DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

My Momo-La is a Museum

Exploring love and memories through art and family

Mamta Nainy author Violet Kim illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Lantana Publishing

Published:4th Apr '24

Should be back in stock very soon

My Momo-La is a Museum cover

A child explores city museums with their grandmother, discovering that the true museum of memories may be right at home in My Momo-La is a Museum.

In My Momo-La is a Museum, a child embarks on a captivating journey with their grandmother through the city's museums. As they explore various exhibits, the child discovers that the further they wander, the closer they feel to home. Each piece of art and every sculpture evokes cherished memories of their grandmother, Momo-la, and her unique collection of stories. The adventure becomes a poignant exploration of love, heritage, and the connections that bind generations together.

Momo-la, a collector of unusual artifacts, shares her wisdom and tales with her grandchild, illustrating how every museum piece holds a story waiting to be uncovered. As the child learns about the significance of each exhibit, they realize that their grandmother’s presence is woven into the very fabric of the displays. The journey not only brings them closer to the city’s history but also deepens their understanding of their own familial roots and the treasures that lie within their home.

Ultimately, My Momo-La is a Museum is a beautifully crafted narrative that celebrates the love between a grandmother and her grandchild. It highlights the importance of preserving memories and passing down stories, showcasing how the most meaningful museum may be the one that resides right at their doorstep. This touching tale serves as a reminder of the wisdom and warmth that grandmothers impart, enriching the lives of those they love.

“This charming story features a clever premise and delicately tender illustrations. The lyrical language, child-friendly examples, and relevant message about the importance of honoring family bonds and history make for a meaningful read.” — Kirkus Reviews


“It’s incredibly powerful to realise how people, as well as objects, are part of the heritage of our communities and how much knowledge they have to pass on. I particularly like how Momo-la wears a chuba (a traditional Tibetan apron) and how she drops small tidbits about her past throughout the story. These points are expanded on at the end through the author’s letter, and provide a great starting point for discussing forced migration with young readers. Most of all, this story is a celebration of a warm and loving intergenerational relationship, one that remains with you long after the book has ended.” – Books for Little Bookworms


“The artwork is beautiful and there are many visual delights to take in on each page. I loved how this books encourages children to explore and take an interest in not just their own cultural heritage and family history but that of others around them.” – All Books Great and Small


“The simple but elegant and relatable illustrations of Violet Kim allow readers to find themselves in the story, imagine themselves in the museums Momo-la and her grandchild visit. Mamta Nainy’s story is incredible, thoughtful and clever in equal parts, offering a very special surprise at the end. A thought-provoking and gentle story reminding us that stories are everywhere and they are ours to make.”

– Armadillo Magazine


"With vibrant yet soft and comforting illustrations, the special bond between grandparent and grandchild is beautifully explored. A celebration of personal histories and oral storytelling with a focus on Tibet." – Inclusive Books for Children


“A memorable, heartwarming story of intergenerational love, family, culture, memories, treasures and most importantly, stories. It’s a powerful reminder that grandparents, parents and other family members are treasure chests of stories, stories that they love to share if we give them time to do so.” – Jill Bennett, Librarian, Red Reading Hub

ISBN: 9781915244635

Dimensions: 260mm x 260mm x 7mm

Weight: 367g

32 pages