Katie Holmes is gracing the cover of November’s issue of Marie Claire.  In the exclusive interview she chats about her work and her role as a mom.

A sneak peek:

On always bringing a snack and a coloring book along for Suri:

“My daughter was with me the other day at a work event and it was a long day. I took out some paper and markers that I had in my bag, and someone said to me, ‘Oh, that is so cute,’ and I looked at her and thought, No, this is not cute. This is what all mothers have to do.”

On how she slips so effortlessly between work and family life:

“Because you have to. As an actress who is also a mother, you don’t have the luxury of drama.”

For the full interview, you can pick up the new issue on Tuesday, October 25th.