18 Books That Celebrate Mothers and Caregivers

by Rosemary D'Urso

Image credit: Jamie Grill/Getty Images

The unbreakable bond between a parent or caregiver and child is one of the strongest forces in nature. This Mother’s Day, we are celebrating that powerful love with a group of books that showcase the extraordinary relationship between a mother or caregiver and child.

Whether delighting in quiet moments at home, exploring the outdoors, or engaging in imaginative play, the books listed below skillfully capture special moments. These ideal gifts for Mother’s Day are not only lovely keepsakes, but charming stories that can be shared all year long.

  • Bunny Roo, I Love You

    by Melissa Marr, illustrated by Teagan White

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    This eloquent love letter to a child brilliantly captures the wonder of parenthood. Exquisite illustrations playfully feature a group of animals lovingly caring for their little ones. With its vintage feel and timeless message of a mother’s love and connection to her baby, this story is destined to become a classic.
    (Ages 0 – 3)

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  • Love Makes a Family

    by Sophie Beer

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    Love comes in many forms. It can be shown by lending a helping hand, baking a cake, or reading a book together. No matter what your family looks like, the one thing we all have in common is the love we have for each other. This vibrant and inclusive book is a great gift for those you love most.
    (Ages 0 – 3)

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  • I Love My Mommy Because…

    by Laurel Porter Gaylord, illustrated by Ashley Wolff

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    Starting with the love between a human parent and child, this book soon moves on to feature loving animal families. The story will encourage kids to list off the many reasons why they love their mommies!
    (Ages 0 - 3)

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  • Plenty of Hugs

    by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Kate Alizadeh

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    This delightful book follows two mommies on an adventure-filled day with their toddler. Flowing rhymes and cheery illustrations share the tender moments they spend on a family bike ride, visiting a farm, and relishing in a quiet evening at home. The upbeat text makes this a fun story to read aloud and the inviting feel of the book is sure to result in plenty of hugs for the reader!
    (Ages 2 – 5)

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  • I Love You, Mommy

    by Edie Evans, illustrated by Melanie Demmer

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    Loving rhymes share the many reasons children like spending time with their mighty moms. Whether it is enjoying quality time indoors or having outdoor excursions, this Little Golden Book reminds readers that time spent with mom is always meaningful.
    (Ages 2 – 5)

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  • Llama Llama Mother’s Day Present

    by Anna Dewdney

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    Anna Dewdney’s bestselling Llama Llama series is now a television show on Netflix, and Little Llama’s latest adventures are captured in a brand-new book series. With Mother’s Day around the corner, Little Llama is busy planning a special celebration. This amusing tale follows Llama as he goes undercover to discover his mother’s interests and creates the perfect way to honor his mama.
    (Ages 3 – 5)

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  • I Love Mom With the Very Hungry Caterpillar

    illustrated by Eric Carle

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    Eric Carle’s signature collage-style artwork shines in this eye-catching tribute to mothers. Colorful illustrations of animals with their young ones, combined with simple text that sweetly describes the many notable attributes of mothers, makes this a special keepsake for families.
    (Ages 3 – 5)

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  • The Night Before Mother's Day

    by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer

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    Natasha Wing’s popular The Night Before series is always a great choice for celebrating special events. In this installment, two children team up with their dad to plan a day filled with surprises for their mom. From a homemade cake to a day at the spa in their kitchen, this creative family knows how to make a mom feel important!
    (Ages 3 – 5)

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  • I Love You, Mommy

    by Beatrix Potter

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    Peter Rabbit, one of the most cherished characters in children’s literature, is back in an enchanting Mother’s Day book. Gentle pastel hues paired with rhyming text transport readers to the quaint world of Beatrix Potter where they follow Peter as he sweetly pronounces his love for his mother.
    (Ages 3 – 7)

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  • The Wonderful Things You Will Be

    by Emily Winfield Martin

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    Beautiful and touching, Emily Winfield Martin’s picture book expresses all the things parents hope for their little ones. With her signature lush illustrations and rhythmic rhymes, The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a celebration of the dreams, acceptance, and love each parent has for their child. This is one that your family will enjoy reading again and again.
    (Ages 3 – 7)

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  • Are You My Mother?

    by P.D. Eastman

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    This classic story about a baby bird in search of his mother is sure to delight little readers and makes a perfect gift for moms. A lovely celebration of the special bond between a mother and child.
    (Ages 3 - 7)

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  • Mommy, Mama, and Me

    by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson

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    Lively rhymes capture the pure joy experienced between a toddler and his two mommies as they participate in everyday activities such as sharing meals, cuddling, taking walks, and tucking in at night. This appealing story will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy.
    (Ages 3 – 7)

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  • Me and My Mom!

    by Alison Ritchie, illustrated by Alison Edgson

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    Little Bear’s mom has many talents, but she particularly excels in making her little cub feel loved and comforted. The soft illustrations and soothing rhymes add to the cozy tone of this endearing story.
    (Ages 3 – 7)

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  • My Superhero Mom

    by Timothy Knapman, illustrated by Joe Berger

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    With her mother’s knack for appearing whenever there is trouble, herculean strength when carrying an exceptional number of items, and extraordinary ability to locate lost toys, a little girl thinks of her mother as a true superhero. The action-packed illustrations add to the fun of this entertaining read aloud celebrating the incredible abilities of mothers.
    (Ages 3 – 7)

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  • My New Mom & Me

    by Renata Galindo

    When a young puppy is adopted by a cat, both animals learn what it means to be a family. This gentle story delicately approaches themes of diversity and nontraditional families, leaving readers feeling reassured of the unconditional love between family members.
    (Ages 3 – 7)

  • Grandma’s Gardens

    by Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Carme Lemniscates

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    Grandma Dorothy loved gardens and she passed on her affinity for them to her children and grandchildren. In this charming ode to family traditions, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton honor their beloved relative by recalling fond memories of the matriarch’s garden. Reminiscences of playing, harvesting, and tending the garden demonstrate the special connection between family members over a shared hobby.
    (Ages 4 – 8)

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  • Home Base

    by Nikki Tate, illustrated by Katie Kath

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    When a mother and daughter are faced with challenges, neither lets their nerves stand in the way of their goals. The daughter works hard to earn a spot on her baseball team while her mom interviews for a new job. Though the text is sparse, readers will clearly see the strength, determination, and adoration this unstoppable mother-daughter duo demonstrates.
    (Ages 4 – 8)

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  • To the Moon and Back for You

    by Emilia Bechrakis Serhant, illustrated by EG Keller

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    Get your tissues ready because this touching story is going to pull at your heartstrings. The journey of motherhood is not always easy. While life may present several difficult challenges along the way, the poetic text of this story ensures readers that the hardships are worth bearing, for the love between a mother and their child knows no bounds.
    (Ages 4 – 8)

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2022.