Jacinda Ardern has released her second book exploring the challenges of balancing motherhood and a career, following the release of her memoir.
The former New Zealand Prime Minister has published Mum’s Busy Work, a 32-page children’s book told from the perspective of her daughter, Neve.
The book addresses Ardern’s experience of “working mum guilt” after having Neve with her now-husband Clarke Gayford in 2017, while she was serving as New Zealand’s Prime Minister.
In her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, Ardern said she “considers her greatest roles to be those she will hold for life – being a mum and proud New Zealander.”
But her biggest fear was the moment she would hear “guilt-inducing words” from Neve and have to choose which role mattered more.
“What I felt – that constant ache that I should be with her more – had been created by me, all on my own. But tonight, Neve finally asked me the question I’d known would come eventually, ‘Mummy, why do you have to work so much?’” Ardern wrote.
The book is illustrated by Wellington-based artist Ruby Jones, who is best known for her artwork on the TIME magazine cover following the 2019 Christchurch terror attack. Ardern and Jones have known each other for years.
“I like to make art that shines a little light on everyday moments and explores the connection between ourselves, each other, and the world around us,” Jones said.
Since late 2023, Ardern has been based in Boston, United States, following her resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister. She has a role at Harvard University but travelled to New York in late September for a reading to mark the book’s launch.
Rather than focusing solely on the “busy work” Ardern faced as PM, the story shows Neve observing her mother’s week and the emotions it brings.
The week begins with Mum telling Neve she doesn’t always enjoy her job, making Neve notice, “She looked really tired when she got home.”
On Tuesday morning her husband, Clarke Gayford, stays with Neve while Ardern is at work. Mum comes home early on Friday to play hide-and-seek, and the three enjoy a picnic on Saturday.
Ardern works from home on Sunday and, when asked by Neve what her job is, she says, “Looking after everyone, like you.”
The book ends with Monday arriving again, showing Neve moving from frustration at daycare to dancing with Ardern in her “clippy-cloppy” work shoes.
“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,” the book reads.
Ardern closes with a note on seeing life through her daughter’s eyes, “This book is based on the words and lessons taught to me by my daughter while I was the prime minister of New Zealand.
“May every child know that no matter what, they are our life’s greatest work.”
Both the children’s book and her memoir offer perspectives from Ardern and Neve to guide children and mothers through the realities of working parenthood.
Ardern was New Zealand’s youngest prime minister in 150 years and learned she was pregnant shortly before taking office.
In 2018, she became the second world leader to give birth while in power, following Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto.
Mum’s Busy Work is published by Penguin Random House and is available from $24.99 AUD.
Images: Instagram
