The Alternative Press

WESTFIELD, NJ—On September 8, Westfield resident and first-time childrens’ book author Deanne Hampton signed copies of My Look-Like-Me Mommy at The Town Book Store, Westfield’s independent book shop.

My Look-Like-Me Mommy follows Zachary Zebra and Momma Hippo, who are headed off to town to run errands when Zachary notices something—all of his friends look like their mommies, but he and Momma Hippo are nothing alike! Why is Zachary Zebra different, he wonders? My Look-Like-Me Mommy teaches children that even when they may not look like their parents, it is love that makes them theirs.

The story was inspired by Hampton’s two children, 8-year-old Emmie and 10-year-old Cate, who she said look more like their Chinese father than like her, their Caucasian mother.

“We loved the book,” said Kathy Kayne, who attended the signing with her husband, Evan, and son, Jae. “Our favorite part was at the end when the mama hippo says, ‘I chose you to be my little boy because I wanted to be your mommy.’ That's when Jae threw his arms around me and hugged me. He asked me to read Look-Like-Me Mommy before  bed tonight and when I asked him what part he liked best he simply hugged me again and said ‘our hearts match.’ I am so excited that someone wrote a book that felt just right for my family.  My son has noticed that we look different from each other since he was two years old! I’m so grateful that an author has broached this sensitive topic.”