Tucked in Tight - Paperback

by B. Motto (Author), Dana Regan (Illustrator)

After ten forehead kisses, four bear hugs, two-bathroom breaks, and a drink of water, the Mama tucked in her sweet boy. "How did you build me, Mama?" the boy asked. And so begins a story filled with tenderness, warmth, self-love, and imagination as a mother and son explore all the wonderful qualities that make him...him.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and a veteran. In each of these roles, I have worked with many populations over the years, and in each instance, I consistently focused on social-emotional learning. I am also a mother. As such, social emotional learning is not only something I have used in a clinical setting but have also integrated at home with my son. It has been a great tool to use as a family, and a skill set I would like to instill in my young son.

At its core, TUCKED IN TIGHT is a love story between a son and his mother; that incorporates ways to be tender, warm, sympathetic, with self-love and imagination.

Children ages 4-8, their families, and the early childhood settings such as preschool and daycares that play a central role in their development. Foundational skill development is supported through the combined efforts of parents and caregivers at home and the structured learning and care provided in preschool and daycare settings.

In addition to answering questions about our place in this world, this story also offers a gentle entry point for discussion around family differences, including families with and without siblings.

Many schools now include social-emotional learning in daily lessons. When this guidance begins at home, children, particularly those in preschool through fifth grade gain a strong understanding of routines, emotional vocabulary, and healthy communication. This book reinforces those skills by modeling direct, supportive dialogue between caregivers and children. It demonstrates how families can engage in meaningful conversations that empower children to take the lead while still maintaining respect and thoughtful parental guidance.