As Mother’s Day rolls around, it’s a wonderful time to celebrate the unique and loving bond between mothers and their children. One of the most delightful ways to explore and appreciate this connection is through the world of books. Reading together not only nurtures a love for literature but also strengthens the ties of love and understanding between a child and their mother.
This Mother’s Day, why not dive into some beautifully crafted stories that highlight the essence of motherhood and the profound love that defines it? From humorous tales that will make you laugh to tender stories that might just bring a tear to your eye, the books I’m sharing today encapsulate the diverse experiences of mother-child relationships.
I’ve carefully selected a variety of books that are perfect for making this Mother’s Day memorable. Each book is a gem, providing unique perspectives on the themes of love, care, and familial bonds. Whether you’re reading to a toddler or sharing a story with a young reader, these books offer something special for everyone.
Mother’s Day Books for Kids
Let’s explore these mother’s day books for kids and celebrate the incredible role of mothers in our lives:
1. Mom, I Am Missing You, by Tim Brevet
In “Mom, I Am Missing You,” young Liza copes with the absence of her mother by cultivating a garden in the charming village of Kentville, alongside her Grandma. Each flower they plant blossoms into a vivid memory of her mother’s teachings and affection, helping Liza transform her sorrow into a celebration of her mother’s enduring presence. This touching story, beautifully illustrated and rich with emotion, is the first in a series celebrating the unbreakable bond of a mother’s love, making it a heartwarming read for those who appreciate narratives of family, memory, and resilience.
2. Are You My Mother ?, by P.D. Eastman
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman tells the story of a baby bird that hatches and goes on a quest to find his mother. With his mother nowhere in sight, the bird meets several other animals, including a kitten, a hen, a dog, and a Snort, asking each of them “Are you my mother?” The humorous tale edited by Dr. Seuss teaches the importance of the special bond between a mother and her child. With simple words and illustrations, this Beginner Book is perfect for young children learning to read.
3. Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You, by Nancy Tillman
“Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You” by Nancy Tillman is a heartwarming children’s book that celebrates the power of love. Through beautiful illustrations and poetic language, Tillman explores the idea that love is the greatest gift parents can give their children. She reminds readers that love can take many forms, and it can travel with us no matter where we go or how old we are.
4. The Best Mother, by C. M. Surrisi
In “The Best Mother” by C.M. Surrisi, Maxine wakes up one morning feeling unhappy and wonders if the problem might be her mother. To find out, she enlists her mother’s help to search for a new mom who doesn’t make her brush her teeth or comb her hair. Maxine interviews various prospects at the park, the toy store, and the zoo, but each one presents new problems and concerns. Eventually, Maxine realizes that her “old mother” was the best mother of all, and that there’s nothing better than a mother’s love. This heartwarming story is perfect for any child who has ever wondered if the grass is greener on the other side.
5. A Chair for My Mother: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner, by Vera B Williams
In A Chair for My Mother, Vera Williams tells the heartwarming story of a young girl and her mother who save coins in hopes of buying a comfortable chair for their home. After a fire burned everything in their previous apartment, they’ve been without a soft and cozy place to sit. With the help of Grandma, they fill the jar with coins and embark on a journey to find the perfect chair. This Caldecott Honor Award Winner emphasizes the importance of family, community, and working together towards a common goal. Williams’s signature folk art-inspired paintings add a beautiful touch to this classic tale.
6. Grandma’s Purse, by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Grandma Mimi always carries her purse with her when she visits her granddaughter. The purse may look ordinary on the outside, but it holds many surprises inside. Sometimes there are sweet treats, fancy jewelry, or even special gifts just for her granddaughter. In this heartwarming picture book, author and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton celebrates the magic and love of grandmothers and shows how an ordinary day can become an extraordinary one with the help of a little imagination.
7. I Love You Through and Through, by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak
“I Love You Through and Through” is a delightful board book featuring a toddler and his teddy bear. The book explores all the different sides of a young child, from happy to sad, silly to mad, and more. With charming illustrations and simple text, this book is perfect for babies and toddlers who will feel loved all over as they hear this declaration of adoration and affection.
8. Love, Mama, by Jeanette Bradley
Love, Mama is a heartwarming board book by debut author and illustrator Jeanette Bradley. When Mama leaves her young penguin, Kipling, he misses her terribly. He tries to find comfort in different things, but nothing compares to Mama’s love. But when Kipling receives a special delivery from Mama, he is reminded that her love for him is always with him, no matter where she is. This book is perfect for children who need a reminder of the strength and constancy of a mother’s love.
9. That’s Me Loving You, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
That’s Me Loving You, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, is a heartwarming poem that captures parents’ unconditional love for their children. Through simple and tender words, the book reassures children that signs of love can be found everywhere in the natural world around us. This book makes a perfect gift for parents looking to express their love to their children, and for fans of other classic children’s books such as The Runaway Bunny and The Wonderful Things You Will Be.
10. Mama, Do You Love Me?, by Barbara M. Joosse
Mama, Do You Love Me?” is a classic and bestselling story that depicts a child’s attempt to test her independence while her mother reassures her that her love for her is unconditional and eternal. Set in the unique Arctic culture, the story is made even more captivating with a comprehensive glossary of terms. The book is a great way to introduce young readers to different cultures and to show that the love between a parent and child is universal and transcends all boundaries.
11. Pinkalicious: Mother’s Day Surprise, by Victoria Kann
In Pinkalicious: Mother’s Day Surprise, Pinkalicious wants to surprise her mommy with breakfast in bed and a special poem. However, she gets a case of writer’s block and struggles to come up with the perfect words. Will she find inspiration in time? This heartwarming Mother’s Day story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Kann includes a fold-out activity poster and two special picture frames with customizable stickers.
12. Mommy, Do You Love Me?, by Jeanne Willis
Mommy, Do You Love Me? by Jeanne Willis is a heartwarming story about a little chick who wonders if his mommy will still love him even when he’s bad or loud. The book explores the unconditional love between a parent and a child, as the mommy chick reassures her little one that she loves him no matter what he does. With delightful illustrations by Jan Fearnley, this book is sure to comfort young readers and remind them of the unwavering love of their own parents.
13. Mama Elizabeti, by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
In Mama Elizabeti by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, Elizabeti must adjust to the arrival of her new baby sister and help take care of her younger brother, Obedi. Elizabeti, who has been taking care of her rock doll, Eva, since Obedi was a baby, thinks she knows just what to do. However, taking care of a real child is much harder than taking care of a rock doll. Obedi makes it challenging for Elizabeti to get anything done, and she begins to feel overwhelmed.
14. Toad on the Road: Mama and Me, by Stephen Shaskan
“Toad on the Road: Mama and Me” is an entertaining children’s book that follows the adventures of Mama and Toad as they help their friends in need. Written and illustrated by Stephen Shaskan, the book features bold, eye-catching artwork and a bouncy rhyming text that will captivate young readers. When Fox gets a flat tire and Goat runs out of gas, Mama and Toad come to the rescue, helping their friends get back on the road.
15. Biscuit Loves Mother’s Day, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Biscuit Loves Mother’s Day is a delightful children’s book that celebrates the special bond between a mother and child. Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, the book follows Biscuit, a lovable yellow puppy, and a little girl as they plan to surprise Mom on Mother’s Day. The book features large flaps that young readers can pull back to reveal the surprises Biscuit and the little girl have in store for their mother.
16. The Runaway Bunny: An Easter And Springtime Book For Kids, by Margaret Wise Brown
The Runaway Bunny is a beloved children’s book that tells the story of a little bunny who keeps running away from his mother in a game of hide-and-seek. Despite his attempts to escape, the bunny’s mother lovingly finds him every time, providing comfort to young readers. Originally published in 1942, the book has become a classic that has never gone out of print.
17. All the Things I Love About You, by LeUyen Pham
All the Things I Love About You is a heartwarming children’s book that celebrates a mother’s unconditional love for her child. Using her experience as a mother and her storytelling skills, bestselling author and illustrator LeUyen Pham presents a humorous and heartfelt love letter in this book. The story follows Mama as she lists all the reasons she loves her little boy, from his messy morning hair to the way he says “Mama” at night, and how he laughs.
18. My Fairy Stepmother, by Marni Prince, Jason Prince
My Fairy Stepmother is a children’s book that presents an alternative version of the Cinderella story, featuring a loving stepmother who assists her stepdaughter in discovering inner strength. The book follows Amelia, a stepchild who struggles with sleeping, and her stepmom Maribel, who holds a special secret that may help her. The story explores the challenges of being a stepchild, with which children of blended families can relate.
Final thoughts
As we wrap up our exploration of these heartwarming Mother’s Day books for kids, I hope you feel inspired to pick up one or two to share with the young ones in your life. Each story we’ve looked at today offers a unique window into the myriad ways mothers touch the lives of their children, whether through laughter, lessons, or the simple, everyday acts of love that define the essence of motherhood.