As a mom to young kids, I spend a lot of time reading picture books, and I love gifting the perfect book to my friends or their kids. As a result, I’ve developed an extensive list of tried-and-true favorites that I find myself recommending quite frequently.
For my list of picture books celebrating mothers, I included everything from my go-to baby shower book (MAMA LOVES YOU SO) to some that might have moms thinking about their own mothers (ALSO and SOMEDAY). I hope you find your new favorite book on this list, perfect for celebrating mothers all year!
MAMA LOVES YOU SO By Terry Pierce; illustrated by Simone Shin
I absolutely adore this book and gift it to every new mom I know! Through gorgeous, lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, the message of this book is clear: a mother’s love is always there for her sweet babies.
DO MOMMIES EVER SLEEP? by Kim Howard; illustrated by Karen Obuhanych
A wide-awake baby wonders why his mommy never seems to be sleeping and decides to advise her on how to get to bed. This picture book is sweet, funny, RELATABLE, and will have both kids and mommies giggling!
TO THE MOON AND BACK FOR YOU by Emilia Bechrakis Serhant; illustrated by EG Keller
The road to motherhood isn’t always easy or smooth. This book puts the tough journey some moms take to get there in kid-friendly terms, showing kids that they are worth facing any obstacle!
THE RUNAWAY BUNNY by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
This classic still rings so true! No matter where a little bunny says he’ll go or what he’ll turn into, his momma lets him know that she’ll be right there, too. THE RUNAWAY BUNNY feels like a timeless version of I LOVE YOU STINKY FACE, a perfect addition to a home library.
ALSO by E.B. Goodale
This picture book is a celebration of the generations in a family, bringing the present and the past together. Emotional and full of love, it’s the perfect book to represent the memories that connect us and remind us of who we were and who we are.
ONE MORE HUG by Megan Alexander; illustrated by Hiroe Nakata
A little boy needs one more reassuring hug from his mom when things happen that worries his heart. This lovely story reminds us that mom is always there and will always be there for us, no matter how big we grow.
I LOVE MY MOMMY by Giles Andreae; illustrated by Emma Dodd
This book is toddler-friendly and full of mommy-appreciation! What more could you want for celebrating a mom in your life?
SOMEDAY by Alison McGhee; illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
An emotional, updated take on LOVE YOU FOREVER, this story starts with a mom talking to her child. She imagines what someday life will be like for the little girl as she grows all the way into old age. With gentle illustrations and a reassuring message, this one just might make the moms in your life a little teary!
