Books
Moms, why not send an e-card to a special child to let them know how much you enjoy reading with them?
This section contains 12 articles.
"Let's Get a Pup," Said Kate
By: Bob Graham
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.
A Chair for My Mother
By: Vera Williams
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.
A Mother for Choco
By: Keiko Kaszo
Mrs. Bear helps Choco, a pudgy-cheeked yellow bird, remember what a mother does, then lovingly brings Choco into her own very diverse family.
Are You My Mother?
By: P.D. Eastman
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.
How My Parents Learned to Eat
By: Ina Friedman
Illustrated by: Allen Say
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.
Let's Get a Pup! Said Kate
By: Bob Graham
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.
Mama, Do You Love Me?
By: Barbara M. Joosse
Illustrated by: Barbara Lavallee
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.
Mice and Beans
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
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.
My Daddy and I
By: Eloise Greenfield
Illustrated by: Jan Spivey Gilchrest
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.
Owl Babies
By: Martin Waddell
Illustrated by: Patrick Benson
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.
Tell Me a Story, Mama
By: Angela Johnson
Illustrated by: David Soman
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.
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born
By: Jamie Lee Curtis
Illustrated by: Laura Cornell
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.