mum’s busy work

Today I got out of bed and asked Mum what day it was. “Monday” she said. I asked if that was a nursery day. She said yes. I stomped my feet.

Even though nursery is fun, it’s still hard not to miss Mum 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 mums and their children. Mum’s Busy Work shows how, even when apart during the day, the love between a parent and their child is unquestionable.

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, Dame Arden gave birth to her first child 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, the country’s second highest honour. 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.