmirch the little one’s ears. So it was age-appropriate twerking.
Other treasured moments? Watching the kids do karate dodgeball via Zoom in the living room, excavating Magic School Bus science experiments from the pantry and launching balloon rockets in the kitchen.
Can you shout out a mama/maddie who has been your ride or die through the pandemic?
Madrina shout out: My person, Becca, the Madrina to my son--who the minute she got vaccinated, she wasn’t involved in hostage negotiations, or helping an abuse victim move across the country to safety--drove two hours to bring herself and her crew to my house.
Honorary tía shout out: To Mia García, who when she’s not working on all things Las Musas, baking custom cakes for her nieces and nephews or teaching them to knit, and writing (https://bookshop.org/books/the-resolutions/9780062656827) — taught my Jandi how to make kid coquito, sends them recipes, and is always available for cooking consultation.
Honorary tía shout out: To Alexandre Villasante, who when not being a mama extraordinaire to two beautiful humans, taking care of her mami, orchestrating programs at the Highlights Foundation, and writing (https://bookshop.org/books/the-grief-keeper/9780525514022) — makes the time to talk my tweenager about how to be an upstander and an activist but stay sane and make friends.
What song would epitomize mama/maddie life during the pandemic?
My son and I would karaoke to Marc Antony’s Vivir My Vida at the top of our lungs to everybody’s delight.
… A VECES LLEGA LA LLUVIA
PARA LIMPIAR LAS HERIDAS
A VECES SOLO UNA GOTA
PUEDE VENCER LA SEQUÍA
Y PARA QUÉ LLORAR, OA' QUÉ
SI DUELE UNA PENAAAAAA, SE OLVIDAAAAA
Y PARA QUÉ SUFRIR, PA' QUÉ
SI ASÍ ES LA VIDA, HAY QUE VIVIRLAAA LA A LA ...
My tweenager would say everything Billie Eilish though.
A fantasy mother’s/maddies' day would be:
Back where I used to live, several of us mamas with BIPOC families met up to watch Bad Moms and that became our crew’s moniker ever since. I am always in awe of these fierce women, and my fantasy mother’s day would be our BMC field trips with the kids and also our BMC field trips without them. We’re overdue for a night out at the V.
To support NoNieqa’s debut, YOUR MAMA:
Place a Bookshop order HERE!
From Anitra Rowe Schulte, whose debut, DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, releases in Oct., 26 2021, and whose second picture book, WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise, releases in Spring 2022:
What is a treasured memory among you and your kiddos that occurred during the pandemic (so far)?
One of my favorite memories was when our daughters put on a fashion show, complete with pup-parazzi. Every corner of our home has been reimagined during this stay-at-home life... even entryway-to-runway. The kids' imaginations have no bounds, and their creativity has been a source of constant entertainment.
Can you shout out a mama/maddie who has been your ride or die through the pandemic?
I have to shout out to Heather Klaus - my neighborhood bestie, who's managed to keep her dance studio going through this challenging time. Our crews formed a social pod early on, and our driveway coffees and outdoor family adventures have been a lifeline. Her honesty, openness and smile breathe energy into my world and brighten my day, every day.
What song would epitomize mama/maddie etc. life during the pandemic? T
Here is only one song that comes to mind. I sing it to myself ALL THE TIME. "Non-Stop" from Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda).
A fantasy mother’s/maddies' day would be:
It would be an endless July day, and I’d be floating in a lake with my mom and sisters, Haley and Betsy telling stories, floating, snacking, then hopping back in the boat for a ride. Repeat, repeat, ‘til sundown.
To support Anitra’s debut, DANCING WITH DADDY:
Mark as “Want to Read” on Goodreads!
From Jess Hernandez, librarian, teacher, and writer of the hilarious picture book debut, FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL, illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum:
What is a treasured memory among you and your kiddos that occurred during the pandemic (so far)?
One of the things I’ve enjoyed doing with my kiddos during the pandemic is having dance parties. It’s so fun to watch everyone from the oldest to the baby busting moves and rocking out. It’s particularly nice on rainy days when we can’t get outside.
Can you shout out a mama/maddie who has been your ride or die through the pandemic?
My friend Jenni Sisson has been a lifeline through the pandemic. She lives two time zones away, but we connect every week or so. It’s been nice to commiserate.
What song would epitomize mama/maddie etc. life during the pandemic?
It could just be the burnout talking, but “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
A fantasy mother’s/maddies' day would be:
A hotel room with room service, a comfy bed, a nice bathtub and blessed solitude.
To support Jess’s debut, FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL:
Order on Bookshop HERE!
From Debra Kempf Shumaker, author of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, illustrated by Claire Powell (May 4, 2021), TELL SOMEONE, illustrated by Tristan Yuvienco (October 2021), and Peculiar Primates, illustrated by Claire Powell (Fall 2022):
What is a treasured memory among you and your kiddos that occurred during the pandemic (so far)?
Finding time for more hiking, especially with my oldest. He's a senior and will be off to college in the fall, so that extra time with him has been treasured. And family game nights. With three high schoolers whose first choice would NOT be spending weekend nights at home with their parents, it was fun to get some in!
Can you shout out a mama/maddie who has been your ride or die through the pandemic?
My group of "play-group" moms. When our 16 year olds were infants we formed as a playgroup, became super close, and most still live locally. Few of us have families nearby so we've relied on each other for everything all of these years. During the pandemic, having them to do coffee on each others' decks, neighborhood walks, and Zoom Happy Hours with has been my lifeline.
What song would epitomize mama/maddie etc. life during the pandemic?
Hmmm, I'm not very good with remembering songs. But a line from the FINDING NEMO keeps popping up in my head: Just keep swimming.
A fantasy mother’s/maddies' day would be:
Breakfast in bed with the newspaper. A long hike with the family (and no complaining.) Reading in the hammock. Dinner cooked by hubby and the kids. Glass of wine on the deck to end the day.
To support Debra’s debut, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH:
Place a Bookshop order HERE!
To support Debra’s second book, TELL SOMEONE:
Order via Bookshop HERE!
From Neesha Hudson, who illustrated WALK YOUR DOG by Elizabeth Stevens Omlor, and author-illustrator of debut TURTLE IN A TREE, May 11, 2021:
What is a treasured memory among you and your kiddos that occurred during the pandemic (so far)?
Since going on a vacation or traveling out of State wasn’t an option this year, we decided to try camping for the first time. The borrowed tent smelled like it had been around one too many campfires and was quite cramped with the four of us and a dog. The site was next to a pond that had the noisiest bull frogs I’ve ever heard in my life who croaked all night. Our nine year old decided to wake up at 5AM every morning (I’ve never seen the sunrise that many times in a row). And a few days in, a torrential downpour soaked about everything we owned; save for the few items thrown hastily into the car. However I can’t remember a time in the past twelve months where we had more laughs or felt more relaxed. Being together, outside, cooking food over a fire, picking wild blueberries, hiking along the Maine coast; it was the best trip we’ve ever had.
Can you shout out a mama/maddie who has been your ride or die through the pandemic?
My long distance friend who lives in a big city with her husband and their young child. She works in an ER and I’ve heard first hand how incredibly difficult this pandemic has been for medical personnel. I can’t believe what she has gone through/seen and how strong she stayed through all of it. Including full time distance learning with her daughter! I’ve been very thankful to have her to commiserate with as well as the perspective she has given me.
What song would epitomize mama/maddy life during the pandemic?
Oh this is a tough one! It might have to be Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) or Katy Perry - Roar
A fantasy mother’s/maddy’s' day would be:
Personally, after being with my family basically non-stop for a year, a hotel and spa BY MYSELF sounds pretty amazing!
To support Neesha’s book WALK YOUR DOG:
Place a Bookshop order HERE!
To support Neesha’s debut, TURTLE IN A TREE:
Order via Bookshop HERE!
PB Troupe 21 can’t wait to hear you share your special pandemic Mama/Maddy memory, shout out to your ride or die Mama/Maddy, pandemic song, or Mother’s/Maddy’s Day fantasy.
Find us on Twitter @PBTroupe21 and use the hashtag #YOURMAMAPB
See you there!
