Just Like Mama by Nandita da Cunha is a picture book that opens the door to profound questions about life in a family and shared society. At its core, this book explores the delicate balance between personal freedom and social responsibility as it begins from the smallest social unit, i.e., the family.
The story follows a young girl who, in her early years, enjoys complete freedom. She can eat when she wants, play where she likes, leave her toys scattered, and sleep whenever she feels sleepy. But as she begins to grow, she notices that even in a small family of three, she is now expected to follow rules. These rules have a severe impact on her because they are created and imposed on her by her mother, whom she adores.
This creates a conflict in the child’s mind. Her loving mother, who once seemed like the most caring person in the world, now appears somewhat like a strict enforcer. She asks her not to make a mess, to clean up after playing, and to sleep early. The young girl is slowly becoming a slave to time and schedule, just like us adults. The situation becomes more complicated when the mother announces the arrival of a new baby, which brings mixed emotions for the child.
Things begin to shift when the girl decides to play with her newborn sibling, and through that game she plans to remind her mother to be a ‘fun Mama’. In the beginning, she recreates her version of freedom with no rules and restrictions. However, her experience quickly teaches her that without rules, life becomes not just chaotic, but also unsafe. She understands that babies are vulnerable and they require constant attention, as they tend to put themselves in precarious situations; and without rules or supervision, serious harm could occur.
Through this experience, she begins to understand her mother’s perspective and develops sensibilities as an older sibling. What once felt like controlling behaviour now reveals itself as care, concern, and responsibility.
Nandita da Cunha’s story is gentle yet impactful, and Shreya Sen’s illustrations complement the narrative with warmth and charm. However, according to me, the illustrations could have been more provocative. Illustrations are not just limited to describing the narrative in pictorial form, but they play an important role in creating space for imagination. Nonetheless, the book encourages readers of all ages to think about family dynamics, societal living, and the necessity of structure in everyday life.
Just Like Mama is a thoughtful commentary on growing up, understanding others, developing a sense of care, and learning to see the world through someone else’s eyes. It also offers readers a nostalgic return to their own childhoods and the evolving understanding of parental love and discipline. The book is a delightful and thought-provoking read for both children and adults.