6 Picture Books That Celebrate A World of Mothers

Floating on Mama’s Song/Flotando en la cancion de mamá, by Laura Lacámara and Yuyi Morales
Anita’s mama loves to sing, and Anita loves to listen. Unfortunately, not everyone finds as much joy in Mama’s singing as Anita does. When the neighbors complain, Mama is forced to stop singing. But when the music leaves, so does Mama’s joy. Anita is determined to find a way to bring both happiness and music, back into their home. The solution comes in the finding of an unexpected gift.

My Mama Had a Dancing Heart, by Libba Gray and Raul Colón
Inspiration can be found in the simplest of moments. In this lyrical picture book, a ballerina prepares to take the stage. As she does, she recalls the years of dancing with her mother at the start of each new season. From summer rains, to sandy beaches, to swirling leaves, and frosty snow, each dance brings a girl closer to the stage on which she now stands as a young woman.

Mama Played Baseball, by David A. Adler and Chris O’Leary
During WWII, many men were sent off to serve their country, leaving women to step into the role of working parent at home. Amy’s mom is no exception, but unlike other mothers who found work in factories, Amy’s mom has a different type of job: a baseball player in the first women’s professional league! Nobody cheers louder for the team than Amy, and while her mom is away at work, Amy takes on a little project of her own.

Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales
Once upon a time, a young mother left Mexico with her infant son. She spoke no English, and carried little with her except for her stories. Arriving in a foreign land with a head full of dreams, Yuyi Morales discovered the public library, and within it, books that, bit by bit, opened a world of opportunity to the now multi-award-winning author and illustrator. This beautifully written and illustrated text celebrates the determination of a mother, the power of dreams, and the stories and gifts we all have to share.

Coming on Home Soon, by Jacqueline Woodson and E.B. Lewis
Mothers come in all forms and relations. In this text, set during WWII, Ada Ruth’s mama has to go to Chicago to find work, and it’s her grandmother who steps in to take care of Ada Ruth. While nothing can make Ada Ruth stopping missing her mama, she and her grandma create special memories of their own while waiting on the day that Ada Ruth’s mother will write that she’s coming home soon.

You and Me Together: Moms, Dads, and Kids Around the World, by Barbara Kerley
While not strictly about moms, this book celebrates the bond between parents and children all over the world, with photographs from the National Geographic Archives. Each stunning photo highlights a different culture, location, and relationship, but one theme is universal: the simplest activities can bring the greatest joy, when shared with the ones you love.