23 Best Mother's Day Books for Kids to Celebrate Mom

Best Mother's Day Books for Kids picture books arranged in columns with colorful font and flowers to celebrate mom.

Mother’s Day Books for Kids. This book list is full of the best picture books to celebrate mothers. Reading a heartwarming story together is a lovely way to take a moment and appreciate the beauty that moms bring to our lives. On this list, I have included living books and board books that feature a mama’s unwavering love for her children. Make sure to save to Pinterest to help prepare for Mother’s Day!

Celebrate Mom with a beautiful story from this compilation of picture books with beautiful illustrations and heartwarming stories.

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23 Best Mother’s Day Books for Kids: A Celebration Booklist for Mom

1. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

Two white bunnies, a mom and a baby bunny, stand in the tall grass on a clear sunny day on the book cover of "The Runaway Bunny." — The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The steadfast love and devotion of a mother are on display in this beautiful little board book. A baby bunny imaginatively runs away from his mother. This book is a great way to reassure your little one that you will always be there for them no matter what.

Content Warning: The baby bunny speaks of running away.

2. A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

A little girl wearing a red shirt and a lime green bag enters a restaurant where her mother works very hard on the book cover of "A Chair for my Mother," a book on the booklist of Children's books about perseverance. — A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

A young girl shares the story about her home burning and the only furniture the family has to sit on is hard, straight kitchen chairs. Her mama works hard and puts all her tips into a glass jar. Her grandma contributes as well from her market savings. When the glass is full, they go together to search for the perfect chair. This is a sweet, simple story with such feelings.

3. Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman

A white dog wearing a red collar sadly looks up at the small white bird standing on his head on the book blue cover of "Are You My Mother?" — Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman

A baby bird goes on a hunt for his mother. This one is a beloved book in our house. With its torn binding and roughed-up edges, it remains a frequent read even as my kids grow. Of course, this classic book must be included on the book list of Best Mother’s Day Books for Kids.

4. The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman

A large family enjoys their meal around a wooden table on the book cover of "The Seven Silly Eaters." — The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman

This little picture book is about seven children with picky and silly eating habits and a sweet mom who embraces her silly eaters. Maybe I love this one so much because I understand the struggle with picky eaters. But this silly story always brings up the conversation about taking thankful bites and being grateful for the food on the table. Although, the children are celebrating mom’s birthday, and seems like the perfect fit for a Mother’s Day Booklist.

5. I Love You With All My Heart by Jane Chapman

A mama bear rubs noses with her bear cub on the front of the Jane Chapman's illustrated children's book "I love You with all my heart," a book on the best Mother's Day Books for Kids. — I Love You With All My Heart by Jane Chapman

Little Bear has quite a few accidents throughout the day but is constantly reminded of her mother’s love. I love the real-life presentation of mistakes and reactions. Despite encountering challenges, Mama Bear’s love for Little Bear remains unwavering. Both Mama Bear and Little have mishaps but the focus is on the positives and their loving relationship. This may be my new favorite find for Mother’s Day Books for Kids.

“Put your paw on your heart,” she smiles, “and you’ll feel my love going on and on forever!”

6. Saturday by Oge Mora

This is a precious book to help kids deal with disappointing situations. In this story, a mother and daughter have a weekend journey with ups and downs, but the best part is the time spent together.

7. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

A little boy eats ripe blueberries as he picks them with his mother on the book cover of "Blueberries for Sal," an old childrens book. — Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

In this classic children’s book, Sal goes to pick blueberries with her mother. When Sal wanders off, a little mix-up happens between a mama bear and a baby bear.

8. Katy No-Pocket by Emmy Payne

A mother kangaroo and her joey smiles at a construction worker wearing a blue apron with many pockets on the bright yellow book cover of "Katy No-Pocket," a book on the booklist of children's books about perseverance. — Katy No-Pocket by Emmy Payne

A determined mama kangaroo sets out to solve a big problem. She is a mama kangaroo with no pocket to carry her baby, Freddy. She seeks advice from the other animal moms. Their responses leave her discouraged, but she is determined and keeps persevering for the sake of her little one.

9. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

A mama raccoon kisses the palm of her baby raccoon before he goes off to school while standing in the meadow in front of a full moon on the classic children's book "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, a book on the Best August picture books for kids booklist. — The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

This is a sweet picture book about a young raccoon named Chester, who is nervous about his first night of school. His mother kisses the palm of his hand and tells him the kiss will remind him of his mother’s love while at school.

10. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

Baby llama dressed in red pajama holds his stuffed llama tightly while tucked in bed with a concerned look on his face on the book cover "Llama Lama Red Pajama," a book on the Best May picture books for kids booklist. — Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

“Mama Llama’s always near even if she’s not right here.” This is a sweet story with simple text in a fun rhyme about Baby Llama’s struggle at bedtime. This one is perfect for little ones who struggle at bedtime.

11. Brave Irene by William Steig

A little girl named Irene struggles to hold a yellow package as she faces a wintery snow storm through the woods on the book cover of "Brave Irene" by William Steig, a book on the booklist of Children's books about perseverance. — Brave Irene by William Steig

A dressmaker’s daughter named Brave Irene sets out to deliver a ball gown to the duchess after Irene’s mother becomes ill. She faces harsh wintery weather on her long walk. Irene demonstrates determination, bravery, and persistence in the face of discouragement.

12. Mama Seeton’s Whistle by Jerry Spinelli

Mama Seeton whistles out with her children hugging her dearly on the beloved children's book "Mama Seeton's Whistle" by Jerry Spinelli, a book on the best May picture books for kids. — Mama Seeton’s Whistle by Jerry Spinelli

This is a sweet and heartwarming story of a simple family and a mama with a two-note whistle to call her children for dinner. Her children come running home for hugs, kisses, and chocolate cake. The illustrations remind me of the Norman Rockwell calendar that used to hang near my granny’s fridge.

13. Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler

A family is walking and working in the woods around their quaint little home in the woods. — Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler

This is a heartwarming story about a family that is displaced by unforeseen circumstances and a great loss. A mom and her children find a tar paper shack in the woods and make it their new home. Even in difficult circumstances, the family finds ways to have fun and find beauty in their new home. The family’s homestead evolves as the story unfolds. This story evokes such empathy and admiration for the resilient mother.

CONTENT WARNING: Death and hardship.

14. Koala Lou by Mem Fox

Koala Lou rides her mom's shoulders on the book cover of "Koala Lou" by Mem Fox, a book on the Valentine books for preschool booklist. — Koala Lou by Mem Fox

A young koala named Koala Lou used to receive all of her mother’s love, but now she has to share her mom with her siblings. She feels forgotten, so she enters the Bush Olympics to compete for her mother’s attention and to hear her say, “I do love you, Koala Lou.” This is a great book to share with children of all ages.

15. Bunny Roo, I Love You by Melissa Marr

A mother bunny wearing a red apron hugs her little bunny closely on the front of the board book " Bunny Roo, I Love You," a book on the Best Mother's Day Books for Kids booklist. — Bunny Roo, I Love You by Melissa Marr

This endearing picture book narrates the special bond between a mother and her child in a playful and affectionate manner. It showcases various animal mamas nurturing their babies, while the mother character in the story tenderly assures her baby of everlasting love and protection.

16. Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke

An African mama smiles and holds her baby near hear on the brightly illustrated children's book "Baby goes to Market." — Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke

This vibrant story is the perfect counting book for little readers. Baby takes a bite and stores all his yummy gifts in Mom’s basket. I had to include this book on this list because it’s one of my girls’ favorite books.

17. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Three snowy baby owls perch on a limb in the middle of the night on the classic children's book "Owl Babies" by Martin Waddell, a book on the Best October Picture books for kids booklist. — Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

This is a heartwarming book about three baby owls who awake one night to find their mother is gone. The anxious little owls cannot help but worry. But their mother does return. It’s a simple and beautiful story.

18. All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri

A gray mother bunny kisses her little babies on the front of the children's picture book "All kinds of kisses," a book on the best Mother's Day books for kids booklist. — All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri

This book includes simple text and adorable animals. Mamas cuddle and cherish their babies. Also, follow the bird in the background through the illustrations as she returns worms and bugs to her little ones in the nest.

19. The Mother’s Day Mice by Eve Bunting

Three mice hold each other's tails as they travel through the woods in the springtime in search of a Mother's Day gift on the children's book cover "The mother's Day mice," a book on the best Mother's Day books for kids booklist. — The Mother’s Day Mice by Eve Bunting

Three young mice wake up early on Mother’s Day to embark on an adventure to collect gifts for their mother. This heartwarming tale is a great story to read on Mother’s Day.

20. My Mother is Mine by Marion Dane Bauer

A mama bear holds her bear cub near in a meadow on the children's book cover "My Mother is Mine," a book on the Best Mother's Day books fro kids booklist. — My Mother is Mine by Marion Dane Bauer

This lovely book is perfect for Mother’s Day, with simple text. Each page features a different animal mother and her nurturing ways towards her little ones.

21. I Love You, Little One by Nancy Tafuri

A mama rabbit snuggles her baby rabbit in the tall grass on the book cover of "I Love you, little one" by Nancy Tafuri, a book on the Best Mother's Day Books for Kids booklist. — I Love You, Little One by Nancy Tafuri

In this sweet story, animal babies ask their mothers, “Do you love me, mama? Each mother poetically compares her love for her little one.

22. I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi

A herd of cattle gather around a rocket ship with a full moon resting over the pasture on the children's book cover "I'll love You Til the Cows Come Home," a book on the Valentine books for preschool booklist. — I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi

The fun story takes you on a journey from astronaut cows and big-wheeled bike-reading frogs to Cadillac-driving yaks and sailor sheep in a humorous tribute to the old saying, “I’ll love you til the cows come home.” This is a sweet book to add to your favorite Mother’s Day books!

23. Mama’s Kisses by Kate McMullan (OOP)

Mama animals cuddle their babies on the book cover of "Mama's Kisses," a book on the Best Mother's Day Books for Kids booklist.

It’s nighttime in the jungle, yet the baby panda, elephant, orangutan, and leopard are missing. Their mothers embark on a search for their silly little ones, gently beckoning them to sleep with a soothing lullaby. The baby animals are crawling, creeping, hiding, and giggling. My girls love hunting for all the different animals.

This beautiful book is out of print but you can still find it at secondhand bookstores and online book thrift stores.

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More Booklists Coming Soon!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite book on the Best Mother’s Day Books for Kids Booklist. Did I miss your favorite? Making these booklists with my daughters is always a blast. If you enjoyed this booklist, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list for monthly picture booklists delivered right to your inbox.

HAPPY Mother’s Day!