Children's Books That Celebrate Mothers

May 12, 2026

Mama's Song by Julie Buchholz

Big Brown Mama welcomes her new baby into the world by singing about the Anishnaabe teachings of mino-bimaadiziwin (living in balance with nature) and the Seven Grandfathers. Each page spread features gorgeous watercolor illustrations by Faryn Hughes of revered animal ancestors: amik, the beaver; migizi, the eagle; bizhiki, the buffalo; makwa, the bear; saabe, the Bigfoot; ma'iingan the wolf; and mikinaak, the turtle. Each of these Seven Grandfather ancestors holds its own teaching on living in harmony with life and nature. Big Brown Mama cradles her child and remembers her own mother, feeling her energy hold them both. I loved reading the backmatter, which features an appendix of the Seven Grandfathers and an Anishinaabemowin pronunciation guide! 

Mama In the Moon by Doreen Cronin

A young baby sloth cuddles in his Mama's arms every night as they fall asleep. One night, Baby tumbles down into the grass and Mama has to come get him. Sloths move slowly, however, so it takes her a while to climb down and pick him up. Baby Sloth calls out to her, asking when she will get to him. Mama reassures her Baby, drawing his attention to the sensory experiences around him as a way to provide comfort and bridge the distance between them. Bright, adorable illustrations by Brian Cronin adorn the dark nighttime skies, the moon lighting up the space around Mama sloth. This is a fun read for little ones and infants that includes lots of repetition and a call-and-response between the Mama and her baby!

Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye Duncan

This book celebrates the different kinds of moms that exist, including adoptive and foster parents! Little Carol Olivia Clementine lives with her Mama Rose, who may not be her biological parent, but does everything a mother would do with lots of tenderness and care. Although Carol Olivia wishes she could be with her real mother and father, she loves Mama Rose as a child would their own mama. There is a poignant repeating line throughout, "She is just like a mama to me". This story opens up hearts to the realness of the connection that adopting families and children share. The backmatter talks about "fictive kin" and chosen families, which I found really interesting! 

Missing Momma by Winsome Bingham

This picture book tells the story of a child and her Momma, who returns home from time spent deployed in the military. Momma used to be fun, free-spirited, and energetic. When she comes home, however, she struggles to integrate back into the home and finds herself in bouts of depression. Her daughter searches for the old Momma, but can't figure out how to make her feel better. One day while tending to the garden, the little girl has an idea. She brings in a pot of soil and opens the shades, pulling her Momma into the sunlight. Reconnecting with her love of gardening, she welcomes her daughter home from school, spinning her in the air. It was powerful to hear such a real story and remember just how emotionally intelligent children are. Sometimes children know just what their grown-ups need!❤️‍🩹

Caroline Cronin

Caroline

Caroline is a Bilingual Literacy Assistant for Bringing Books to Life! She is passionate about accessibility and language justice and loves to share stories and art with friends of all ages. In her free time she enjoys singing, cooking, teaching and practicing yoga, and roller skating.

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