373V: Trade mom in for a new one (Solved!)

I’m looking for a children’s book that I read in the 70s when I was in grade school. It was most likely a library book. A child is unhappy with his (I believe a boy) mom because she is too strict or just isn’t getting his way, and so he takes her to a mommy store to trade her in for a new one. I believe he cycles through several new mom. This does not turn out as expected and he eventually brings his original mom back home because she’s perfect. I remember one artwork that struck me, because the mom was very patient as she waited in the store to be “reclaimed” and I think she was wearing a long coat and hat, holding a purse, maybe even dress gloves. Strikes me as something a lady in the 1950s-1960s might wear.

4 thoughts on “373V: Trade mom in for a new one (Solved!)

  1. Chelle J.

    Maybe “The Mummy Market” by Nancy Brelis? There was a movie, “Trading Mom” with Sissy Spacek based on the book back in 1994.

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  2. Amy

    I remember this book! I came up with two possibilities: “Martha Ann and the Mother Store” by Nathaniel and Betty Jo Charnley (1973), or “The Mummy Market” by Nancy Brelis (1966). I’m certain I read the Brelis book because the cover is familiar, even if the description isn’t. Conversely, the Charnley book cover isn’t familiar, but the description sounds right.

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    1. Laura

      I think the book I’m looking for is “Martha Ann and the Mother Store” … here’s hoping I can find an affordable copy! Thanks!

      Reply

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