Read It, Make It: Mother’s Day Books and a Craft
by Patricia J. Murphy
We can all agree that Mother’s Day is just one of the 365 days a year that we can show our mothers love, appreciation, and gratitude for the incredible women they are and all they do for us.
So, in honor of our mothers — and all those who mothered us, I rounded up three stories that celebrate all kinds of mamas. I hope you cuddle up with your kiddos and read these together. And, when you’re done reading, make our Mother’s Day craft for the special mom in your life (even if that’s you).
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Read It!
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Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Available from:Like a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie (like the ones my mom used to make for me after school), this two mothers and one daughter love story will make you feel warm and gooey inside. Mama and Mommy and their little girl love spending time together, especially when the little girl is smack dab in the middle of the fun. So, when Mommy leaves for an extended business trip, Mama and their daughter miss her terribly. They try to pass the time by keeping busy with activities. But nothing can fill the emptiness they feel until they get reunited — and their dear daughter is in the middle again! A celebration of family, diversity, inclusivity, and the ties that bind us to the people we love, the story also addresses the universal feeling of loss and longing when missing a loved one. It is an excellent social-emotional learning story for parents and teachers to read and discuss difficult feelings and the strategies for managing them. It will touch the middle of your heart — and stay there!
Also available from: -
I Love Mommy Every Day
The latest in the An Every Day Together Book series by Otter and Más encourages readers to celebrate the people they love and the spirit of the holidays every day. I Love Mommy Every Day reminds readers of the things that make mommies special, and why they deserve 365 days of celebrating! Otter’s zippy text and Màs’s lively illustrations depict diverse mommies and babies making memories and celebrating the unconditional love they share. It’s perfect for Mother’s Day, baby showers, and — wait for it — every day!
Preorder from: -
Can You See My Mommy?
Available from:This charming board book is reminiscent of the classic book, Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman. Sweet critters ask the reader to help them find their mamas through a parade of peek-a-boo pages. Young readers will squeal with delight when they spot the mamas. They’ll also practice early reading behaviors like tracking text, looking at illustrations for information, actively listening, and enjoying a story. This book is perfect for tummy or cuddle times — or any time! Mommies and babies alike will love reading this over and over again.
Also available from:
MAKE IT!
Get crafty with this Mother’s Day “Shape Poem Flower” and “Love Note Vase” activity. After cuddling with the stories above, make this 2-part craft for Mother’s Day with the little ones you adore. Or hand over these simple instructions to dear ol’ dad!
What you’ll need:
For the Flower:
- Recycled paper, construction paper, white printer copy paper, magazines, junk mail, etc.
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue or glue sticks
- Cellophane or transparent tape
- Pencils, markers, crayons, colored pencils—whatever you have on hand
For the Vases:
How to make a Mother’s Day shape poem and flower vase:
Step 1. Have your child cut out or write words that describe you and any other mothering people in their lives. Encourage emerging writers to use their sounds or inventive spelling. For younger children, help them find the words in magazines, or write the words for them.
Step 2. Cut out a small circle (e.g., one inch in diameter) or heart (e.g., one inch at its widest part) from recycled paper or construction paper.
Step 3. Glue your circle (or heart) in the center of a piece of white printer paper or construction paper. Then glue the words from Step 1 around the circle or heart to create a daisy-like flower. Let it dry. Cut out this flower and set it aside.
Step 4. Cover a pencil (preferably an unsharpened pencil) with green construction paper to make the flower’s stem. To do this, measure a piece of construction paper with the length of the pencil (e.g., 7-8 inches) and the width of 1 inch. Roll the paper around the pencil and secure it with a few pieces of cellophane or transparent tape. Tape the flower to the stem.
Step 5. Place the flower (or flowers) in a recyclable plastic or glass jar. If so desired, have your child write things they love about you (e.g., “You give great hugs!”) on strips of white paper (½ inch by 3 inches).
Step 6. Wrap each sentiment around your finger or a pencil to make it curl. Fill the bottom of the jar with the curled paper. Again, encourage emerging writers to use their inventive or sound spelling to write their words. Younger children can dictate their comments to you.
Step 7. Repeat steps 1-6 to make a variety of flowers and love notes for all the mothers and mothering people in your life!
P.S. Save these instructions for Father’s Day, birthdays, Teacher Appreciation Days, end-of-school-year gifts – and even May Day! (For best results on May Day, fill a small vase or basket with paper flowers, ring the doorbell of the recipient, and run!)
Happy Mother’s Day!