Happy Mother’s Day! Discover our favourite mums in fiction

The Nightsilver Promise by Annaliese Avery

I love reading books with strong female characters, and both Paisley Fitzwilliam and her mother from The Nightsilver Promise fall into this category. Although not physically present for much of the book, her mother, Professor Violetta Fitzwilliam, stood out to me as a wonderful mother figure throughout the story. She teaches Paisley that she has the power to shape and change her own destiny, no matter what her stars tell her. She is seen to be a guiding force and strength for Paisley throughout the novel, and you can feel the force of her love and teachings in all of Paisley’s actions – which I think shows that she is a truly great role model!

Wonky Donkey’s Big Surprise by Craig Smith and Katz Cowley

Look away now if you don’t want to find out the surprise!

I just love the big reveal of Dinky Donkey’s mum in Wonky Donkey’s Big Surprise. The funny clues building up to the heartfelt surprise are done in true Wonky Donkey style – and it’s always lovely to see a little one excited to see their mum!

My Mums Love Me by Anna Membrino and Joy Hwang Ruiz

Although these mums are never named, both mothers in Anna Membrino’s wonderful My Mums Love Me are recent favourites for me. Throughout this warm and inclusive picture book we follow both mums and their little one as they share the perfect day. In all their actions is a clear and unwavering care and attention, and what is more symbolic of a wonderful mum than the concept of unconditional love?!

Cops and Robbers by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

My favourite grandma in any children’s book I have read would definitely be Grandma Swagg from Cops and Robbers by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. I have great childhood memories associated with this book and Grandma Swagg particularly because my dad always put on a funny voice when he said her name! She is clearly the best robber of the gang as she is the only one to get away from Officer Pugh – she is still on the run at the end of the story!

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Although she isn’t really a mum until the end of the book, I love Miss Honey in Roald Dahl’s Matilda. She’s loving, kind and supportive of Matilda and her classmates, and shows great strength when she stands up to the bullying of Miss Trunchbull. She’s the first person to fully appreciate Matilda’s incredible abilities, and love her unconditionally. Plus, seeing the bond develop between Miss Honey and Matilda develop throughout the book makes the ending even better.