Mother’s Day Books for Young and Old Alike

The Lamaze instructor said, “Bring Kleenex to the next class.” She smiled knowingly. The 10 women in her prenatal class looked at each other and at their spouses. “What did that mean?”

Sure enough, when the next session rolled around, everyone’s mascara was running down their cheeks by the end of class. Me included. My husband sat beside me, shifting uncomfortably at this turn of events. It wasn’t mass hysteria, but rather something akin to The Perfect Storm. Pregnancy hormones, a good book and impending motherhood!

“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be,” intoned the instructor as she read from the short story “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. She had her delivery down to an art form.

Lest I be considered a spoiler, I’ll refrain from giving away the simple plot. But no matter what your stage in life, this book is likely to pluck a tune on some heart strings.

Here are a few other picture books for kids and moms to celebrate the holiday on Sunday.

“A Mother’s Promise” by Lisa Humphrey is another perfect book for Mother’s Day. It’s gorgeous and reflects the hopes and dreams and emotions that wash over a new mom. The book’s narrator wants to give her child so much – the world, in fact! The illustrations by David Danioth are absolutely beautiful. The picture spreading across Pages 22-23 is particularly poignant. “A Mother’s Promise “ is one of many books by Illumination Arts that appears on the Big Universe children’s picture books website.

“I Love You the Purplest” by Barbara M. Joosse weaves a story about a mom who trims the thorns of sibling rivalry. (Chronicle Books)

“A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat” is a cumulative poem that gathers momentum as a boy’s mother buys him all sorts of things. Ages 4-7. (HarperCollins)

“Animal Mothers and Babies” is a nature book by Dona Herweck Rice for beginning readers, Level 1.4. (Teacher Created Materials Publishing)

“A Mother’s Journey” by Sandra Markle and illustrator Alan Marks is a fact-filled story about a mother Emperor penguin. It is suited for Grade 3. (Charlesbridge)

“Are You My Mother” by P.D. Eastman has been a favorite for 50 years. This Dr. Seuss-like book is just right for readers aged 3-7. (Random House)

“When Wishes Come True” by Per-Henrik Gürth is a warm tale of love, hope and reassurance in the Arctic. Good for preschoolers. (Lobster Press) 

“My Mother Is So Smart!” by Tomie dePaola salutes mothers in all walks of life. “My mother is so smart that she can stand on her head.” It’s ideal for ages 3-6. (Putnam)

 “A Pocket Full of Kisses” by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Barbara Leonard Gibson demonstrates the power of a mother’s love and wisdom. Interest age, 3-5. (Tanglewood Press)

Do you have any stories that you think should be added to this list? Let me know.