Mom's Busy Work

Ages 3 to 7, Grades P to 2

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.

Series Overview: JACINDA ARDERN! Jacinda Ardern was both the youngest prime minister of New Zealand and the only one to give birth while in office. She is the ultimate working mom and wants to make sure other working moms and their children feel seen and loved and supported. 

WORKING MOMS! In 2024, 74% of moms with children under the age of 18 had jobs outside of the house, so the potential audience for this book is huge.

ROLE MODEL! This book provides a role model for young girls who want to grow up and become moms with jobs outside the home that they love. 

HUMOROUS BOOKS! In addition to being fun and poignant and inspirational, this book is funny, too, with antics that will make both kids and parents laugh out loud.

GLOBAL PUBLISHING! We will be publishing this book jointly with the UK, Australia, and New Zealand for a global English language release, but we are the lead publishers.

JACINDA'S MEMOIR! This book will be published on the heels of Jacinda's memoir, and just before the youngificiation of that memoir for middle graders.

About the Author

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.

Author Residence: Boston, MA

Author Hometown: Hamilton, New Zealand

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.

Illustrator Residence:Wellington, New Zealand

Illustrator Hometown:Dunedin, New Zealand