Mother’s Day is for the snuggles that last a little longer. It’s about the kind of love that wraps around you like a warm blanket and stays through scraped knees, wild dreams, and bedtime stories. We have five South Asian Books for Mother’s Day that are full of mama magic.
Did you know you can get age-wise book recommendations every quarter in Bento? Have a look here!
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Varta
Our storytelling festival is back in Austin
1. Once Upon a Sari by Zenia Wadhwani, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi
It’s about how a mother shares her culture, memories, and joy with her daughter through something as simple (and magical) as a piece of fabric. It reminds us how love can live in traditions. And how imagination often starts in a parent’s closet!
2. Where Three Oceans Meet by by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
Three generations of women on a trip around South India. There’s food, sites, and a journey in time connecting mothers and daughters in a wonderful bond. It’s great if you’re sharing cultural experiences from a diasporic lens.
3. Hafsa and the Magical Ring by Yasmin Ullah, illustrated by Rafiuzzaman Rhythom
A Rohingya girl living in a Bangladeshi refugee camp with her mother and little brother share beautiful memories of their village and family life. Her mother also tells them a Rohingya folk tale about a king who possessed a magical ring that could grant any wishes. Even in difficult times, it leaves you with hope!
4. Mina Versus the Monsoon by Rukhsanna Guidroz, illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta
A rainy day story that shares a lovely bond between a mother and daughter. When Mina wans to play soccer all day can rain bring in an unexpected discovery? You have to read this book to know how it brings joy and lovely art to make this story a read many times over!
5. Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan, illustrated by Saffa Khan
It’s a love letter from parent to child—and a quiet reminder to slow down, breathe, and remember what matters: being loved exactly as you are.
And because it is AAPI month, here’s a bonus read from an Asian author that we loved. Wild Greens, Beautiful Girl by Erica Lee Schlaikjer, illustrated by Cinyee Chiu is a story from the Amis people of Taiwan about a mother and daughter celebrating nature and their identity. Lots of love in this book and a wonderful way to showcase culture to little ones.
This Mother’s Day, may we celebrate the women who raise us, and the small, sacred moments that say, you are everything to me.
We hope these books remind you of all the love! Which other Asian books for mother’s day would you recommend?
