I absolutely love these books that happen to feature single (or solo) moms. What a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month! There may be a second parent or guardian somewhere, but that person isn’t included in the book. These aren’t directly stories about single parenting either. These are wonderful stories about kids and the things they do, with a loving mom who is there with them.
Themes include art, hunger, non-English language, diverse main characters, illness, joy, humor and more. These books are typically great for preschool and early readers, about age 3 to age 6. They are listed in alphabetical order.
The links below include affiliate links, and if you choose to make a purchase I may earn a commission (thanks!). As always, check your local library first.
Bebé Goes Shopping (Amazon and Bookshop) by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Steven Salerno. Totally cheery little story about a baby and mama going to the store. If you’ve ever been grocery shopping with a baby, this will make you giggle (oh the keys!). Love the Spanish words sprinkled in. Only $7.99 if you want to buy your own copy!
Bob Not Bob!: *to be read as though you have the worst cold ever (Amazon and Bookshop) by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Matthew Cordell. We are smitten with this book. We quote it all the time (my apologies to everyone in Target listening to my son calling “Bob! Bob!” to get my attention). The story is about a boy who isn’t really so little anymore but still needs his mom when he gets sick, only his stuffy nose makes it hard to call “mom” and not “Bob” the dog. Bob Not Bob will make you giggle and will make the mom in your life feel seen and appreciated. If that’s you… read this. And know that you are seen and appreciated.
Corduroy (Amazon and Bookshop) by Don Freeman is one of my all time favorites. I still get choked up reading it to my kiddo. And this book is 50 years old! The story of Corduroy is about a stuffed bear who goes searching for his lost button in a department store, and little Lisa who uses her savings to bring him home. When Corduroy says, “I’ve always wanted a friend” and Lisa says, “Me too” – I dare you not to cry. Lisa’s mom is with her when she meets Corduroy, and we know she has an apartment in what looks like New York and helps Lisa manage her savings (hello, money conversation with my own kiddo). This is an accessible addition to your home library at under $5.
Drawn Together (Amazon and Bookshop) by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat. A knock-your-socks-off gorgeously illustrated story about grandchild-grandparent relationships and how the two generations can find common ground. In this case, through art. In the story, the mom drops off the boy at grandpa’s house and then leaves. This is a great book for kids with separation anxiety, showing how things can turn out wonderfully. Also a great story for kids who have feelings about time with grandparents. And there are hot dogs (and ramen!). If you don’t have access to a physical copy of this book, there’s a great read aloud by Minh Lê on the PBS YouTube Channel.
Maddi’s Fridge (Amazon and Bookshop) by Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin Vogel. Featuring not one but two moms! We cannot read this book enough. I love how the girls are competitive and also close-knit friends. I love that Sofia has to wrestle with if, and when, it’s ok to break a promise. I LOVE the gentle discussion of how Maddi and her family don’t have enough money for food, and that her friend can do something to help. And I love that both families feature a mom who is parenting on her own. I love love love this book. Here’s the cheesy pizza bomb recipe!
A dad-identifying single parent book collection is coming soon! I’d love to hear your recommendations, please send me a message on Instagram.
Looking for more? Take a look at Recent Reads to see what’s been on our bookshelf lately.