40+ Multicultural Children's Books about Mothers

UPDATED MAY 2021!

Happy Mother’s Day! No matter where we live or how we became mothers, we all love our children madly, so let’s celebrate all mothers everywhere with these gorgeous multicultural children’s books about mothers!

40+ Multicultural Children’s Books about Mothers

Babies & Toddlers

Who Will You Be?
by Andrea Pippins

“My child, my little one, / Who will you be when you are grown? / There’s loving kindness in your eyes, like your daddy’s / and boldness in your heart, like your grandma’s. / Will you be like them?.” So begins this loving picture book about a mother who wonders who her boy will grow up to be. For fans of I Am Enough, The Day You Begin, and The Wonderful Things You Will Be, Who Will You Be? is a poignant picture book about how family and community help shape the wonderfully unique people our children become. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

My Two Moms and Me
by Michael Joosten

Celebrate Pride every day with this adorable board book! My Two Moms And Me follows a variety of diverse, loving families with two moms throughout their day—eating breakfast, going on a playdate, heading to the pool for a swim, and settling back in at night with a bedtime story and a good-night lullaby. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

The Mommy Book
by Todd Parr

“Some mommies sing you songs. / Some mommies read you stories. / All mommies like to hang out with you!”. The Mommy Book celebrates all kinds of moms and what makes each of them special. With his trademark simple text and quirky drawings, Todd Parr created another fun picture book for little ones. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Mama, Do You Love Me?
by Barbara M. Joosse

Mama, Do You Love Me? is a universal story of an Inuit child testing the limits of her mother’s love. The mother reassures her daughter that her love is unconditional and everlasting, no matter how the child behaves. With its tender, warm-hearted storyline and stunning illustrations, this is a perfect first book for toddlers. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Baby Boy, What Will You Be?
by Terquoia Bourne

On a cold winter day, a new mom snuggles with her baby boy and warms her heart with the thoughts of all the limitless possibilities that her baby can achieve in his lifetime. “When I gaze upon your face, there’s so much hope I see. As I gaze, I begin to wonder, just what you’ll grow up and be.” ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

Preschool

In My Anaana’s Amautik
by Nadia Samuurtok

In My Anaana’s Amautik offers the unique perspective of a baby carried in the pouch in the back of a mother’s parka, from the cloudlike softness of the pouch to the glistening sound of Anaana’s laughter. Children and adults alike will love this sweet and soothing picture book! ~ Diverse – Preschool

Tree of Cranes
by Allen Say

After playing in an ice-cold pond, a young Japanese boy is recovering from a bad cold. He watches his California-born mother dig up a pine tree and decorate it with paper cranes and candles in preparation for the boy’s very first Christmas. Tree of Cranes is a poignant Christmas story, complemented by glowing watercolour illustrations. ~ Asian – Preschool

How Far Do You Love Me?

by Lulu Delacre

How Far Do You Love Me? is an “I love you” book with a twist. With every expression of a mother’s love for her son, readers visit different locations of natural beauty around the world. The stunningly beautiful illustrations complement the poetic text of this wonderful, warm book. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Did I Tell You I Love You Today?
by Deloris Jordan

Apart or together, day or night, from childhood to adulthood – a mother’s love reaches everywhere and touches every moment of a child’s life. Written by mother and sister of basketball star Michael Jordan, Did I tell you I Love You Today? celebrates parental love and support. ~ African – Preschool

Waiting for Mama
by Lee Tae-Jun

Waiting for Mama really tugged at my heartstrings! First published in a newspaper in 1938, this timeless and universal Korean tale tells of a small child patiently waiting for Mama at the station on a cold and snowy day. The child (no gender specified) asks one conductor after another if Mama is coming, until on the last page you see a small hand in Mama’s hand as they walk away from the station. The sparse (bilingual) text seems secondary to the expressive illustrations, some of them simple ink drawings, others filled with pastel colours. ~ Asian – Preschool

Me & Mama
by Cozbi A. Cabrera

“On a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and Papa and Luca are still asleep, when the clouds are wearing shadows and the wind paints the window with beads of water, I want to be everywhere Mama is.” This book is just too gorgeous for words! With lyrical prose and expressive illustrations, Mama and Me is a tender ode to the bond between a mother and a daughter as they spend a rainy day together. ~ African – Preschool

Mommy Sayang
by Rosana Sullivan

Little Aleeya loves to ask her mum if she will always be by her side, and Mommy always assures her that she will, Insh’Allah. But one day, Mommy becomes sick and Aleeya realizes she can always be by Mommy’s side. With a hibiscus flower in hand, Aleeya goes to Mommy’s bedside to bring her love and hope. Set in Malaysia, Mommy Sayang is a touching story about the strong bond between a mother and her daughter. ~ Asian – Preschool

Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons
by Rob D. Walker

“Mama says be good / Mama says be kind / Mama says the rain will come / But still the sun will shine.” In a powerful yet gentle way, mothers of diverse ethnicities teach their sons about living with courage, compassion and faith. The rhyming text and the striking illustrations of Mama Says bring the mothers’ wise words and their bonds with their sons to life. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Two Mommies
by Tierra Williams

Follow a little boy and his two moms as they go about their day, from having fun at the beach to saying grace before dinner. With colourful illustrations and rhyming text, My Two Mommies is a warm and delightful book about family, love and inclusion. ~ Diverse – Preschool

What I Like Most
by Mary Murphy

A little girl observes some of the things she loves — the apricot jam on her toast, the light-up shoes that make her feet bounce, the sparkling river, the pencil whose color comes out like a ribbon. But even after the jar becomes empty, and the shoes grow too small, and the pencil is all used up, one thing always stays the same. What I Like Most is a lyrical ode to the bond between mother and child, brought to life by award-winning artist Zhu Cheng-Liang’s gorgeous illustrations. ~ Asian – Preschool

Mommy’s Heart Went POP!
by C. Kyllonen & P. Greer

Mommy’s heart went POP! follows a mother on her international adoption journey. In simple yet heartfelt words and with rich illustrations, this picture book captures the love and anticipation of a prospective adoptive mother beautifully. Although I am not very fond of the phrase “you grew in my heart” (it is confusing for small children), this book does a good job at reassuring young adopted children how much they were wanted and how much they are loved. ~ African – Preschool

My Mum is a Supermum
by Angela McAllister

Milo’s mum must have superpowers. She always knows what he’s up to whether he’s jumping on the bed, wrestling with giant sea monsters in the bath or using her saucepans to brew up magic spells. But how does she do it?? Voted Best Picture Books by kids, My Mum Is A Supermum is a hilarious picture book that kids everywhere will love! ~ Diverse – Preschool

Like the Moon Loves the Sky
by Hena Khan

“Inshallah you find wonder in birds as they fly. Inshallah you are loved, like the moon loves the sky.” With vibrant illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran, Like The Moon Loves The Sky is a lyrical and heartfelt celebration of a parent’s unconditional love for their children. ~ Asian – Preschool

Two Moms and a Menagerie
by Carolyn Robertson

Two Moms and a Menagerie is a delightful story about two moms (one Black, one White), their two adopted sons and their ever-expanding animal family. With lively text and dynamic illustrations, this picture books is a fun read that will appeal to little readers. ~ Diverse – Preschool

The Best Single Mom in the World: How I Was Adopted
by Mary Zisk

A little girl and her single mother tell the story of how they became a family via Chinese adoption. Young readers can follow the adoption journey from traveling across the sea, meeting the birth mother, who “wanted the best for you, but she couldn’t take care of you”; and traveling back together. The Best Single Mom in the World is a charming (if slightly too much on the happy side) adoption book with engaging illustrations. ~ Asian – Preschool

Mama’s Day
by Linda Ashman

“There are mamas near and distant / doing just what mamas do: / Loving babies every minute, every day . . . / like I love you.” With gentle rhyming verse and sweet ink-and-gouache illustrations, Mama’s Day is a wonderful tribute to mothers of all ethnicities. Whether they are enjoying the sun at the sea, walking through a bustling market or cuddling in a rocking chair, mamas and babies share a special bond everywhere. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Doc Like Mommy
by Dr Crystal Bowe

“When I grow up, I know what I want to be…” Doc Like Mommy is a new picture book release that teaches little girls that they can be anything they want to be. The cute illustrations will appeal to young readers. ~ African – Preschool

Mommy’s Khimar
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

“A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears. / Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.” A young Muslim girl plays dress up with her mother’s colourful headscarves, feeling her mother’s love all along. Vibrantly illustrated, Mommy’s Khimar is a charming picture book that promotes diversity and tolerance. ~ Diverse -Preschool

More books with Muslim characters: 20 Children’s Books set in the Middle East & Northern Africa // 21 Children’s Books about Ramadan and Eid// 15 Children’s Books set in Pakistan

Saturday
by Oge Mora

“Today would be special. / Today would be splendid. / It was Saturday!” But sometimes, the best plans don’t work out exactly the way you expect… Gorgeously illustrated, Saturday is a heartfelt story that follows a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what’s most important: precious time together. ~ African – Preschool

Motherbridge of Love
by Xinran

“Two different lives shaped to make you one. / One saw your first sweet smile, / the other dried your tears.” Motherbridge of Love celebrates the bond between a little Chinese girl and her adoptive mother, whilst holding the child’s birth mother in a place of respect. Most picture books about adoption only mention the birth parents briefly but this beautiful book gives them the space they deserve and the child needs. I would recommend this book to any adoptive family! ~ Asian – Preschool

My Mommy Medicine
by Edwidge Danticat

“Whenever I am sick, / Or just feel kind of gloomy or sad, / I can always count on my Mommy Medicine.” When a child wakes up feeling sick, she is treated to a good dose of mommy medicine. Her remedy includes a yummy cup of hot chocolate; a cozy bubble bath, and plenty of cuddles. With lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, Mommy Medicine celebrates the comfort a mother’s love gives. ~ African – Preschool

The Best Mum
by Sarah Nash

Mum always says “no” when someone asks her if she works. But little Kizzy thinks being a mum is a hard job – and also the best one ever! With repetitive text and energetic illustrations, The Best Mum is a sweet tribute to mothers and a fun read for children of all ethnicities. ~ African – Preschool

Elementary School

Your Name Is a Song
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

A young girl tells her mother she never wants to go back to school because everyone keeps mispronouncing her name. In response, the girl’s mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to share her knowledge with her class. Beautifully illustrated, Your Name is a Song is a celebration of the bond between a mother and daughter and the magic behind names. ~ African – Elementary School

My Mom Is a Foreigner, But Not to Me
by Julienne Moore

Mom Is A Foreigner But Not Me is award-winning actress Julianne Moore’s homage to all the Muttis, Mammas and Mamans of multicultural families in the US. A foreign mom may eat, speak, and dress differently than other moms but she’s clearly the best! With humourous text and vivid illustrations, this picture book celebrates diverse families. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

The Chalk Doll
by Charlotte Pomerantz

Little Rose has a cold. When her mom tucks her in for a nap, she tells Rose about growing up in Jamaica, from clickety-clacking to school on mango heels to making a rag doll because she couldn’t afford a chalk doll. Rose knows she’ll feel much better once she makes her own rag doll, too. The Chalk Doll is an early chapter book about a sweet conversation between mother and daughter, complemented by colourful illustrations. ~ African – Elementary School

Antonio’s Card/ La tarjeta de Antonio
by Rigoberto González

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and Antonio searches for words to express his love for his mother and her partner, Leslie. When his classmates make fun of Leslie, a tall artist who wears paint-splattered overalls, Antonio feels hurt and confused. Complemented by richly hued paintings, Antonio’s Card is a warm and tender story about standing up for yourself and the people you love. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Ten Cents a Pound
by Nhung N. Tran-Davies

A young girl in an unnamed Asian country dreams of going to school but is afraid to leave her mother and her village behind. Her mother who works in the coffee fields encourages her to go, and each time the girl mentions a reason to stay she reminds her: “Ten cents a pound is what I’ll earn.” Ten Cents A Pound is a poetic and heartfelt story about love, sacrifice and overcoming obstacles. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry
by Bebe Moore Campbell

Mommy’s changing moods are confusing for Annie. Some mornings, her mother’s smiles are as bright as sunshine but other days, she doesn’t smile at all and gets very angry. With the help of her grandma, Annie remembers what to do on those days and that her mommy loves her, no matter what. Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry is a poignant story about living with a parent who suffers from bipolar disorder. The book reassures children that their parent’s illness is not their fault and introduces coping strategies. ~ African – Elementary School

The Mominator
by Julie Boye

They may be covered in baby drool, cheering on the sidelines at the top of their lungs, or blubbering messes over the first day of school, but moms have superpowers. They heal hurts, support the biggest dreams (and dreamers), and teach even the fanciest basketball moves. The Mominator is the perfect picture book to celebrate moms on Mother’s Day and every day throughout the year. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

In Our Mothers’ House
by Patricia Polacco

Just like any other family, Marmee, Meema and their three kids like to cuddle, cook and dance together. Some people don’t accept them but the family gains strength from their love and lives by their own rules. With expressive drawings of loving family interactions, In Our Mothers’ House teaches children that different isn’t wrong and that love is what makes a family. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Hair for Mama
by Kelly Tinkham

A young boy’s mother doesn’t want to be in the family photo after she has lost her hair through chemotherapy. Marcus tries to make a plan, and even though it doesn’t quite work out, he learns that “hair is nice to have, but not as nice as me having Mama and Mama having me.” Told with gentle humour and warm illustrations, Hair for Mama captures the fear, pain, and hope of families affected by cancer. ~ African – Elementary School

A Chair for My Mother
by Vera B. Williams

A Chair for my Mother tells the story of little Rosa who saves up coins to buy a comfortable chair for her mama after the family home was destroyed by a fire. This award-winning picture book with its expressive water colour paintings beautifully depicts a loving family who keeps up a joyful spirit in the face of adversity. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Floating on Mama’s Song
by Laura Lacamara

Anita’s mama sings songs so beautiful they create magic: Whoever hears them starts floating high above the ground. When one day Mama stops singing, Anita tries to find a way to bring back the happiness and the magic of her songs. Floating on Mama’s Song is a lyrical tale about three generations of women, stunningly illustrated with Morales’ expressive artwork. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers
by Pat Mora

Love to Mama is a brightly illustrated collection of thirteen poems by Latino poets, from award-winning author Pat Mora to a teenaged new talent. Whether the poets are from Cuba, Mexico or Venezuela, they all write passionately about the one thing they have in common: The special bond they share with their mothers and grandmothers. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

You can buy any of the books on this site from Amazon USA by clicking on the book titles or images

More Multicultural Children’s Books About Family:

40 Multicultural Children’s Books About Fathers

40+ Multicultural Children’s Books About Grandparents

20 Multicultural Picture Books About New Siblings

8 Responses

Marjorie (MWD)

May 18, 2016 |

What a wonderful, inclusive list you have brought together here. I adore Waiting for Mama and have a huge poster of the cover I managed to aquire at the Bologna Book Fair a few years ago! And I also had the great privilege of interviewing Xinran when Motehrbridge of Love first came out – such a wonderful book. (http://www.papertigers.org/interviews/archived_interviews/xinran.html)

I think your daughter is very blessed – and I’m impressed with the pancakes too!
- Colours of Us
  
  May 19, 2016 |
  
  Lucky you, I would love to have that poster, too! Thanks for the link to your wonderful interview! I wasn’t aware of the charity Xinran founded, I will definitely check it out. P.S. I’ll pass the compliment about the pancakes on to my partner 🙂
Jane

May 18, 2016 |

Wonderful – glad to see so many different families represented in these books!
- Colours of Us
  
  May 18, 2016 |
  
  Thank you!
Katie @ The Logonauts

May 14, 2016 |

Thank you for this collection of books and for thinking of ways to celebrate all kinds of mothers! #diversekidlit
- Colours of Us
  
  May 14, 2016 |
  
  My pleasure! Glad you like it!
Acorn Books

May 12, 2016 |

Such a brilliant collection of books, it’s so important for all kinds of families to be represented in books.
#diversekidlit
- Colours of Us
  
  May 13, 2016 |
  
  Yes, absolutely!