By Kaylie Seed
Mother’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the people in our lives who have helped raise us, celebrate us, nurture us, and love us unconditionally. Mother’s Day is meant to celebrate people in our lives who do all of these things and one way to be reminded of their amazing actions is through wholesome and heartwarming children’s books.
You Mean the World to Me by Bayne Gibby and illustrated by David Walker
This adorable tale is about a Mother’s unconditional love for her child and taking the time to reassure and remind their little one that they will always be there for them. You Mean the World to Me is a poetic story with bright and warm pictures that puts this children’s book on the top of our list of books to read with our Mother figures.
How to Raise a Mom by Jean Reagan and illustrated by Lee Wildish
Moms put in a lot of hard work raising their children even when they’re all grownup! How to Raise a Mom is a heartwarming “how-to” book that shows children how to raise their Mom - even if it’s just for one day! What we enjoy about this story is that the roles are reversed in a clever and adorable way. How to Raise a Mom is meant to show children just how much love and time a mother puts into raising them.
Two is Enough by Janna Matthies and illustrated by Tuesday Mourning
Whether you are a single parent, have only one parent yourself, or just one person who has raised you, it’s important to remember that just the two of you is enough and that’s worth celebrating! Two is Enough is an adorable feel-good children’s book that isn’t meant just for young readers. Adults who struggle with being a single parent or caregiver will also benefit from this story that offers a gentle reminder that your family is perfect regardless of its size.
Mommy, Mama, and Me by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Carol Thompson
While some families have a “mom and a dad” structure, and others have one parent, it is also important to introduce and include stories about same-sex parents as well! Whether you’re in a same-sex family or you want to show your children that families come in all shapes and sizes, picking up a copy of Mommy, Mama, and Me would be an excellent addition to your book collection. There’s also a book by the same author called Daddy, Papa, and Me that should also be considered.
Every Family is Different by Constance O’Connor & Natalia Rojas and illustrated by Lucy Poley
My last recommendation covers the diversity of families in Every Family is Different.This lovely children’s book shows just how diverse families can be through animals! This is an engaging story that not only teaches children about family structures but also gives them an opportunity to learn about new animals.