Children’s Books About MOMS that Celebrate The Ones We Adore

The time is always right to share children’s books about moms with your little ones, and we have the perfect list for you! We’ve also thrown in our favorite books about grandmas, and some awesome craft activities too. Moms should be celebrated all year long, and this awesome list of books and crafts will help you do just that!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Moms.

We wipe tears, mend hearts, inspire uproarious laughter, and work hard to ensure our children’s days are perfect.

With each passing hour, we watch our sweet babies grow. We marvel at each tiny movement, each radiant smile, each joyful giggle and goofy wiggle.

Yet as children get older, motherhood is not all fun and games. Some days it feels like the whole world is conspiring against us. Our children turn into beasts before our eyes, and it feels like we’re navigating a treacherous journey with no roadmap .

Motherhood is not for the faint of heart.

Moms are constantly scurrying to adapt to new life stages, new experiences, new emotions. With every smile comes tears, with every success a great obstacle.

There are growing pains, for sure, but there is also infinite joy as we watch our kids grow from infants to toddlers, then make the leap from kids to tweens to — gasp! — teens.

When we witness our children, no matter how old, act with compassion towards others, advocate for causes they’re passionate about, or ace tests for which they spent long hours studying, we forget about every challenge on our journey and beam with pride from the sidelines.

Mothers are real life superheroes, the foundation and heart of the family unit.

Yet we never think we’re doing this mom thing correctly.

Here’s the thing. Those kids of yours? They think you’re awesome – like, shout it from the rooftops AWESOME. They love spending time with you, especially those tender, quiet moments where you connect, cuddle and listen to each other’s words and hearts.

Reading children’s books about moms are perfect for providing those special moments of connection!

I have always loved sharing children’s books about moms with my boys because these stories help us connect.

These are the books that make us laugh because they are so authentically real. They highlight those moments — some exhilarating, some infuriating — that make us groan and giggle.

Children’s books about moms also remind us of the unique and incomparable bond between parent and child. Most importantly, they remind us that we’re doing a really good job at this parenting gig.

Being a mom is harder, more intimidating and more strenuous than any 9-5 career you will ever have. But for all of its challenges, it is also one of life’s most rewarding and awe-inspiring experiences.

So don’t delay… celebrate motherhood with these phenomenal children’s books about moms! These touching, funny and heartwarming stories showcase the highs and lows of motherhood, the many ways that a mother’s gentle wisdom encourages her children to soar, and the unbreakable bonds between a mother and her baby. Enjoy!

RELATED: Looking for more books that celebrate the ones we love? Check out these incredible children’s books about family!

My Mommy Medicine, by Edwidge Danticat and illustrated by Shannon Wright: I have long adored Edwidge Danticat’s writing and was thrilled to see this beautiful story about the best antidote for any child’s illness! Mommy medicine cures all, from yummy cups of hot chocolate to warm bubble baths, to stories made up with love. This tender book celebrates mom’s uncanny ability to heal any sickness with love, tenderness and an unlimited amount of snuggles.

Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle, by Nina LaCour and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita:  What’s a little girl to do when Mommy leaves for a work trip and she’s home alone with Mama? After all, things feel so different when she can’t sit right between Mama and Mommy, and she misses Mommy as deep as the ocean. This book is perfect for any child who longs for a parent when they go out of town, and we adore the way it depicts an inclusive family that just overflows with love!  Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Your Mama, by by NoNieqa Ramos and illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara: This children’s book about moms, a play on the old “yo mama” joke, is a fun, vibrant, and oh-so sweet ode to motherhood! We love the way this unique story, sprinkled with Spanish, showcases all the hard things moms do each and every day. It honors the love, joy, hardship and even sacrifices that go into being a parent. The vibrant illustrations sing, and its a perfect tribute to smart, strong moms everywhere! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Mom and Me, Me and Mom, by Miguel Tanco: The illustrations in this whimsical book make me swoon. This is a poignant story highlighting those sweet, mundane moments that epitomize what it means to be a mom: fixing her child’s hair, sitting down for just one more tea party, and listening to shells together on the beach. It perfectly showcases that a mother’s love is unwavering, and whether it is a chaotic moment, a routine moment, or a moment of relaxation, a mother’s relationship with her child is supremely precious.

To the Moon and Back for You, by Emilia Bechrakis Serhant and illustrated by EG Keller: This book did me in. So many of us dream of having babies when we are just little kids, but then we grow up to discover that having a baby isn’t always all that easy — and sometimes feels downright impossible. This is a perfect book for any parent who struggled for a baby, the parent who braved long roads and rough seas and the tallest mountains. Finding your child may have been a journey, but it was a journey that brought you the greatest gift imaginable. I dare you to read this without crying!

Superhero Mom, by Timothy Knapman and illustrated by Joe Berger: Every mom is unique, no doubt. But in very rare circumstances, you may just discover one kind of mom that’s different from all others. What kind of mom is that? The Superhero Mom, of course! This lively children’s book about moms celebrates a mother’s unique abilities to leap out of bed, multitask, and save the day. This makes her pretty great — as does her super strength (she carries so many things!) and her speed (she can fly when we are rushing!) This is such a fun story to celebrate all of the ways in which every mother is a real life superhero!

When I Carried You in My Belly, by Thrity Umrigar and illustrated by ZIyue Chen: This poignant book is an ode to a new baby, as a young mom explains to her little girl how the child’s kindness, athleticism, sweetness and caring spirit was nurtured even before she was born. It all leads back to the days when the child was in her mom’s tummy, and her mom would sing, dance, share chocolate cake, and take care of the people and animals around her. Such a tender story, and so full of love!

Loving Hands, by Tony Johnson and illustrated by Amy June Bates: If you are a parent or a guardian, I dare you to read this without crying! In this beautiful ode to the love shared between a mother and her son, readers see how the tiniest of life’s moments are always grounded in love and reassurance. Though the boy continually reaches for his mother’s hand as he grows, time eventually passes and he becomes the one offering affection and support to his mother. A tender, gentle beauty.

You Are My Happy, by Hoda Kotb and illustrated by Suzie Mason: When Mama Bear and her little cub snuggle together at the end of the day, they reflect on all of the day’s experiences that brought them joy. From learning from mistakes to wiggling and giggling, from taking flight to cuddling tight, this tender book beautifully conveys that parents are so thankful for their children, and each day brings shared, wondrous moments for which we can forever be grateful.

Mommy’s Khimar, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Ebony Glenn: This is a quiet beauty about a young Muslim girl who plays dress-up in her mother’s colorful headscarf. It is a gorgeous and oh-so-important mirror book for Muslim children and a wonderful window book for others, especially as it so elegantly challenges Islamophobic chatter. Mommy’s Khimar exudes warmth, love and tenderness, and it is a beautiful, relatable story for so many kids. For more fabulous children’s books about clothing, click here!

Mama Do you Love Me, by Barbara M. Joosee and Barbara LaVallee: A parent’s love is forever, and this stunning diverse baby book celebrates that very concept as a young child seeks to test her independence. It is a beautiful story of an Inuit mother and daughter, conveying the universal message that a parent’s love is timeless and unbreakable. A tender story combined with exquisite illustrations make this a classic!!

Wherever You are My Love Will Find You, by Nancy Tilman: There is so much love inside these pages, and the message to the child being read to – that a parent’s love will always be with you, wherever you go, however you grow, whether you have a good day or a bad day – is beautiful. The gorgeous and whimsical illustrations make turning every page an honest to goodness treat. I adore many of Tillman’s stories, but this one truly sings. If you get through this one the first time you read it without crying, I’ll give you a medal!

Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales: This is an exquisitely crafted and collaged book about immigrants and the way in which words and stories changed the lives of a mother and her son upon arriving to the United States. It is a poignant testament to the power of a mother stopping at nothing to give her child a better life, highlighting the sanctitude found in libraries, the magic of books, and the enormous promise that lies within the pages of every piece of literature.

The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Ruth E. Harper: Leaving a parent is not easy for many kids. Separation anxiety, much?? Whether it’s going to school for the first time (or even the 100th time!) or simply being left with a babysitter, that separation can be tough with a capital T. This book has helped us through so many situations, and my boys always remember that wherever they go, I am always with them, even if not physically present. I can’t even recall how many times I have reminded them to make use of their kissing hands – it has become so ingrained in our routines. All the love for this one and its ability to speak so perfectly to children! See our full review HERE.

Mommy, Mama and Me, by Leslea Newman: We love this board book that highlights family diversity and alternative family structures, namely, a toddler with two moms. Though their family may look different on the outside, this trio goes about their day just like any other family — playing games and eating together and snuggling and going to sleep. Such a sweet one!

I Love You, Stinky Face, by Lisa McCourt and illustrated by Cyd Moore: “Mommy, mommy, will you still love me if….” YES! Yes, I’ll still love you if… Have you heard these questions before? Then this book is a must. It’s silly, it’s wacky, but it drives home a very important point: a parent’s love is constant and unwavering, no matter the situation, no matter the stink! This one is a blast – an oldie but goodie!

A Chair for My Mother, by Vera M. Williams: After their home is a destroyed by a fire, Rosa and her family save coins in a big jar. What are they saving up for? A big, comfortable chair so the family can relax after their respective long days. This story is poignant and so beautifully conveys one spirited family’s will to persevere after a tragedy as well as the gratitude they display to those around them, even when their own losses were devastating.

The Mommy Book, by Todd Parr: We love Parr’s simple stories which are so perfect for your littlest readers. In this one, he celebrates all different types of mommies, from singing moms to storytelling moms, work at home moms to work in big building moms, cooking at home moms or (our personal favorite!) ordering in pizza moms. HIs vibrant illustrations and childlike stick fingers attract little eyes, while the book’s refrain, that all moms love their kids, make this one young children won’t soon forget.

The Best Mother, by C.M. Surrisi and illustrated by Diane Goode: This book never fails to make us laugh! What child, in a fit of anger or frustration, hasn’t proclaimed that they wish they had a new mother and are going to find one? This comical story shows children exactly what may happen if you go on a the hunt for a new mom — and, surprisingly, a new parent may present a whole new slew of problems. Maybe, just maybe, your “old” mama is the best one of all. For all those children that wonder if the grass is greener in different situations, this sweet and fun book shows that nothing is sweeter than your own mother’s love!

Imani’s Moon, by Janay Brown-Wood and illustrated by Hazel Mitchell: I so love this tender story of perseverance, and the way a mother’s love and storytelling encourage one tiny girl to reach for the moon. This is the story of Imani, a young Maasi child and the smallest girl in her village. Thought she is constantly teased by everyone around her, she tells the other children that she will touch the moon, inspired by her mother’s nightime stories about Olapa, the moon goddess. Undeterred by the taunts of the other kids, small Imani is determined to reach her goal. And though she has her moments of doubt and her extreme setbacks, she never gives up until, indeed, she soars to the moon.

Love, Mama by Jeanette Bradley: Mama has to leave her little penguin, Kipling, for a bit. And though Kipling knows Mama will be back soon, he can’t help but miss her tons. Before long, Kipling is excited to find a special delivery from Mama — a paper heart to remind Kipling how much he is loved, and how far Mama’s love will always reach. This is a sweet, tender story, perfect for kids with a mom who is continually on the road!

You Be Mommy, by Karla Clark and illustrated by Zoe Persico: Oh, how this book made me laugh! How many of you have found yourselves saying to your kids “can you be the mommy now? I’m too tired?” It’s something we joke about frequently in our home… and this book plays on this theme in such a fun manner! This is the story of one mom who is too exhausted to do anything, so she tells her daughter to be the mommy and take over. Charming, adorable, and oh-so-relatable, this one is so much fun!

My Mama is a Mechanic, by Doug Cenko: I absolutely adore this sweet story about the way one little boy views his doting mother. When they play cars, she is a monster truck driver. When they cook together, she is a chemist. And when they play catch outside, mama is an honest to goodness quarterback! But that’s not it — she is even a hot lava rescuer! I love seeing how this sweet boy sees his mother as a larger than life, oh-so-special figure in his world. This one is just fabulous!

Wild Honey From the Moon, by Kenneth Kraegel: If you are looking for a wonderful read aloud to share with your kiddos to show them all the ways a mother will stop at nothing to protect her kids and keep them safe, you will adore this one! I fell in love with this short chapter book in an instant due to its whimsy, emotional resonance, classic feel and intricate illustrations. When mother shrew’s boy is sick, only wild honey from the moon can save him. But how will she make such an impossible journey? Mother doesn’t dwell on what ifs – instead, she sets out into the great unknown and a wondrous adventure unfolds.

We know, we know — it’s not always the moms that hold everything together, sometimes it’s the grandmas too! And we would be remiss if we didn’t include some of our favorite books about grandmothers because, after all, we wouldn’t have MOMS without GRANDMOMS! Enjoy these awesome selections!

My Grandma and Me, by Mina Javaherbin and illustrated by Lindsey Yankey: In this exquisite true story of a girl and her grandmother in Iran, it is readily apparent that no matter where you live or what religion you practice, the love between a grandparent and grandchild — and the adoration children feel for their grandparents — is universal. Here, a young girl and her grandma are never far apart. Whether it’s going to the mosque, visiting neighbors, or getting lost in grandma’s chadors, the girl’s memories of growing up with her grandma are filled with a depth, tenderness and emotional resonance that make this book a treasure for children and grandparents in every corner of the world. For our full review, click here!

A Gift from Abuela, by Celia Ruiz: This is a touching story about the love shared between abuela and her granddaughter. Abuela is saving up to buy something special for her special girl, but when her world turns upside down, it seems her surprise will be impossible. Luckily, the time Abuela and Nina spend together may just end up being the most special gift of all. Love this story about family bonds that even the passage of time can’t shake!

Nana in the City, by Lauren Castillo: A child is a bit nervous to go visit his Nana in the big city. But while he is there for his sleepover, Nana helps him see that the busy, bustling and loud city is not scary, but rather fun. All he needs is the perfect gear to help him remember to be brave — which comes in the form of one special cape given to him with love by Nana!

Grandma’s Purse, by Vanessa Brantley Newton: Grandma Mimi is coming! And though she always brings oodles of hugs and treats, nothing is better than… Grandma’s purse! There’s no guessing what is inside Grandma’s magical, mystical bag. Whether it’s fancy jewelry, souvenirs from around the world, or other magical treasures, chance are, that purse will contain something special, something that will transform an ordinary day into one that is extraordinary!

How to Babysit a Grandma, by Jean Reagan and illustrated by Lee Wildish: If you are going to babysit a grandma, chances are, you will get to babysit at her house — and sleep there, too! This book will have you in stitches as you get tips and all the ins and outs for babysitting your favorite grandparent, including what to do at the park, how to keep a grandma busy, and what to do at bedtime.

When Grandma Gives you a Lemon Tree, by Jamie L.B. Deenihan and illustrated by Lorraine Rocha: One little girl is a bit disappointed when her birthday arrives and grandma gives her… a lemon tree. What on earth will she do with a lemon tree? Yet, when she follows the narrator’s instructions, she may discover that grandma’s gift was exactly what she needed — and wanted — after all. We love this story about turning life’s lemons into lemonade!

Check out these amazing activities from some of our favorite websites!

Eric Carle Inspired Mother’s Day Collages from Make it Your Own: A book inspired mother’s day project? You know we are all about this. And these collages are absolutely to die for! Love this awesome craft!

DIY Mother’s Day Frames at Meaningful Mama. How fabulous are these frames? I love that these are easy enough for a kid to make, but high quality to ensure they last!

Adorable Printable Mother’s Day Cards by Sunny Day Family: We love these adorable, free, printable cards. Easy enough for your littlest readers to color in all by themselves so they can make personalized cards for Mom!

Huggy Mother’s Day Cards by Moms & Crafters: I can’t get enough of these cards! We are definitely doing these for grandmas and aunts. So clever, and so much fun!

Mother’s Day Pop-Up Cupcake Card by The Soccer Mom Blog: Yep. We’re obsessed. Totally love these cupcake pop-up cards. Such an easy and fun craft to do that you can use for any occasion!