The Mystery of the Missing Mum - Frances Moloney

 

When Jake wakes up on Monday morning, nine days before Christmas, he knows immediately that something isn't right: his Mum hasn't woken him up and his sister, Rose, is shrieking about how late it is and how much trouble she'll be in when she's late for school.  Jake checks his mum's bedroom and then the kitchen, but all he finds is his sleeping grandma.  Fearing something has happened to his mum, he creates a list of where she could have gone and then begins to investigate her disappearance.  Something definitely isn't right and Jake is determined to discover the truth, whether his friends and family will help him or not.

Told in the first person, from Jake's point of view, this is a heart-felt story that will make you chuckle but will also make you think.  Jake's voice is strong and he is an engaging character.  He is clearly very worried about his mum and is feeling lost.  His sister appears to be carrying on as normal and his father (who lives on the other side of the estate) seems to be more concerned about not being late for work.  There is a determination to Jake who discovers a lot about himself as the book progresses.

At the heart of this book, there are many serious messages about mental health, projected in a way that children will understand.  It is difficult for children to understand what is happening, and also tricky for adults to know how to discuss these things with children - the book shows this well.  

This is also a book about friendship and families, which come in all shapes and sizes.

Due for release in August, I enjoyed The Mystery of The Missing Mum and look forward to sharing it in school.