With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it seems more than appropriate to sit back and take a good, long look at some of the best picture books featuring mothers of all types.
This is not an exhaustive list of every single picture book written by, about, for, or including mothers–there are MANY quality ones out there. The 12 included in this list are simply a small selection of OPB favorites.
Enjoy! And happy Mother’s Day!
Hair for Mama by Kelly A. Tinkham (illustrated by Amy June Bates)
It’s Family Photo Time, yet Mama doesn’t want her picture taken because she’s embarrassed. The chemo she’s receiving to treat her cancer has made her hair fall out. Leave it to eight-year-old Marcus to come up with a plan because it won’t be the same without her.
My Monster Mama Loves Me So by Laura Leuck (illustrated by Mark Buehner)
This rhyming bedtime story is sure to please young readers. Sure, it’s fine for Halloween, but this monster mama’s love is worth reading about any time of the year. Be warned: your kids might soon be asking for lizard juice on ice or cookies with bugs!
Enjoy a video read-aloud of My Monster Mama Loves Me So.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak)
First published in 1993, this book is widely used on the first day of school in kindergarten because it helps kids feel reassured anytime the world feels a little bit scary. Young readers will enjoy learning about Chester Raccoon’s secret–the kissing hand–that makes a new experience (like the first day of school) feel just as safe and cozy as being home with family.
Enjoy a video read-aloud of The Kissing Hand.
Mama’s Saris by Pooja Makhijani (illustrated by Elena Gomez)
Mom has a suitcase full of silk, cotton, and embroidered saris, and when her daughter finds them, she wants to dress in those beautiful garments too. Of course, Mom understands this, and for the child’s seventh birthday, Mom allows her to dress beyond years–just for one magical day.
This sweet book captures every child’s wish to be just like their parents.
My New Mom & Me by Renata Galindo
If you’re looking for a book about nontraditional families, this is a great place to start. This emotional tale about a cat mom and a dog child (he’s a bit older than one might expect) is a good conversation-starter for foster or adoptive school-aged kids. I dare you not to feel weepy when the dog paints on stripes to be more like his new mom, and she washes them off because “She likes that we are different.”
Did I Tell You I Love You Today? by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan (illustrated by Shane W. Evans)
I’m from Chicago, so I can’t help myself. This book–written by basketball legend Michael Jordan’s mother and sister–has to appear on this list. It does a very good job at showing the routines that effective parents have, even if you’re not a big fan of the Chicago Bulls or Michael Jordan (the greatest basketball player ever).
Kirkus call it a “tender read-aloud.” OPB agrees.
Enjoy a video read-aloud of Did I Tell You I Love You Today?
Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman (illustrated by Carol Thompson)
Many know Lesléa Newman for her groundbreaking book Heather Has Two Mommies and for her terrific interview at Only Picture Books! 🙂
Using rhythmic text and striking mixed-media illustrations, this book shares the gentle, nurturing relationship of a lesbian couple and their little child. It does not get preachy or overly philosophical–it simply presents the clear, honest love that parents have for their child.
Enjoy a video read-aloud of Mommy, Mama, and Me.
Mom School by Rebecca Van Slyke (illustrated by Priscilla Burris)
From the publisher: “Imagine what would happen if moms went to Mom School! In this adorable kid’s‑eye view of what would happen if Mom went to school, a little girl imagines Mom School, where all moms learn their amazing skills, like fixing a bike tire and baking cupcakes. With warm, funny illustrations and a fun role-reversal story in which moms act like kids, young readers will love imagining what would happen if their own moms went to Mom School.”
Is Mommy? by Victoria Chang (illustrated by Marla Frazee)
From poet Victoria Chang comes this irreverent tale about toddlers and mommies that’s ultimately an insightful look on motherhood from a kid’s point of view. “Is Mommy fun or boring? BORING!” Spoiler: toddles love their mommies anyway. No matter what.
Just Like My Mom by David Melling
The mischievous lion cub in this story wants to show how he can act just like his mom. When it comes to bedtime, though, no one’s as terrific as she is. Melling is one of the UK’s best-loved author/illustrators. Check out Just Like My Mom (the Australian version is called Just Like My Mummy) and see why.
Enjoy a video read-aloud of Just Like My Mom.
Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
Leave it to Ryan T. Higgins to create a fresh take on the “Are You My Mother?” tale. In this and Higgins’ other Bruce titles (5 total so far), poor Bruce just wants to have a good meal. But sometimes when you plan on having hard-boiled goose eggs for dinner, things go sideways. Yet even a grump like Bruce can summon maternal instincts when a group of goslings decide he’s their mommy. To no one’s surprise, Higgins’ illustrations are (once again) hilarious and captivating.
Enjoy a video read-along of Mother Bruce.
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown (illustrated by Clement Hurd)
In this classic (first published in 1942, it has never been out of print), a young bunny chooses to run away. “If you run away,” his mother says, “I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.” And so the imaginary game of chase begins. Generations of readers have fallen in love with this story’s reassuring words and soft, gentle pictures.
Enjoy a video read-aloud of The Runaway Bunny.