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Celebrate Moms and Mother Figures Through Heartwarming Stories – Mother’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the love, strength, and care that mothers and mother figures give every day. One of the sweetest ways to honor them is by reading together!
In this post, I’m sharing my top Mother’s Day books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included fun activities and thoughtful questions to help children connect more deeply with the stories. Let me know which book becomes a favorite in your home or classroom!
Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Mother’s Day?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Mother’s Day
- How To Use Books About Mother’s Day With Children
- 11 Mother’s Day Books For Children
- What Mother’s Day Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day books highlight the special bond between children and their moms, grandmothers, or other loving caregivers.
Whether they’re silly, sweet, or full of adventure, these stories help children express gratitude, love, and appreciation for the people who take care of them. They also help little ones understand that families come in many beautiful forms—and love is what ties them together.
Books about mothers often explore kindness, comfort, and unconditional love, helping children put their big feelings into words.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Mother’s Day
Books about mothers do more than make us smile—they teach valuable life lessons. Through storytelling, children learn about empathy, nurturing, and the importance of caregiving.
Some books show moms doing everyday things like making breakfast or tucking little ones into bed, while others take a more imaginative approach. Either way, they remind us that love can be quiet or bold, but it’s always powerful.
Many of these books also honor grandmothers, foster moms, stepmoms, and other amazing women who care for children, making space for all kinds of families to feel seen and celebrated.
How to Use Books about Mother’s Day with Children
Here are some tips for making Mother’s Day books even more meaningful:
- 💐 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask kids: What do you love most about your mom or caregiver? or Can you remember a time she helped you feel better? In a group setting, use Turn and Talk so everyone gets a chance to share.
- 🎨 Engage in Mother’s Day-Themed Activities: Have children draw a picture of their mom, write a poem or short letter, or create a handmade card. You could also make a coupon book with sweet gestures like “One Big Hug” or “Help Set the Table.”
- 📖 Refer Back to the Books: As you go about the week, revisit the stories you’ve read. If a character gave their mom a handmade gift, you could do the same! If the book talked about acts of kindness, look for ways to show love in real life.
- 👵 Involve Other Caregivers: Share these books with grandmas, aunts, or family friends who fill a caregiving role. These stories can spark heartfelt conversations and help kids recognize the many forms of love and support in their lives.
11 Mother’s Day Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
This classic tale follows a newly hatched baby bird who embarks on a journey to find his mother. Not knowing what she looks like, he asks various animals and objects—including a kitten, a hen, a dog, a cow, and even a “Snort” (a steam shovel)—if they are his mother. Eventually, he is reunited with his actual mother in the nest.
The story explores themes of identity, determination, and the innate bond between mother and child. It highlights the universal quest for belonging and the comfort of finding one’s place in the world.
Activity Suggestion:
Nest Building Craft – Children can create their own nests using twigs, yarn, shredded paper, and creativity!
Discussion Questions:
- Why did the baby bird leave the nest?
- How did the baby bird feel when he couldn’t find his mother?
- How do you think he knew she was really his mom?
#2 I Love My Mommy Because… by Laurel Porter Gaylord
This endearing board book begins with a human mother and child, then showcases various animal mothers caring for their young. Each page highlights a reason to love one’s mother, such as listening, playing, or providing comfort.
The book emphasizes the nurturing and universal bond between mothers and their children across species. It celebrates the various ways mothers show love and care.
Activity Suggestion:
🎨 Thank You Card Creation – Kids can make special cards for their moms, showing appreciation with drawings or simple messages.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some things the animal mothers do for their babies in the book?
- How does your mother show she loves you?
- Why is it important to appreciate our mothers?
#3 I Love Mom with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Featuring the beloved character from Eric Carle’s classic, this book uses Carle’s distinctive collage-style illustrations to celebrate the special relationship between a mother and child.
The book highlights themes of love, appreciation, and the unique bond shared between mothers and their children.
Activity Suggestion:
🐛 Caterpillar Craft – Make a caterpillar out of pom-poms or paper, writing something special about mom on each segment.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some ways the book shows love for moms?
- How do you show your mom that you love her?
- Why do you think the author chose the Very Hungry Caterpillar to tell this story?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 My Mum Is the Best by Bluey and Bingo
Based on the popular children’s show Bluey, this book features Bluey and her sister Bingo celebrating their mum and sharing the many reasons why she’s the best.
The story emphasizes familial love, appreciation, and the joy found in everyday moments shared with a mother.
Activity Suggestion:
👨👩👧 Family Portrait Drawing – Children can draw their family, focusing on a fun activity they enjoy with their mom.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some things Bluey and Bingo love about their mum?
- How does your mom make everyday activities fun?
- Why is it important to appreciate the little things our parents do for us?
#5 My Mommy is Magic by Dawn Richards
This charming book celebrates the everyday “magic” that moms perform—from fixing boo-boos to finding lost toys—through whimsical text and sweet illustrations.
Themes of admiration, wonder, and unconditional love shine through. It’s a delightful tribute to all the little things moms do that feel extraordinary to their children.
Activity Suggestion:
✨ Magic Wand Craft – Create “mom wands” with traits that make moms magical, like hugs, laughter, or storytelling.
Discussion Questions:
- What kind of “magic” does your mom do?
- Why do you think moms seem magical to children?
- Can you think of a time your mom helped you in a special way?
#6 Why a Daughter Needs a Mom by Gregory E. Lang
This touching picture book shares heartfelt reasons why every daughter needs her mother—from support and guidance to shared moments and lifelong love.
Themes of connection, mentorship, and the unique bond between mothers and daughters are front and center.
Activity Suggestion:
📝 Mother-Daughter Time Capsule – Decorate a small box together and fill it with notes, pictures, or small objects to open in the future.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes the bond between a daughter and mom special?
- What’s one thing you’ve learned from your mom?
- What’s your favorite thing to do together?
#7 Why a Son Needs a Mom by Gregory E. Lang
This heartfelt book highlights the emotional, supportive, and loving relationship between a mother and her son.
Themes include emotional connection, protection, and the strength of nurturing.
Activity Suggestion:
🦸 Mother-Son Superhero Drawing – Sons can draw themselves and their mom as a superhero team and explain their powers.
Discussion Questions:
- How does your mom make you feel special?
- What’s your favorite thing your mom does for you?
- What would you like to say thank you to your mom for?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 What NOT to Give Your Mom on Mother’s Day by Martha Seif Simpson
This hilarious book follows a little boy who tries to figure out the perfect gift for Mother’s Day—by listing all the worst possible ideas first!
Themes of humor, thoughtfulness, and love are central. It reinforces that the best gifts come from the heart.
Activity Suggestion:
😄 Silly Gift Drawing – Kids draw the silliest “bad” gift they can imagine giving their mom (like worms or an old boot!).
Discussion Questions:
- What was the funniest “bad gift” in the book?
- What do you think makes a perfect Mother’s Day gift?
- Why do moms love handmade gifts?
#9 The Night Before Mother’s Day by Natasha Wing
A sweet twist on the classic poem, this story follows a family preparing a surprise celebration for Mom.
Themes include gratitude, teamwork, and love. It models how families can work together to show appreciation.
Activity Suggestion:
📋 Secret Helper Checklist – Kids can create a checklist of surprise ideas to help make Mother’s Day extra special.
Discussion Questions:
- What did the family do to surprise their mom?
- What would your perfect Mother’s Day surprise look like?
- Why is it fun to do something kind in secret?
#10 I Love You, Mommy by Jillian Harker
In this gentle story, a curious bear cub learns about the world with the support and love of his mother.
Themes of encouragement, curiosity, and unconditional love make this a cozy and comforting read.
Activity Suggestion:
🐻 Bear Hug Craft – Make a paper bear with arms that open into a hug. Inside, write a message to mom.
Discussion Questions:
- What did the little bear learn from his mommy?
- How did his mommy help him feel brave?
- What’s something your mom helps you with?
#11 How to Raise a Mom by Jean Reagan
This clever, role-reversal book puts kids in charge of “raising” their moms—teaching readers how to help their moms and make them smile!
Themes of appreciation, humor, and empathy are emphasized through playful storytelling.
Activity Suggestion:
📚 Kid’s Guide to Raising Mom – Kids can make a funny “how-to” book with tips on helping and cheering up their moms.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some things the kids helped their mom do?
- Why do you think the author used role-reversal?
- What’s one way you could help “raise” your mom?
What Mother’s Day Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Mother’s Day books for kids are full of warmth, humor, and heart. They’re a great way to start conversations about gratitude and love—and to remind kids of all the ways they are cared for.
Which story will you read with your children this Mother’s Day? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and let me know what books you’re loving!
Wishing you and the incredible caregivers in your life a joyful and love-filled Mother’s Day.
With gratitude,
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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