20 Books That Celebrate Mothers and Caregivers
by Rosemary D'Urso
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.
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Mamá's Panza
Available from:As every mother knows, having a baby changes your body. This sweet picture book celebrates bodies of every shape — particularly bellies. A young boy loves his mamá’s panza because it is soft and warm — the perfect spot to snuggle and find comfort.
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For You, I Will
Available from:This gorgeous and heartfelt picture book is a love letter from a mother to her daughter. The mother promises to cheer for her daughter at every stage while preparing her to dream big, be confident, and love herself.
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Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day
Available from:Jim Panzee is about to learn how much work goes into caring for little ones in the latest book in the Grumpy Monkey series! When Jim offers to babysit the baby animals in the jungle, he quickly becomes overwhelmed. But when his mom steps in to help him take care of the babies, it makes him appreciate all of her hard work and the unconditional love she has for him.
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Mama in the Moon
Available from:When a baby sloth tumbles out of its tree, his mother teaches him how to self-soothe while he waits (and waits and waits) for her to reach him. This sweet story is an excellent bedtime read for children who need help calming their anxieties. Kids will love the happy ending and the unique distractions the baby sloth’s mother invents.
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Bunny Roo, I Love You
Available from: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.
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My Mama Bear and Me
Available from:A loving and powerful ode to all the mama bears and mama bear figures in our lives. As a child goes throughout their day, they reflect on all the ways their mom takes care of them, provides for them, and makes their house a place filled with love. Sprinkled with bear-y funny metaphors throughout, this tender and sweet book will soon be a favorite bedtime read.
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To the Moon and Back for You
Available from:For anyone who has struggled with infertility on the road to motherhood, this book is a must-have. It’s a heartfelt and hope-filled love letter from a mother to her child. She describes the storms she weathered and the mountains she climbed along the path to her miracle baby.
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Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Available from:This adorable story illustrates how children miss their family members when they’re apart. A little girl’s Mommy goes on a work trip, leaving her home with Mama. They find activities to fill the time, but nothing soothes the emptiness better than Mommy returning home.
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Mama Hug
Available from:Is there anything better than a snuggle between a mother and her child? Bestselling author Emma Straub’s latest picture book captures these precious moments beautifully on each page. With adorable illustrations and rhyming text, this book is sure to become a favorite in your house!
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Mommy Time
Available from:Beautiful illustrations and bouncy, rhyming text celebrate stay-at-home mothers everywhere. The story follows a mother and her two young children throughout the day as they prepare for school, attend storytime, and clean the house before bed. It shines a much-needed spotlight on the hard work stay-at-home parents do every day.
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My Mum Is the Best by Bluey and Bingo
Available from:Bluey and Bingo celebrate their mum in this adorable book based on the popular animated television show on Disney+. With patience and love, Bluey and Bingo’s mum cares for them and keeps them safe and happy. And sometimes, she needs a little time to herself.
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Wash Day with Mama
Available from:This joyful book follows a mother and daughter in the loving process of a hair wash day, a day just for the two of them. Together they go through each step of washing their hair, but it is also a time for Mama to impart her wisdom to her daughter, stressing the importance of self-care, loving yourself, and being proud of who you are. Poignant and empowering, this book highlights the shared moments that are so often taken for granted.
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Mommies Make Rainbows
Available from:Moms do everything from fixing broken toys to baking treats. This sweet book celebrates all the wonderful things moms do for their families every day. Whether it’s splashing in puddles or putting a bandage on a scrape, moms do it all.
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My Superhero Mom
Available from: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.
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Love Makes a Family
Available from: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.
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Llama Llama Mother’s Day Present
Available from: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.
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I Love My Mommy Because…
Available from: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!
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I Love Mom With the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Available from: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.
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Are You My Mother?
Available from: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.
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Me and My Mom!
Available from: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.
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You might also like:
- Gifts for Grandma This Mother’s Day
- Picture Books That Make the Sweetest Gifts for New Moms
- Sweet Children’s Book Quotes About Motherhood
- Read It, Make It: Mother’s Day Books and a Craft
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2025.