Mothers, and the families they nurture, fill this fun and touching selection of recommended books for kids ages 0-9. From the classic Are You My Mother? to the fun My Monster Mama Loves Me So, here are stories about the special connection between a mother and her child.
Are You My Mother?
By: P.D. Eastman
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
When separated from his mother, a baby bird asks every animal and each thing he comes across, “Are you my mother?” until the joyful reunion. Colorful, cartoon-like illustrations depict the baby bird’s search in this modern classic. Spanish version also available.
A Chair for My Mother
By: Vera Williams
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
After a fire destroys their home and possessions, Rosa, her mother, and her grandmother save their money to buy a big comfortable chair. Suffused with warmth and tenderness, A Chair for My Mother celebrates family love and determination. A Caldecott Honor book. Spanish version also available.
The Kissing Hand
By Audrey Penn and Ruth E. Harper
Illustrated by: Nancy M. Leak
Age Level: 3-8
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
The thought of going to school all alone terrifies Chester. Luckily, his mother teaches him a special way to keep her love with him all the time. This book will reassure children as they learn to overcome their fears.
Mama, Do You Love Me?
By: Barbara M. Joosse, Barbara Lavallee
Illustrated by: Barbara Lavallee
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Mama, Do You Love Me? tells the story of a young Inuit girl trying to find out how much her mother loves her. Beautiful illustrations of Alaska and the characters convey the cultural richness of this timeless story.
A Mother for Choco
By: Keiko Kaszo
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Choco is a little yellow bird who lives all alone. When Choco decides that he wants a mother, he has trouble finding one who looks just like him. Finally, just as he has given up hope, he meets Mrs. Bear. Not only does Mrs. Bear hug him and kiss him, she takes him home to her family. Also available in Spanish.
The Mother’s Day Mice
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Jan Brett
Age Level: 4-7
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Three young mice set out early on Mother’s Day morning to find presents for their mother in this heart-warming story.
My Monster Mama Loves Me So
By: Laura Leuck
Illustrated by: Mark Buehner
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Little monster recounts the many ways his mama loves him in this tender and funny story that will generate plenty of giggles and monster hugs.
Owl Babies
By: Martin Waddell, Patrick Benson
Illustrated by: Patrick Benson
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader
When they find their mother gone from the nest, three owlets worry that their mother won’t return, but of course she does. Stunning illustrations combine with repeating text for a reassuring story.
Tell Me a Story, Mama
By: Angela Johnson, David Soman
Illustrated by: David Soman
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
As a child gets ready for bed, she implores, “Tell me a story, Mama,” then proceeds to tell it herself. Mama adds only to punctuate the girl’s story with maternal wisdom.
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