It's almost Mother's Day, and families of all kinds will be celebrating in different ways.
Between spring and Mother's Day, a lot of questions and conversations about family and how they come together can start coming up. Kids may start asking those tough questions about the people they love and how they came to be.
Much like how every family doesn't look the same, every person who is a mom doesn't get there the same way. Some families may hold off on those conversations until a later date, but more and more parents are deciding to open up and explain big subjects to kiddos at younger ages to normalize these situations. These wonderful books explore families who become families in different ways and all the different kinds of moms there can be.
'From the Start' by Stephanie Levich and Alana Weiss
From the Start is a heartfelt children's book for families that have grown through adoption, IVF, sperm/egg donation, or surrogacy. It becomes available on May 19 but is so worth the wait for the beautiful, loving, age-appropriate way it explores these themes. You can get updates ahead of the release by subscribing here.
Coauthor Stephanie shared her thoughts on the importance of these titles with LittleThings. "Families are created in a myriad of different ways, and children's literature on the market should be a reflection of that. When a child sees families like their own represented in a book, it helps them understand that while this might be their story, there are so many other children and families that have a story just like theirs," she explained.
"It instills the message that there are lots of ways families are created, and they are all special, miraculous, and created from love. These books are important tools for parents to help normalize the early conversations with their children about family building. They help children understand and appreciate their birth and conception stories while framing them in healthy, inclusive, and positive ways."
'All Moms' by Sarah Kate Ellis and Kristen Ellis-Henderson
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This inclusive picture book celebrates moms and everything they do. It's a love letter to how moms care for us and give so much to those they love the most.
'Mommy and Me: How I Came to Be (A Mommy & Child Family Story)' by Elizabeth R. Weiss
This sweet story is about a 6-year-old boy and his mom. The two of them are on their own, and the narrator explains how his mom had a baby on her own in an age-appropriate and loving way. It also helps children grapple with questions they might get from their peers, like, "Do you have a daddy?"
'And That's Why She's My Mama' by Tiarra Nazario
This book celebrates the things that moms of all kinds have in common. Whether mom carried you in her belly or wished for you in her heart, her love for her babies is as strong as any other's. This version also includes affirmations that help kiddos feel good.
'Mommy, Mama, and Me' by Lesléa Newman
Rhythmic text celebrates the love that two moms give to their baby. As they go through all the loving moments of the day, this story reminds us that families may not look the same, but the love they share has more in common than not.
'Mommy’s Khimar' by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow's lovely picture book follows a little girl who is trying on her mom's head scarves. It's a vibrant celebration of the love between a Muslim mom and daughter and the special moments they share.
'Hero Mom' by Melinda Hardin
This inclusive read celebrates military moms who love their babies from near and far. Kids compare their deployed moms to superheroes. It helps kiddos remember that moms can feel their love from far away, too.
'How Mamas Love Their Babies' by Juniper Fitzgerald
A revolutionary kids book, How Mamas Love Their Babies explores the different ways moms provide for their kids. It's the first book to depict a sex-worker parent and drives home that no work is bad work for moms who are taking care of their families.
'When Mama Braids My Hair' by Monique Duncan
Monique Duncan beautifully captures the special bond that takes place between moms and daughters during hair braiding. The book explores the routine as well as the rich tradition of African hair braiding, sharing the stories behind popular braided hairstyles.
'Dreamers' by Yuyi Morales
Dreamers is about the hope that drives a family to start a new life in a new place. It celebrates what a parent's love for their kids can make possible.
'Mama Do You Love Me?' by Barbara M. Joosse
This book celebrates how a parent's love for their baby is everlasting and unconditional. The story is told alongside beautiful Native American illustrations in the backdrop of the Arctic.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
