From heartfelt to hilarious—these picture books capture the love, chaos, and magic of motherhood.
Mother’s Day is almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you know the real gifts aren’t the fancy ones—they’re the quiet cuddles, the “read it again” requests, and those little moments that somehow mean everything.
As a mom to a busy toddler, I’m always looking for picture books that feel true—not just sweet, but honest. The kind that show the love, the mess, the laughter, and yes… the exhaustion too.
This year’s selection of Mother’s Day picture books is full of stories that celebrate every kind of mom and every kind of family. Some will make you laugh, some might make you tear up a little—but all of them are perfect for sharing together.
You can find all these titles (including some rare indie finds!) in my shops here:
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It’s a Mom! by Abby Cooper
Let’s be honest, new moms are a lot of work. They’re often sleepy, they forget to eat, and they need constant supervision! In this brilliantly funny picture book, the script…
Come What May
By Debi Gliori | 2026 | Ages 3–7
A tender, reassuring story about a parent’s unwavering love for their child through every mood, every season, every big feeling.
Can You Grow a Striped Banana?
By Jill Santopolo, ill. Momoko Abe | April 2026 | Ages 2–5
A mom admits she can’t do the impossible — grow striped bananas, stretch like a giraffe — but finds the most loving way to show her daughter just how much she matters.
The Love That Made You
By Grace Semler Baldridge | 2026 | Ages 3–7
A lyrical, heartfelt love letter from parent to child — celebrating the extraordinary bond that begins the moment a family grows. Sweet, simple, and completely cry-worthy (in the best way).
Mummies Love Hugs
By Lara Bryan, ill. Asa Gilland | 2026 | Ages 0–3
Part of Usborne’s interactive Huggy Books range — little fingers turn a specially shaped page and literally give Mummy a big hug. Published just in time for UK Mothering Sunday. Genuinely the most adorable board book concept of the year.
Mummy’s Special Day
By Frances Stickley, ill. Carolina Rabei | 2026 | Ages 3–6
Two kids plan the most perfect day for Mummy — with chocolates, homemade cake, and flowers — but everything goes a little sideways. Relatable, funny, and sweet: because what mums really want is just time with their little ones anyway.
I Got It From My Mama
By Tika Sumpter, 2025 | Ages 3-7
A joyful celebration of all the things kids inherit from their moms – from curly hair to fierce confidence. A feel-good read for moms and their little lookalikes.
Mama Hug
By Emma Straub, ill. Stevie Lewis | 2025 | Ages 0–3
A rhyming, warm-hued celebration of a mama and baby’s day together from morning cuddles to bedtime snuggles.
Mama’s Shoes
By Caron Levis, 2025 | Ages 3-7
A little girl explores her mama’s shoes — high heels, rain boots, and fuzzy slippers — in a playful story about identity, imagination, and the special connection between moms and daughters.
Do Mommies Ever Sleep?
By Kim Howard, 2024 | Ages 3-6
A funny and tender bedtime story where a child wonders just how moms manage to do it all. Spoiler: they really do need sleep. Eventually.
Grumpy Monkey: Mom for a Day
By Suzanne Lang, 2025 | Ages 3-7
Jim Panzee decides to help his mom by being “Mom for a Day”… but things get hilariously out of hand. A funny and sweet look at how hard (and magical!) being a mom really is.
My Mom Is a Mermaid!
By Bill Canterbury, 2025 | Ages 4-8
Life is weird when your mom’s a mermaid. This quirky tale celebrates imagination, family and the magic hiding in plain sight.
Whether you’re picking out a special Mother’s Day gift or just adding a few new favorites to your bedtime routine, these books are all about celebrating the moments that matter most.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the perfect day—it’s about being together, one story at a time. 💛
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