
Mom's Busy Work
Jacinda Ardern(Author)
Philomel Books,U.S. (Publisher)
Published on 23. September 2025
Book
Hardback
32 pages
978-0-593-69230-1 (ISBN)
Description
An inspiring and heartwarming book about the relationship between a working mom and her daughter by the former prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.
Today I got out of bed and asked Mom what day it was. "Monday" she said. I asked if that was a daycare day. She said yes. I stomped my feet.
Even though daycare is fun, it's still hard not to miss Mom throughout the week! But despite her busy job, there's always time for stories, time for games; time for hugs and time for love.
Based on real conversations Dame Jacinda Ardern had with her young daughter while she was prime minster of New Zealand, this book celebrates the relationship between working moms and their children. With striking art by Ruby Jones, Mom's Busy Work shows how, even when apart during the day, the love between a parent and their child is unquestionable. A reassuring readloud for all children, including those struggling with separation anxiety.
Today I got out of bed and asked Mom what day it was. "Monday" she said. I asked if that was a daycare day. She said yes. I stomped my feet.
Even though daycare is fun, it's still hard not to miss Mom throughout the week! But despite her busy job, there's always time for stories, time for games; time for hugs and time for love.
Based on real conversations Dame Jacinda Ardern had with her young daughter while she was prime minster of New Zealand, this book celebrates the relationship between working moms and their children. With striking art by Ruby Jones, Mom's Busy Work shows how, even when apart during the day, the love between a parent and their child is unquestionable. A reassuring readloud for all children, including those struggling with separation anxiety.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Penguin Putnam Inc
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Second Grade, Interest Age: From 3 to 7 years
Product notice
Picture book
Illustrations
FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS
Dimensions
Height: 261 mm
Width: 213 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
344 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-593-69230-1 (9780593692301)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Persons
Jacinda Ardern was elected prime minister of New Zealand in 2017 at the age of thirty-seven and became the country's youngest prime minister in more than 150 years. In 2018, she gave birth to her daughter, Neve, and became the first leader of a country in thirty years to give birth while in office. In 2023, she was awarded the accolade Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She now spends her time writing, speaking, learning, and being a mom. You can follow her on Instagram and X @JacindaArdern.
Ruby Jones is an illustrator from Aotearoa/New Zealand. She likes to make art that shines a little light on the everyday moments we share with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Ruby's illustrations often explore ideas around love, relationships, mental health, and body image. Ruby has illustrated a cover for TIME magazine and worked on campaigns with Amnesty International, Nespresso, BIC, Accor Hotels, HP, Invivo X SJP, and many more. She has also released two books with Penguin Random House, All of This Is For You (2019) and In This Body (2022). You can visit her at RubyAliceRose.com or follow her on Instagram @RubyAliceRose and on Facebook at Facebook.com/RubyAliceRoseArt.
Ruby Jones is an illustrator from Aotearoa/New Zealand. She likes to make art that shines a little light on the everyday moments we share with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Ruby's illustrations often explore ideas around love, relationships, mental health, and body image. Ruby has illustrated a cover for TIME magazine and worked on campaigns with Amnesty International, Nespresso, BIC, Accor Hotels, HP, Invivo X SJP, and many more. She has also released two books with Penguin Random House, All of This Is For You (2019) and In This Body (2022). You can visit her at RubyAliceRose.com or follow her on Instagram @RubyAliceRose and on Facebook at Facebook.com/RubyAliceRoseArt.