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  • Published: 30 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9781776957415
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $30.00

Mum's Busy Work





An inspiring and heartwarming book about the relationship between a working mum and her daughter by the former prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.
Today I got out of bed and asked Mum
what day it was. 'Monday,' she said.
I asked if that was a day care day.
She said yes. I stomped my feet.

Even though day care is fun, it’s still hard not to miss Mum 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 Jacinda Ardern had with her young daughter while she was prime minster of New Zealand, this book celebrates the relationship between working mums and their children. With striking art by Ruby Jones, Mum’s Busy Work shows how, even when a parent and their child are apart during the day, the love between them is unquestionable.

  • Published: 30 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9781776957415
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $30.00

About the authors

Jacinda Ardern

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 mum.

You can follow Jacinda Ardern
on Instagram and X @JacindaArdern.

Ruby Jones

Ruby Rose 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 Ruby Jones at RubyAliceRose.com
or follow her on Instagram @RubyAliceRose
and on Facebook at Facebook.com/RubyAliceRoseArt

Discover more

Article
Jacinda Ardern to publish debut picture book with Penguin Random House NZ

Mum's Busy Work by Jacinda Ardern is set for international release on September 30, 2025.