A gentle celebration of the bond between mother and son, and a beautifully illustrated portrait of a lively urban neighborhood​.  As a mother and son explore their area, they try various ways of walking—from giant steps and reggae steps to crisscross steps and backward steps. Whether they're racing down the street or moving as slow as molasses, Jonathan and Mommy go at their own pace and move to the beat of their love for each other.  Irene Smalls has been a model, an actress, a radio reporter, and a small business owner, but her favorite job is being a children's author. She has written several books for young readers, including Kevin and His Dad , also illustrated by Michael Hays. Michael Hays has illustrated many picture books, as well as many book jackets for older readers. He has also taught children's book illustration at Columbia College Chicago, and enjoys music and storytelling.