There are so many mothers and mother figures that play a major or supportive role in books! Take a look and see how many you know!
We had a lot of fun putting together a post featuring these literary moms!
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We've set this post up so you can play a 'Guess Who' game!
How To Play 'Guess the Storybook Mom!'
1. Scroll slowly to see the first picture from the book featuring the mother.
2. Then, scroll to the next picture showing the mom and the book to see if you guessed it right!
Many of these books appear on best children's books lists and make great additions to your bookshelf!
We've included moms from picture books to chapter books and classic literature! We love the illustrations from all of these stories!
We hope all of the moms, grandmothers and special women out there have a relaxing and wonderful Mother's Day!!
Time to play 'Guess the Storybook Mom'!!
1. Here's the first mother...
This is a wonderful classic picture book that features the ever watchful Mother Duck!
2.
2. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is beautifully written and illustrated by William Steig.
We all feel the mom's emotion when Sylvester goes missing and rejoice at the happy ending!
We were fortunate to see many of William Steig's original illustrations at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. See more of our visit here!
3.
3. Ma Ingalls
Ma Ingalls from The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder has got to be one of the most patient of the literary moms!
After moving from place to place during the pioneer times and raising all those kids, you just can't help but be impressed!
4.
4. Skippyjon Jones' Mama Junebug Jones
by Judy Schachner
Skippyjon Jones' mother, Mama Junebug Jones, has the most hilarious nicknames for her mischief-making son who's a Chihuahua-wannabe-Siamese cat!
The Skippyjon Jones books are super fun that are great for reading aloud!
5.
5. Marmee from Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
Marmee faces every day with a choice to make. She chooses to make each day a positive one and supports her family, friends and neighbors with grace and kindness despite her own family's constant challenges.
Take a peek at our post about Little Women by Louisa May Alcott here!
6.
6. Mama from Llama, Llama Red Pajama
by Anna Dewdney
The Mama from Llama, Llama Red Pajama is put to the test when her little llama calls her constantly!
Bedtime is tough for little Llama and even more so for Mama!
7.
7. Mrs. Weasley from Harry Potter!
by J.K. Rowling
Mrs. Weasley has her own brood of red-haired kids but she wholeheartedly welcomes Harry into the folds of the Weasley family!
Mrs. Weasley is one of our favorite literary moms for sure!
8.
8. The Mom from A Chair for My Mother
by Vera B. Williams
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams is such a touching story and has remained at the top of many book lists!
The illustrations and story will leave a lasting impression on your heart!
9.
9. Mrs. Mouseling from the Angelina Ballerina books
by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig
Mrs. Mouseling handles her daughter, Angelina's many adventures and dancing challenges in stride and with the utmost in patience!
Beautifully illustrated by Helen Craig, the Angelina Ballerina books have fun stories, absolutely fabulous illustrations and are a great addition to your bookshelf!
10.
10. Hannah Gruen from the Nancy Drew Book Series
by Carolyn Keene
Hannah Gruen has taken care of Nancy Drew since her mother passed away when she was very young..
The Drews' housekeeper has not only kept the home fires under control, but gave Nancy endless love and support throughout the famous sleuth's life and numerous adventures!
11.
11. Sal's Mom from Blueberries for Sal
by Robert McCloskey
Blueberries for Sal is a well-loved title by Robert McCloskey that delights its readers with the simplicity of the time period and the fun twist bears and berry picking makes for a delightful storyline!
12.
12. Mrs. Bennett from Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
Mrs. Bennett had five daughters in a time when it was the responsibility of mothers to take care of the house, complete chores and keep track of their daughter's possible future husbands! Talk about a long to-do list!
Mrs. Bennett manages pretty well however, and maintains a lighthearted outlook on life as well as a sharp eye on the neighbors!
13.
13. Mary Brown - Paddington
by Michael Bond
Mary Brown is a mom that didn't even think twice about opening up her home to someone in need- even if he was a marmalade-eating bear!
The Paddington Books are just delightful and the movies were fantastic too! Super fun and lots of smiles and laughter await with both options!
14.
14. Mama Bear from The Three Bears
by Paul Gadone
Mama Bear is pretty calm for having to deal with missing breakfast, broken furniture and a neighbor's kid sleeping in the house!
Kudos to Mama from The Three Bears for keeping it together during stressful times!
15.
15. The mom from Franny B. Kranny There's A Bird In Your Hair!
Franny B. Kranny's mom just cracked us up! We love how eventually she and the family just accepted the whole bird-in-the-hair thing and went on with the day!
Priorities people!! Read our post featuring Franny B. Kranny There's A Bird In Your Hair!
16.
16. Esme, Twilight
by Stephenie Meyer
Well, just because you're a vampire, it doesn't mean you can't be a great mom!
After all, Twilight's Esme (and husband, Carlisle) adopted five teenagers that were vampires! Not too many couples can say they've done that!
17.
17. Mom - Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney
Look at that confident mom above from Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid books!
The author of the Wimpy Kid book series wasn't an overnight hit like many of us think.
Jeff Kinney originally wanted to be a cartoonist for a newspaper and had a lot of years, prep, dreams and work before the Wimpy Kid book series became the sensation it is! We love inspirational stories!
18.
18. Kanga from the Winnie the Pooh Books
Kanga is a sweet mom not only to her own little Roo, but looks out for Pooh too!!
20.
20. Auntie Em from The Wizard of Oz
Between running a farm and caring for Dorothy, Auntie Em is both a beloved aunt and a woman who is skilled at a multitude of things!
Whether it's checking on the chickens or keeping tabs on Dorothy, Auntie Em does it all!
21.
20. Splat's Mom from the Splat the Cat Books
by Rob Scotton
Splat the Cat's mom is always nearby if needed by her three kitty children, and is always kind and cheery!
21.
21. Grandma from the Max and Ruby Books
Grandma is a fun, understanding grandmother bunny to Max and Ruby!
She takes them on trips, tells great stories, and always knows just what to do!
Both bunny siblings Max and Ruby each wanted to make her a cake on her birthday to let her know how special she is!
22.
22. Frances's mom from Bread and Jam for Frances
Frances's mother is a big part of her many escapades and adventures!
From helping organize the perfect outing to tempting Frances out of eating bread and jam every single day, her mother always seems have a good plan in mind!
23.
23. Olivia's Mom
Olivia's mom is one of the most patient mothers out there!
Whether she's reading a bedtime story or listening to her daughter's dreams and ambitions, Olivia's mom keeps calm!
The Olivia Books by Ian Falconer are a big hit with kids and moms will enjoy them just as much!
24. Red Riding Hoods' Grandmother
If it wasn't for Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother, we wouldn't have the fairy tale!
With a love for cookies and a cottage in the woods, Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother's house seems like the perfect getaway - without the wolf, of course!
25.
25. Lisa's Mom from Corduroy
by Don Freeman
Lisa's mom takes her to the very store where Corduroy lives, and thanks to Lisa, Corduroy finds a happy home and friend!
Fun Fact: Don Freeman wrote the beloved book after losing his trumpet on a subway ride! He decided that a future in music wasn't to be and became an author and illustrator instead!
26.
26. The Poky Little Puppy
Little Golden Book
The Poky Little Puppy's mama is in charge of keeping all of her adorable and playful little pups in line!
From digging under fences to sneaking dessert, looking after puppies is no easy job, but their mother is on top of it!
27.
27. Peter Rabbit's Mother from The Tale of Peter Rabbit
by Beatrix Potter
Peter Rabbit's mother gives a sensible warning before her little bunnies went out and about, and if only Peter had listened to his mama, he would've had an easier day for sure!
28.
28. Mama Bear from The Berenstain Bears
by Jan and Mike Berenstain
Mama Bear has been on many an adventure with her iconic bear family, and is definitely an impressive Mama!
She's calm, organized and efficient through the highs and lows of the Bear family's day to day dramas and trips!
Always ready with a tip or suggestion, both Papa and the cubs know they can rely on Mama Bear's sound advice!
Even when someone's in a sticky spot, Mama is there to get them back on track!
Whether heading off on a remote vacation, or getting the rest of the family to help with chores, Mama Bear does it all, and never loses her hat!
Check out more of The Berentstain Bears stories here!
Did you have fun guessing the names of these fabulous moms and mother figures?
Be sure to Pin this post so you can come back to it for all the books that these moms play such a great role in!
Well, there you have it! Just a few of the amazing moms and motherly figures in books! Did you guess them all?
Have a favorite mother or motherly figure from a book you've read and love? Let us know in the comments below!!
Know someone who might like this post? We'd love it if you'd share!
Thanks for reading and Happy Mother's Day!!
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(Updated 4/23/24 - Originally published May 8, 2020)