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Children’s Book Blog: May 2026

Happy Mother's Day!

This Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10, 2026), we’re celebrating the many ways maternal love shows up with a collection of picture books that are funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable for kids and grown-ups.

On paper, the primary audience of picture books is roughly children aged 3-8 years old (preschool to early elementary). I have always argued, though, that picture books are for EVERY AGE.  In this blogs case, these picture books are for MOMS. These books made me feel seen, validated and filled with love/pride. I hope they have the same affect on you, momma! 

 


Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day by Suzanne Land & Max Lang

Jim Panzee thinks being a mom looks easy—until he tries it. Taking care of a whole group of babies quickly becomes overwhelming, showing just how much effort motherhood really takes.

Unexpectantly, Joanna and Connor really took the message to heart here. I received big hugs after we finished reading.  If that’s not a good picture book, I don’t know what is! 

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce is a grumpy bear who just wants to cook eggs—but when they hatch, the goslings decide he’s their mother. What follows is a hilarious and surprisingly tender look at parenthood. 

If you’re looking for laughs, this one delivers. The kids and I giggle every time we read it. The attention to detail in the illustrations and story really ramp up the humor. 

Higgins does continue Bruce’s series but, in my humble opinion, Mother Bruce (being the first) is the best. 

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell & Patrick Benson

A classic for a reason!

Three baby owls wake to find their mother gone and worry until she returns. This reassuring story captures a universal childhood fear (for humans and owls) of mother leaving and the relief of her return.

Owl Babies, even as my kids get older, remains a favorite in our household.  They reach for it for the same reason they reach for me – comfort.  

Shaped by Love: An Ode to Mom Bods by Nikki Powers & Amanda Calatzis

While I do think the body positivity message is wonderful for children, too – this one is really for the moms. 

Any mom who has stared at a body she doesn’t recognize…and maybe even dislikes. 

It’s an ode to mom bods but also to the physical and emotional connection between a mom and her child(ren). I smiled triumphantly after reading it. 

Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano & Marla Frazee

All moms have been there. The seemingly unwarranted tantrum of a toddler followed by the explosion of frustration from mom proceeded by the guilt, repair and unwavering love.  

This book is so relatable – for both mother and child who have undoubtedly experienced this exact scenario.  

I just love it. Of all the mother’s day books – this is my favorite. 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (8) and Connor (6).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.