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Books to Celebrate Moms on Their Day
By Holly E. Newton
Mother’s Day is here. What better way to celebrate Mom than to read books with her about the joy of mothers?
The Moms’ Book for the Mom Who’s Best at Everything, by Alison Muloney, is a retro look into what made mom so popular and knowledgeable back in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. This small-sized book is packed with recipes, humor, historical facts about famous moms, helpful hints on mothering and wonderful words of wisdom, such as: “The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one,” [Erma Bombeck] and “A mother’s job is to be there when her children need her, but to bring them up so that they don’t” [Author unknown].
Mom Says I Can, written and illustrated by Judy Cooley, is a beautiful story about the wonders and imaginations of childhood. A youngster is seeking the “World’s Greatest Treasure.” Through his adventures, he becomes a pirate, an astronaut and a pilot — but he eventually discovers the greatest treasure of all. The gorgeous paintings brilliantly fill each open page.
I Love My Mommy: A Keepsake Storybook Collection, is published by Scholastic, and has three sweet stories that show the great bond of love between mother and child. “The Most Thankful Thing” is the second and most cherished of the tales, making the purchase well worthwhile.
Mother’s Song: A Lullaby, adapted by Ellin Greene, and illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles, transposes an old English poem to a rich garden of picturesque tranquility. Fairies and sprites glittering and hovering near the sleeping mother and child seem to fill the imaginations of beauty, love and adornment. The poem reads with the enchantment of the surroundings: “There’s not a star that shines on high / Is brighter than my baby’s eye.”
Just What Mama Needs,by Sharlee Glenn, and illustrated by Amiko Hirao, is a clever story about a child’s imagination and how her mother plays along. Young Abby loves to play dress-up and is something different each day of the week. Mama goes along with her until on Sunday, Abby decides she just wants to be herself — and that’s just perfect for Mama.
If I Could: A Mother’s Promise, by Susan Milord, and illustrated by Christopher Denise, is a litany of beauty and love that’s reflected by mother to her child. The poetic text is rich in similes and metaphors as a mother raccoon embellishes how she would “paint the flowers / to brighten all / your waking hours.” The painted illustrations image the text beautifully.
Mommy Do You Love Me?, by Jeanne Willis, and illustrated by Jan Fearnley, is all about unconditional love. A little chick makes for trying situations after splashing in mud and making funny faces. But will his mommy still love him when he shouts and is very naughty? This story of love and forgiveness will only heighten the bond between child and mom.
Llama Llama Mad at Mama, by Anna Dewdney, is the quintessential story about an impatient, tired and bored youngster. When Llama Llama can’t stand being dragged around the store anymore, he displays a terrible tantrum. But mom reacts simply, quietly and with patience. Children and parents will identify with this applicable story.
Mommy’s Little Star, by Janet Bingham, and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw, is an eloquent story of discovering all the earth that surrounds us. It all begins with a leaf and ends with the circle of love that Mommy Fox feels for her youngster.
You Were Loved Before You Were Born, by Eve Bunting, shows the connection and importance of a loving family. The anticipation of the baby coming creates the imagery of family, friends and neighbors who look forward to this great event. This is a perfect story for older siblings as the new arrival is soon to be here.
I Love You Because You’re You, by Liza Barker, and illustrated by my favorite David McPhail, offers families the comfort of no matter who you are, you’ll always be loved. The affection and warmth felt reading this sweet story are sure to be felt by all!
My Dog, My Cat, My Mama, and Me, by Nigel Gray, and illustrated by Bob Graham, is a great book to end with. It’s geared for the toddlers because of its message of new babies. The lift-the-flaps make it a real winner!
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