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Book Review: “What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter

ByMary Jones

Jan 17, 2025 #book review, #dailyprompt, #featured, #Reader Review, #the chrysalis brew project
Illustration of a child in a boat surrounded by whimsical sea creatures and dragons, with the title "What Mommy Doesn't See" prominently displayed.

What Mommy Doesn’t See by Karen Ledbetter (Illustrated by Kassy Keppol) is a heartwarming and magical tale that invites readers to see the world through the unfiltered, imaginative eyes of a child.

Review

Enchanting, nostalgic, imaginative.

In a world often devoid of whimsy, this book serves as a gentle reminder of the wonder hidden in plain sight when viewed through a child’s eyes. Research on the impact of creative storytelling on children shows that it fosters emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and imagination. Against this backdrop, What Mommy Doesn’t See is a delightful tool for families to share a moment of connection and to celebrate the boundless creativity of childhood.

The story begins with the promise of a simple picnic—a day in the life of a child—but quickly transforms into an extraordinary adventure. While Mommy is grounded in the practical world, searching for “missing unicorns” and other magical creatures, her child is fully immersed in a vibrant landscape teeming with fantasy. As readers turn each page, they discover hidden creatures and enchanting details, creating an immersive experience that rewards careful attention and curiosity. At its heart, the book is about the love between a parent and child, seen through the lens of wonder and storytelling.

The lyrical text is complemented by Keppol’s fascinating illustrations, which are filled with hidden details that beg to be uncovered. Each image tells a story within a story, offering a layered experience that parents and children alike will savor. This book is likely to resonate with families who treasure bedtime stories, children who love interactive picture books, and fans of classics like Goodnight Moon or Where the Wild Things Are. Its visual and emotional richness is reminiscent of the works of Beatrix Potter or Chris Van Allsburg. That said, readers looking for a fast-paced or plot-driven story may not find this to be their preferred style.

Karen Ledbetter and Kassy Keppol have created a timeless picture book that celebrates the intersection of love and imagination. What Mommy Doesn’t See is a treasure chest of creativity and warmth, reminding readers young and old that magic can always be found—especially when viewed through the lens of love. This book is destined to become a cherished classic, bringing joy to families for generations to come.

About the Author and the Illustrator

Two women with smiling faces pose closely together for a selfie in a cozy indoor setting.
Kassy Keppol (left) is the book’s illustrator. Her mom, Karen Ledbetter (right), is the author. [Photo credit: Kassy Keppol]

Karen Ledbetter balanced raising nine children and fostering many others while pursuing a passion for education. She earned teaching credentials, three master’s degrees, and two doctorates. Now a Dean at William Howard Taft University, she develops business, education, and public administration curricula. At 76, she learned school bus driving. Her daughter, Kassy Keppol, illustrated this book as a “heart project.”

Book Details

  • Title: What Mommy Doesn’t See
  • Author: Karen Ledbetter (Illustrated by Kassy Keppol) 
  • Genre(s) and Sub-genre(s):
    • Main Genre: Children
    • Sub-genre(s): Picture Book
    • Theme(s): Magic, Imagination, Family Love
  • Minimum Audience Age: 4+ (based on content and poetic style suitable for early readers and picture book audiences)
  • Main Language Used in the Text: English

Children’s Book Features

Does the book have good role models for children?

  • Yes: The mother in the story serves as a loving and supportive role model, encouraging imaginative play and fostering a bond with her child.

Does the book teach moral values?

  • Yes: The story emphasizes themes of love, imagination, and the value of cherishing relationships, suggesting the importance of finding joy and magic in everyday moments.

Does the book promote good social manners?

  • Not explicit: While the book seems to showcase positive interactions between the mother and child, there isn’t specific content to directly promote social manners.

Are the language and topics suitable for the intended age group?

  • Partially: The language is appropriate for children, but the inclusion of skull imagery could be unsuitable for sensitive children, particularly at the lower end of the 4–8 age range. Skulls might evoke themes of death or danger, which may not align with the book’s lighthearted tone or be suitable for very young readers.

Are the illustrations appropriate for the intended age group?

  • Partially: While many illustrations may be whimsical and child-friendly, the presence of skulls could be unsettling or confusing for some children. This may require parental discretion.

Has the book been approved by a licensed educator or relevant professional?

  • Not explicit: While there is no explicit mention of a formal review by an external educator or child development professional, the author, Karen Ledbetter, holds teaching credentials, multiple advanced degrees, and extensive experience in education, including her role as a Dean at William Howard Taft University.

Is the book based on scientifically proven data or similar information?

  • No: The book is fictional and rooted in imagination rather than scientific or factual content.

Was the book produced using industry-standard research processes?

  • Not explicit: While the book appears professionally written and illustrated, there is no evidence provided that industry-standard research or consultation processes were followed. However, The book’s author, Karen Ledbetter, holds teaching credentials, advanced degrees, and extensive experience, including serving as a Dean at William Howard Taft University, suggesting the content is informed by professional expertise.

Is there any additional information about the book that parents or educators should know?

  • Yes:
    • The story promotes imaginative thinking, which can help develop creativity in young children.
    • It provides opportunities for interactive reading as children can “find” the hidden creatures on each page.
    • Parents may want to be aware that the book subtly addresses the theme of adults losing some sense of “magic” while children retain it. This can spark meaningful discussions about imagination and the parent-child bond.
    • The presence of skulls might require explanation or discussion with younger readers. Parents and educators should consider whether these elements align with their child’s emotional maturity and sensitivity. The theme of magic and hidden creatures remains appealing, but the skull imagery could shift the tone for some families.

Book Themes

(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)

  • Sexual themes: 0 – No explicit or implied sexual content.
  • Religious themes: 1 – Slightly referenced through “magic” and whimsical elements.
  • Violence, self-harm, etc.: 0 – No violent or harmful content present.
  • Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 0 – Language is completely clean and child-appropriate.
  • Other adult themes: 1 – Themes of parental love and loss of magic are subtly woven in.

Ratings

  • Content: 5
  • Writing Style or Visual Presentation: 4
  • Appeal to Target Audience: 5
  • Uniqueness: 4
  • Editing: 5
  • Other Factors: 4
  • Overall Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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By Mary Jones

15 thoughts on “Book Review: “What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter”

  15. I love this premise. Kids, indeed, see a whole different world than us. I hope this book helps spark their imagination!

    Reply

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