Mama’s Sleeping Scarf

PreS-Gr 2–Adichie’s children’s debut is a heartwarming multigenerational tribute: the attribution, “writing as Nwa Grace-James,” honors Adichie’s mother, as the phrase means “daughter of Grace James”; she dedicates the book to her own daughter M. “whose tiny, delightful fingers first pulled off my scarf.” Adichie’s optimal self-narration underscores familial connections. Adorable Chino “likes to touch Mama’s scarf/ because it’s so silky and soft.” At night, the scarf “keep[s Mama’s] hair all soft and nice.” Before Mama leaves for work, she gives Chino the scarf to play with until her return. Accompanied by her stuffed bunny (who speaks in a “secret voice”), Chino shares adventures with stay-at-home Papa, perambulating Grandpa, and literary Grandma. Mama arrives for dinner, then it’s bedtime, when the scarf must return to her head.