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Books by Theme
Mothers and More: Books About Families
Mothers, and the families they nurture, fill this fun and touching selection of recommended books for kids ages 0-9. From the classic Are You My Mother? to the fascinating How My Parents Learned to Eat, here are stories about the adventures and routines of very special families.
Moms, why not send an e-card to a special child to let them know how much you enjoy reading with them?
Kate is understandably sad when her cat dies, and so her parents are thrilled when she asks to go to the animal shelter to find a new family pet. They all fall in love with not only Dave, an energetic puppy, but also the older, subdued Rosy. Cartoon-like line and wash illustrations depict a young, contemporary family (the parents sport tattoos) as well as authentic emotions in this sympathetic story.
After a fire destroys their home and possessions, Rosa, her mother, and her grandmother save their money to buy a big comfortable chair. Suffused with warmth and tenderness, A Chair for My Mother celebrates family love and determination. A Caldecott Honor book.
Mrs. Bear helps Choco, a pudgy-cheeked yellow bird, remember what a mother does, then lovingly brings Choco into her own very diverse family.
When separated from his mother, a baby bird asks every animal and each thing he comes across, “Are you my mother?” until the joyful reunion. Colorful, cartoon-like illustrations depict the baby bird’s search in this modern classic.
When an American sailor meets a Japanese woman, they both try in secret to learn the other’s way of eating. Their courtship and growing love culminates in marriage. This realistic family story explores cultural similarities and differences and is told with humor and honesty by the couple’s daughter.
Her parents are receptive to Kate’s suggestion, "Let’s get a pup!" and head to the shelter. They bring home a puppy, but ultimately return to add Rosey, an older dog, to their family. Line and wash illustrations depict a very contemporary and loving family with wit and compassion.
This exceptional board-book tells a beautiful and timeless story about a daughter's attempt to find the limit of her mother's love. Barbara Lavallee's exquisite illustrations of Alaska, with their exaggeratedly foreshortened perspective and rich tones of violet, blue-gray, and gray-green, tell of an easy declaration that is pushed, pushed, and pushed.
As Rosa Maria prepares for the family celebration of her granddaughter’s birthday, she gets unexpected help from the mice who live in the house. Spanish words are integrated into the joyful text and reflected in the energetic, vibrant illustrations.
A boy and his father, shown as African Americans in warmly hued illustrations, enjoy doing everyday activities together, from laundry to sharing a book and more. The simple pleasures of family life are conveyed affectionately through easy but flowing language and realistic paintings in a sturdy format.
When they find their mother gone from the nest, three owlets worry that their mother won't return, but of course she does. Stunning illustrations combine with repeating text for a reassuring story.
As a child gets ready for bed, she implores, "Tell me a story, Mama," then proceeds to tell it herself. Mama adds only to punctuate the girl’s story with maternal wisdom. This warm story, told in two voices, reflects how children make family stories their own.
Recommended by Latrice – I love this book because it beautifully tells the story of adoption in a way that tells adopted children that: you were chosen and special; you were a part of this family from the beginning; and your birth parents are wonderful people who loved you enough to allow you to become a part of our family.
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