Since last fall I have been looking forward to speaking with our local MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) group, sharing my love and passion for children’s literature and early literacy.  As a young mother this was a wonderful support for me, and I vividly recall how much I looked forward to that adult interaction and fellowship with other moms.  Today was our rescheduled date – in hopes that life would have returned to “normal” by now.  Little did we know back in mid-March how our lives would be impacted.

With this post, I hope to honor moms.  Without quick access to grocery stores and restaurants, I see you planning and cooking three meals a day.  I know you have been working overtime for weeks now, without a break. I see moms who have lost resources that offer respite and support (we miss you grandmas and grandpas).  I see moms who are doing their best homeschooling and working fulltime from home.  You are ALL rockstars! 

Give yourself permission to take Mother’s Day off.  There are some amazing dads out there, who will do amazing things and make amazing meals.  But that’s not everyone and some dads have to work on Sunday or are not in the picture … and if you are friends with any in that category this Sunday is a good day to send them a little love.  Know that your kids will be okay eating popcorn, cold cereal, and ice cream all day. In fact, Mother’s Day might just become their favorite day of the year if they DO {wink}!

I’ve included books that are filled with emotion and love … and that might make you grab a tissue, as well as some practical, everyday books that simply celebrate the bond between a mother and her child.

So here’s to YOU mom!  A little book JOY to let you know you are seen.  You are loved.  You are cherished.  We celebrate YOU! 

Hibernate with Me by Benjamin Scheuer and illustrated by Jemima Williams

Sometimes we may feel lost or scared or shy or cozy.  Whatever the case may be, the theme of this book is whatever you face, you will get through it together.  I find this book PERFECT for our current state of quarantine.  Honestly, there are no other people I would rather hibernate with than my family.  There is something comforting about going through such uncertainty together, with those you love.  So even though this book is about a mama bear and her cub, it’s my unofficial Quarantine 2020 Survival Guidebook pick.  Also, there’s a fun song that goes along with this book and you can listen to the song at hibernatewithme.com

The Wonder that is You by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Aurelie Blanz

Written in a lyrical, rhyming text this book celebrates the dream-come-true reality of having a child. 

“I felt as if the world stood still

The day my dream came true,

And all creation paused to see

The wonder that is you.”

This book is such a wonderful love poem from a mother to a child and would be a beautiful gift for any parent, but especially those who may be celebrating a long-awaited baby!  If you have an opportunity to read this book be certain to also check out the dedication by the author, which is written to her now adult son in remembrance of his birth.

Mama’s Belly by Kate Hosford and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

An adorable story of a little girl anticipating the arrival of her little sister, this book would make the perfect gift for any mother expecting her second (or third or fourth…) baby.  I really enjoyed the loving portrayal and interactions displayed in this book as they prepare for the baby together.

One More Hug by Megan Alexander and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata

Regardless if your kids are still little or if they are now teenagers or even adults, this wonderful story is one that helps us remember to hold onto the moments.  In the story, we observe a mother and her young son have one more hug, one more kiss, one more squeeze … and we watch the changes as he grows up.  Although our kids grow up and, let’s be honest, don’t physically demand as much, there’s always time for one more hug.  As a mom of three big boys now, this one hit close to home and is a book I am really able to relate to.  

if i was the sunshine written by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Loren Long

Written in a delightfully poetic text and beautifully illustrated, this book feels like a love song that highlights the relationship between a mother and daughter. 

“if i was the sunshine

And you were the day

i’d call you hello!

and you’d call me stay”

The use of metaphors to showcase comparisons with nature makes this not just a beautiful keepsake book, but a wonderful teaching tool as well.  My favorite is the ending, with one last lyrical line on a two-page spread, we see the silhouette through the bedroom window of the girl sitting on her mother’s lap reading a book.  

Mama’s Work Shoes by Caron Levis and Vanessa Brantley-Newton

My daughter’s very first word was “shoes” so when I read Mama’s Work Shoes I immediately thought of when she was little and loved to wear my shoes around the house.  In this adorable book, Perry knows all about Mama’s different shoes, but is not familiar with Mama’s nice work shoes.  Mama puts on her work shoes because she’s starting a new job. Just as my own mother cared for my kids, Perry goes to her Nan’s house as mom goes off to work.  At first, Perry does not like the new change, but with time she grows to love her time with Nan and also the time spent with Mama when she returns home with her work shoes on.

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry and illustrated by Brittany Jackson

Understand, this is not a typical mushy, gushy Mother’s Day recommendation, but I definitely wanted to include this book because it was written by a four year old and her mom, which I LOVE.  This book not only celebrates the relationship between a mother and daughter, as they head to a day of fun at a museum. Based on a real event from their own life story, the book also demonstrates how a little moment became extraordinary and celebrates looking up to other women as role models.

My Mom Always Looks After Me So Much! by Sean Taylor and David Barrow

Let’s be real, being a mom means not everything is fairy dust and butterfly kisses.  Sometimes, let me rephrase, most of the time being a mom involves practical love.  The kind of love that means making your kids eat vegetables or putting a jacket on when it’s chilly outside.  Little monkey must go to the doctor to get a shot (which he does not like), and although the main storyline involves going on a doctor’s visit, it also highlights the many practical ways his mom takes care of him. I love that the book showcases the care and love a mother shows – even in not-so-fun parts.    

Saturday by Oge Mora

Caldecott honor winning Oge Mora has written and illustrated another delightful book.  Saturdays are very special days because Ava and her mother spend them doing things they love together.  However, this Saturday things do not go as planned.  In fact, they run into one obstacle after another, but instead of allowing their day to be ruined, they make the best of disappointing circumstances because being together is what makes the day wonderful.  Disappointment is a reality of life, especially in our quarantine reality. Even last night I wanted to take my daughter out for a little change of pace (due to social distancing she hasn’t left the house in quite some time).  We planned to get Frappuccinos but didn’t realize they were closed due to shortened hours.  We drove to another location to order a dessert we both love, and they told us at the drive-through window they were out. Even though it was slightly disappointing, we both really enjoyed driving around because in both fiction and real-life being together can be the most beautiful part of a day!    

Owl Love You by Matthew Heroux and Wednesday Kirwan

You can read all about this book on my post featuring books on love here, but this is such a sweet book about a mama owl and her baby that I just had to include it on this list as well!

Happy Mother’s Day mama, today and everyday!