A mother’s love is priceless, and its presence or lack thereof can shape a child’s life significantly. These picture books about mothers reflect the warmth and security that moms can provide. They feature mom and kid routines, memories shared between mothers and their kids, and lovely odes to the gift of motherhood. If you’re looking for children’s books about moms, you’ll love these picks.
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Picture Books About Mothers
Here are 30 great picture books about mothers:
Everything Is Mama
Published: October 10, 2017
However, everything after that was MAMA.
Everything is . . .
MAMA!
So take a lighthearted look at the world from your baby’s point of view as different animals try to teach their children that there are other words in addition to MAMA for familiar objects and activities.
Me and Mama
Published: August 25, 2020
On a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and Papa and Luca are still asleep, when the clouds are wearing shadows and the wind paints the window with beads of water, I want to be everywhere Mama is.
Saturday
Published: October 22, 2019
Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It was Saturday! But sometimes, the best plans don’t work out exactly the way you expect….
In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong–ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they’d been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown…until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.
I Sang You Down from the Stars
Published: April 6, 2021
As she waits for the arrival of her new baby, a mother-to-be gathers gifts to create a sacred bundle. A white feather, cedar and sage, a stone from the river . . .
Each addition to the bundle will offer the new baby strength and connection to tradition, family, and community. As they grow together, mother and baby will each have gifts to offer each other.
Let’s Do Everything and Nothing
Published: March 22, 2022
Will you climb a hill with me?
Dive into a lake with me?
Reach the starry sky with me,
and watch the clouds parade?
Love can feel as vast as a sky full of breathtaking clouds or as gentle as a sparkling, starlit night. It can scale the tallest mountains and reach the deepest depths of the sea.
Standing side by side with someone you love, the unimaginable can seem achievable.
But not every magical moment is extraordinary. Simply being together is the best journey of all.
Also
Published: February 22, 2022
A moving story that follows one family through generations of time spent together and shows readers that memories allow us to connect to the past, the present, and also each other.
This gorgeously illustrated book explores the power of memory, teaches children subtle lessons about the passing of time, and celebrates the cherished bonds we share with those we love.
Mommy’s Khimar
Published: April 3, 2018
A young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn.
A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears.
Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.
A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.
Your Mama
Published: April 6, 2021
Yo’ mama so sweet, she could be a bakery. She dresses so fine, she could have a clothing line. And, even when you mess up, she’s so forgiving, she lets you keep on living.
What’s Special About Me, Mama?
Published: February 22, 2011
What’s special about me, Mama?So many things, Love.Like what, Mama?Like your eyes, Love, and the way they tell amazing stories without any words.But everyone says I have your eyes. What’s special about me? A boy wonders what exactly makes him unique among everyone else in his family. In rhythmically written, comforting answers, Mama lists his many wonderful traits, both physical attributes and behavior. Her son thinks all of those qualities are just little things, until Mama explains that there is nothing little about love. What’s special about you, Love, is that you are loved more than anybody in the whole wide world–by me!Tell me again, Mama.
Love, Mama
Published: January 2, 2018
When Mama leaves her young penguin Kipling, he knows she’ll return home soon―yet he still can’t help but miss her. After all, Pillow Mama won’t read, Picture Mama won’t laugh, and Snow Mama is too cold to cuddle.
But then Kipling receives a special delivery from Mama, including a note that reads:
My love for you stretches across the wide ocean,
through day and night,
from earth to sky
and back again.
And Kipling knows that no matter where Mama is, he is loved. Soon, Mama comes home, and Kipling ends the day where he belongs―right in her arms.
Like the Moon Loves the Sky
Published: March 10, 2020
In this moving picture book, author Hena Khan shares her wishes for her children: “Inshallah you find wonder in birds as they fly. Inshallah you are loved, like the moon loves the sky.” With vibrant illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran, this charming picture book is a heartfelt and universal celebration of a parent’s unconditional love.
• A reassuring bedtime read-aloud for mothers and their children.
• A perfect book for sharing Muslim family traditions and for families teaching diversity and religious acceptance.
• Hena Khan’s books have been widely acclaimed, winning awards and honors from the ALA, Parent’s Choice, and many others.
For families who have read and loved Under My Hijab, Yo Soy Muslim, and Mommy’s Khimar. A sweet and lovely bedtime book to help let children know they are loved and precious.
• Bedtime books for ages 3–5
• Mother’s Day gift
• Islamic children’s books
One More Hug
Published: November 12, 2019
A tree branch tapping on a window, a pretend sword breaking in two, the skreeeetch of a school bus door: one more hug by mom is always needed to comfort and reassure a young boy that he has the inner confidence to carry on. As time passes, and he outgrows his childhood fears, he returns the favor by giving his mother one more hug as he goes on his way.
This timeless tale of unconditional love and comfort for an anxious young boy as he leaves the nest and starts his journey through life is a perfect story for mothers to share with their sons to show them that it’s okay to have fears and needs—even as they get older—and it’s okay to share those feelings with the people who love them.
Teddy’s Favorite Toy
Published: February 27, 2018
Teddy has a lot of cool toys. But his very favorite doll has the best manners, the sickest fighting skills, and a fierce sense of style. Then one morning, something truly awful happens. And there’s only one woman fierce enough to save the day. Can Teddy’s mom reunite Teddy with his favorite toy?
My Mommy Medicine
Published: February 26, 2019
Whenever I am sick,
Or just feel kind of gloomy or sad,
I can always count on my Mommy Medicine.
When a child wakes up feeling sick, she is treated to a good dose of Mommy Medicine. Her remedy includes a yummy cup of hot chocolate; a cozy, bubble-filled bath time; and unlimited snuggles and cuddles. Mommy Medicine can heal all woes and make any day the BEST day!
You Be Mommy
Published: March 31, 2020
Mommy’s too tired to be Mommy tonight.
Can you be Mommy and hold me tight?
In this clever, rhyming picture book, a mother tells her child that she’s simply too tired to be Mommy tonight and asks her daughter to take over for her.
Just Like A Mama
Published: January 21, 2020
Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose. Mama Rose is tender and sweet—everything a child could wish for in a parent. But she is also as stern and demanding as any good parent should be. In the midst of their happy home, Carol Olivia Clementine misses her mother and father. While she longs to be with them, she also learns to embrace the love that is present. Mama Rose becomes her “home.” And Carol Olivia Clementine concludes that she loves Mama Rose “just like a mama.”
How to Raise a Mom
Published: March 28, 2017
This humorous new addition to the beloved HOW TO . . . books takes readers through a playful, busy day with Mom. Written in an instructional style, two siblings suggest the best ways to raise a happy, healthy mom—from waking her up in the morning to arranging play dates, to making sure she gets enough exercise, some quiet time, and plenty of veggies! Filled with charming role-reversal humor, creative ideas, and lots of love, How to Raise a Mom is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day—or any day!
Bedtime for Mommy
Published: April 1, 2010
When it’s Mommy’s bedtime, she begs her little girl —
“Five more minutes?”
“Ok, but then brush your teeth!”
But then Mommy wants another glass of water . . . another story . . . luckily this little girl is very patient!
Home Base: A Mother-Daughter Story
Published: March 24, 2020
A young pitcher steps up to the plate.
A hardworking mom interviews for her biggest job yet.
Girls and women aren’t always welcome in the worlds of baseball and bricklaying. But with practice, the right gear, and a whole lot of determination, this intrepid mom and daughter thrive under pressure. Readers get to see their parallel narratives unfold in tandem, coming together at the end for a sweet reward: ice cream!
My New Mom & Me
Published: April 19, 2016
When the puppy comes to live with his new mom, he is nervous. After all, his mom has stripes and he doesn’t. But his mom says she likes that they look different, and soon the puppy likes it, too. (And who cares what anyone else thinks!)
The puppy’s new mom does all the things other parents do. She plays with him, takes care of him, and sometimes even makes him mad! But that’s okay, because when he’s feeling sad, she knows just what to say.
The Best Mother
Published: April 3, 2018
When Maxine wakes up on the wrong side of the bed one morning, she wonders if the problem might be her mother. What if she could try out a new mom who doesn’t make her brush her teeth or comb her hair? Enlisting Mom to help her with the search, Maxine interviews various prospects to be her new mother at the park, the toy store, and the zoo. Unfortunately, these other mothers present a host of new problems and concerns. Maybe her “old mother” was the best mother of all? For every child who’s ever wondered if the grass is greener, The Best Mother affirms that there’s nothing better than your own mother’s love.
Llama Llama Home with Mama
Published: August 23, 2011
Llama Llama, morning light.
Feeling yucky, just not right.
Down to breakfast.
Tiny sneeze.
Sniffle, snuffle.
Tissues, please!
Ah-choo! Uh-oh, Llama Llama’s nose is feeling tickly, his throat is feeling scratchy, and his head is feeling stuffy. Back to bed, no school today for Llama Llama! Instead, he’s home with Mama. By lunchtime, though, he’s beginning to feel a tiny bit better. But now someone else has the sneezes . . . Mama! And who will help her feel better? Why, Llama Llama, of course! Anna Dewdney’s fun-to-read rhymes are sure to help children and their parents get through those under-the-weather days.
Someday
Published: February 27, 2007
A deceptively simple, powerful ode to the potential of love and the potential in life, Someday is the book you’ll want to share with someone else…today. The perfect gift for Mother’s Day, Graduation Day or Any Day – share a copy with every special person in your life.
I Love My Mommy
Published: February 22, 2011
I love my mommy very much, She’s great to cuddle, soft to touch. Wonderfully child-like verses about everything that makes mothers irresistible to their little ones are illustrated with bright and bold pictures in this life-affirming book. Toddler-friendly, funny, and loving, this is an experience to be shared time and time again.
In Your Hands
Published: September 12, 2017
When you are a newborn,
I hold your hand and study your face.
I cradle you as you drift to sleep.
But I know that I will not always
hold your hand;
not the older you get.
Then, I will hold you in my heart
And hope that God holds you in his hands.
Knit Together
Published: February 24, 2015
Drawing is fun, but knitting is better—because you can wear it! Knitting isn’t easy, though, and can be a little frustrating. Maybe the best thing to do is combine talents. A trip to the beach offers plenty of inspiration. Soon mom and daughter are collaborating on a piece of art they can share together: a special drawing made into a knitted beach blanket.
You Made Me a Mother
Published: March 8, 2016
I felt you. You were a pea. Then a lemon. Then an eggplant…
In this beautiful celebration of motherhood, the universal message of unconditional love for a child shines through.
A Bedtime Yarn
Published: September 26, 2017
Frankie is a little bear who has a hard time falling asleep. The dark is scary, and he hates to be alone. So his mother gives him a ball of yarn to hold when he goes to bed, and she keeps the other end in the next room, working it into a surprise for Frankie.
Every few nights the yarn color changes, and Frankie dreams in all the colors that he and his mother pick out. One night he’s swimming in turquoise water, another night he’s in a cool gray fog. He plays with a marmalade kitten and eats delicious chocolate cake. Eventually Frankie and his mother create something special–and Frankie learns that he’s always connected to those he loves, even when he’s alone in the dark.
Me and My Mom!
Published: April 1, 2009
My mom is so special in every way. I want to be just like my mommy one day. For the creators of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Me and My Dad! comes a companion book that celebrates the very special relationship between a mother and child. Little Bear’s mom is so smart she can do just about anything! She can roar and swim like a fish and she’s never afraid of the dark. But the thing that she does best of all is hold her bear cub tight. Stunning illustrations capture the love that these two bears feel for each other. The perfect gift for Mother’s Day, this is sure to be a favorite for both mother and child.
My Mommy Hung the Moon
Published: September 7, 2010
My mommy hung the moon.
She tied it with string.
My mommy’s good at EVERYTHING.
There they are: 30 of the best picture books about mothers! Which of these books have you read and loved? What did I miss?
More Picture Book Lists
- Picture books about dads
- The best picture books about welcoming a new sibling
- Children’s books about siblings
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