Five Children’s Book Recommendations for Mothers Day
Five Children’s Books That Will Inspire and Teach Important Life Lessons
This year, Mothers Day falls on Sunday May 8th. In honour of this special day, I have selected a list of some of my favourite children’s books. These are books I’ve gifted new parents numerous times, as I believe they make a wonderful addition to every home. They are special books that will leave you pondering, contemplating and thinking about life and what truly matters the most.
1. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Sheila McGraw (28 pages)
Photo Credit: Maiya Alismaili
This classic book by Robert Munsch from 1986 follows a mother and her son from the moment he is born to the time he is a grown adult with a child of his own. We witness every stage of life they go through together, and all the trials and tribulations that come with raising a child. Yet at the end of each day, even when the mother feels like she is going crazy, she will rock her child to sleep, reassuring him that she will love him forever and he will always be her baby.
Why You Should Read It
Parents, get your tissues ready. This sweet, wonderfully written classic has withstood the test of time and remains a fan favourite over thirty years later. It is an intergenerational story about unconditional love between a parent and child. I absolutely adore it, as I find it makes you pause, hit the reset button at the end of each day and remember that time is fleeting. One moment you have a baby, but the next minute your child is grown and independent. On the days when you feel down and defeated, this book is a reminder that each challenging stage of motherhood will pass, yet we should strive to cherish sweet moments in between.
Lovable Rating
5/5 Brookie Stars
2. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman (44 pages)
Photo Credit: Maiya Alismaili
This book follows a group of children on a typical day at their school where they are all made to feel welcome no matter where they’ve come from or what they look like. In this school, there are children who wear religious garments, children with physical disabilities, various family structures-no two are the same. Yet they share one thing in common: they all belong to an open and welcoming space.
Why You Should Read It
There may be many books out there that celebrate diversity, but this one is by far my favourite. To quote “We’re part of a community. Our Strength is our diversity. A shelter from adversity. All are welcome here.” On a conscious level, we may understand the notion that our differences bind us together and make us stronger as a people, but it is an entirely different experience to see it presented in a picture book.
I adored seeing many different family dynamics represented, as well as children with varying skin tones, hair, and general physical appearance. It is a wonderful thing to see yourself represented in a book and I truly commend both author and illustrator for doing a remarkable job. One of my favourite parts of this book highlights how – at our core – we are all the same. We all want shelter, love and acceptance, no matter what perception others have of us. That’s something that will always stick with me. I saved the best part of this book for last: the dust jacket doubles as a poster!
Lovable Rating
5/5 Brookie Stars
3. The Digger And The Flower by Joseph Kuefler (40 pages)
Photo Credit: Maiya Alismaili
The diggers get ready to work each day. They dig, they hoist, they push, and together they build tall structures, roads and bridges. One day, Digger finds something in the rubble. A tiny, delicate blue flower that forever changes the way he views the world.
Why You Should Read It
This book demonstrates that something as mighty and big as a digger can show compassion and mercy. That his tough exterior says nothing about how he feels on the inside, and realising one’s mistakes does not hinder their good deeds, but fuels it instead. Even though the digger loses the very thing he cared for the most, he does not give up hope but perseveres. The story poses a great existential question, “What have I done for the greater good?”
Urban development is inevitable and with it comes growth, but understanding the value of green space and trying to preserve that is so important. I like the choice of colours used- all the buildings and infrastructure are monotone and grey, but the bright yellow digger and the blue flower are vibrant, drawing attention to the two and the importance of their relationship. Sometimes we need to stop and smell the flowers, literally. This book allows for great discussion on the importance of preserving nature, perseverance, and the impacts of modernization.
Lovable Rating
5/5 Brookie Stars
4. The Wild Symphony by Dan Brown, illustrated by Susan Batori (44 pages)
Photo Credit: Maiya Alismaili
Go on a wonderful journey with Maestro Mouse as he travels through forests, deserts, and oceans with many of his musical animal friends. Each animal is unique, and possesses qualities that define them. Maestro Mouse helps you derive important life lessons from these majestic animals as you travel along beautiful habitats. The fun doesn’t stop there – Maestro Mouse has left surprises on each page: a hidden bee, and scattered letters that spell out clues. Also, a Dan Brown book isn’t the same without a code to crack!
Why You Should Read It
Fun fact: before becoming a major best-selling author, Dan Brown wrote music. He grew up practising classical piano and singing in choirs. Combining his talents, Brown wrote this beautifully interactive, colourful and thoughtful children’s book. He composed music for each page of the book that readers can listen to via an app. And if you listen carefully, you may hear the animals too!
We can always learn how to better ourselves and improve our lives by observing the animal kingdom. Every animal in this book shares a moral that children and adults will appreciate. Little secrets that will help you on this journey we call life. This book has so much to offer, in more ways than one. It is more than just a book–it is an experience.
5. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill (32 pages)
Photo Credit: Maiya Alismaili
Tanisha accidentally spills grape juice all over herself, and is really upset about it. Her classmate tries to figure out the best way to make Tanisha feel better, when she ponders on the concept of kindness. What does it mean to be kind, anyway? This book explores ways in which a person can be kind. It can be as simple as calling someone by their name, to something bigger like gift giving or standing up to bullies.
Why You Should Read It
The act of kindness is not a linear task, and does not look the same for everyone. Being kind takes conscious effort, one that is not always easy but requires you to understand the needs of others. The power of small acts of kindness is explored, and its impact can be much greater than anyone imagines. It can be infectious and spread to all corners of the world. There are many children’s books that encourage acts of kindness or expect it from children, but this book takes it a step further in explaining how one person can make a big difference. It is introspective, and left me feeling hopeful in knowing that the smallest gestures can go a long way.
Lovable Rating
5/5 Brookie Stars
What books do you recommend we read for Mothers Day? Send us a DM on Instagram
Maiya Alismaili is a 34 year old bookacholic who currently resides in Ottawa. With a background in Human Resources and Psychology, you will often find her people watching. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she will likely be exploring the town for new bookstores, rewatching Gilmore Girls, or cleaning to 80s music.
Favorite Book: A Fine Balance By Rohinton Mistry
Favorite Brunch Spot: Cafe Cristal
