Mothers children’s picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.
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Cheeky Chick!
by Julia Jarman (Author), Tom Knight (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Mother Hen firmly instructed her chicks to stay close to the roast and strongly advised them not to wander off due to the fox lurking nearby. Despite her warning, one of the chicks recklessly went on a little adventure and encountered various farm animals along the way. Unfortunately, the chick eventually met the fox who relentlessly chased after it. The question now is, can the chick outsmart the fox and make a daring escape?
Comments: This is a humorous yet serious story that teaches children to listen to their mothers and stay close to home to avoid danger.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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A World of Love
by Aimee Elizabeth Reid (Author), Christopher Lyles (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Animal parents and their offspring are described in a rhyming text that explains how they express their love for each other in unique ways.
Comments: This is a lovely bedtime story with beautiful illustrations that emphasize the depth of the love between a parent and a child.
The illustrations are made using a combination of collage, hand-painted papers, pencils, and crayons.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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For You, I Will
by Elle Duncan (Author), Laura Freeman (Illustrator)
Brief summary: The mom made a promise to her daughter that she would teach her how to be confident in the world and achieve success. She plans to do this by setting a loving and supportive example. This promise is something she plans to keep for her daughter’s entire life.
Comments: The illustrations were created digitally.
This would make a reassuring bedtime story to share with a daughter.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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Yaya and the Sea
by Karen Good Marable (Author), Tonya Engel (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Yaya and her mother take the subway to meet her mother’s friends and go to the sea for their annual spring equinox prayer to Mama Ocean.
Comments: The book is based on the author’s true story. The Author’s Note explains the ritual and symbolism of the objects offered to the sea.
The illustrations were created with acrylic underpainting and finished with oils on primed archival paper.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Counting on Mom
by Odd Dot (Author), Valentina Jaskina (Illustrator)
Brief summary: This is a counting book that goes up to ten, featuring mothers taking care of their young.
Comments: The story features cute animals with happy faces, making it a gentle bedtime tale for toddlers. It includes a counting and a motherly theme.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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Mamá’s Panza
by Isabel Quintero (Author), Iliana Galvez (Illustrator)
Brief summary: The boy explains that “panza” means belly and describes different types. His favorite is his mother’s because it was his first home – a soft, cuddly, and comforting place.
Comments: This was created with scanned color pencils and digital paintbrushes.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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Mommy’s New Friend
by Shelley Tougas (Author), Sara Palacios (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Lilly shares what she wants to do and say when her Mommy’s new friend, Carl, visits, but instead, she politely adjusts to the new routines and learns how to live with someone new in her life while still loving her parents, even though they are no longer together like before.
Comments: This book is a must-read for teachers, school counselors, and divorced parents. It follows Lilly’s journey of growth and acceptance in the midst of family changes.
The illustrations were created with cut paper, acrylic, and digital media.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Mamas and Babies
by Christie Matheson (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: This primary nonfiction picture shows different mothers and how they care for their offspring.
Comments: These charming watercolor illustrations capture the bond between mother and child, each one spanning two pages.
This nonfiction book would make a lovely bedtime story due to its gentle and soothing pictures and words.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian, who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.