12 Charming Mother’s Day Books for Preschoolers

Inside: This list of mother’s day books for preschoolers includes choices for explaining the holiday to little ones, inclusive stories about other mother figures in children’s lives, and storybooks for mother and child to read together.

Every second Sunday of May, we celebrate Mother’s Day! This is an exciting time for preschoolers to reflect on their relationship with the mother figures in their lives. You may be looking for a book to teach preschoolers about Mother’s Day. Or, you want a story to settle into with your own little one.

Either way, here are 12 charming books about Mother’s Day for preschoolers!

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Books That Explain Mother’s Day Celebrations

The following books help students understand what Mother’s Day is. Some of these will even help spark students’ creativity to inspire their own gift-giving. (Or at least get them excited for mother’s day projects like this picture frame craft! or these super cute traced Handprint Lilies Craft)

The Night Before Mother’s Day by Natasha Wing

In this story, children will learn about the common Mother’s Day traditions we follow to show our moms we love them. It’s set from the perspective of the father and the children who are planning a variety of treats to surprise mom!

What Not to Give Your Mom on Mother’s Day by Martha Seif Simpson

Children will love this sweet story about what moms would definitely not like for Mother’s Day…a rotting log, anyone? Well, maybe if you’re a salamander! This little boy shares a variety of ill-suited gifts, which will help young readers think about what their mother may like. They share a variety of ideas at the end, which is a great way to launch a craft or card-making activity!

My Mother is Mine by Marion Dane Bauer

Although this book is not about Mother’s Day specifically, it is a perfect book to inspire some card writing! Across the animal kingdom, we see how animals love their mothers for their own unique strengths. The wolf loves its mother’s singing howl. The orangutan loves its mother’s dancing feet. The book ends with a human child writing a card to her mother. This book may inspire your own students to do just the same!

How to Raise a Mom by Jean Reagan

Two siblings are writing this story to tell you just how to raise a happy mom! This playful and silly book is a great way to get students thinking about how to take care of their moms. What do they like? What makes them happy? What could they do to show them their love? This book will help generate plenty of ideas for acts of service and handmade gifts!

Mother’s Day Books to Include Every Child

Now that children know what Mother’s Day is, it’s helpful to give them time to reflect on their own relationship with their mother or the mother figure in their lives.

Especially in the classroom, we want to create diverse, inclusive environments in which all children feel reflected in the stories we read.

Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye Duncan

In this precious book, Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose, a woman who loves her and cares for her “just like a mama.” It’s not clear if the woman raising her is an aunt, foster parent, or some other relationship. Yet, it’s very clear that she truly loves her. This story would be a great way to honor all of the loving caregiver relationships your students may be experiencing.

A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza

Poor Choco the bird does not have a mother and goes on a search to find his. Unfortunately, no one looks quite like him. Finally, he gets adopted by Mrs. Bear who teaches him that families don’t have to look the same to go together.

I Don’t Have Your Eyes by Carrie Kitze

Like Choco, some children may not look like their parents for a variety of reasons. In this story, an adopted child reflects on how she does not look like her mother, but that they are the same in so many ways.

Me & My Mama by Cozbi Cabrera

In this award-winning story, a young girl and her mother take advantage of a special day together. Children will relate this glimpse into real life, comparing what mama and the girl like to their own preferences. Your students will be swept up into this warm, cozy story and feel the deep love between this mother and daughter.

My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin

Be sure to include extended family in your conversations about Mother’s Day! This story set in Iran features the strong bond between child and grandmother. It also highlights the similarities and differences between cultures and religions.

Related: Favorite Father’s Day Books for Preschoolers

Books for Mothers and Children to Read Together

Ready to snuggle up and read together? These books will warm any mother’s heart and will be family favorites for years.

I Love My Mommy Because… by Laurel Porter Gaylord

This story is told from the perspective of animal children who share what they love about their mothers. It’s a perfect read between a mother and a child and will give children so many ways to recognize the special things their mother does for them.

I Will Always Love You by Dr. Brie Turns

Especially if your family is growing or changing at all, this book will remind your child of how deep and lasting your love is. No matter what, they will always be loved. It’s such an important message and Mother’s Day is a great moment to share that message.

Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury

Written by a mother of 6, this story is about making the most of childhood’s briefness. From every first and every last, Kingsbury reminds us to slow down and savor these special moments. It’s a very touching read for mothers and children alike!

I hope you found some new mother’s day books for preschoolers to add to your stack this year.

Happy Mother’s Day!