Just What Mama Needs    by Sharlee Glenn & Amiko Hirao Order:  USA  Can Harcourt, 2008 (2008) Hardcover     Reviewed by Hilary Daninhirsch Abby is quite an imaginative child - each day of the week, she dresses up as something different, and she makes herself indispensable to her mother. When Abby dresses up as a detective one day, it just so happens that Mama needs a detective to help find the missing socks in the laundry machine. And coincidentally, on the day that Abby dresses up as a witch, Mama needs her to help 'mix up a delicious brew for lunch.' (Somehow, Mama sneaks in a chore or two for Abby without Abby realizing she is helping). One day, Mama can't figure out what Abby is pretending to be - when Abby reveals she is not dressed up as anyone, but she is just herself, Mama lovingly tells her that an Abby is what she needs most of all. Abby is portrayed as a brown puppy dog, and the delightful illustrations are simple and comical. Just What Mama Needs, which celebrates the unconditional love between a parent and a child, will delight little children who have big imaginations. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews