Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, creativity, or both this weekend, I found the Perfect Picture Book. Enjoy!
Title: Flowers for Mama
Written & Illustrated By: Deborah Freedman
Publisher/Date: Viking/2026
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: mothers, gardening, creativity, gifts, art, special day, Mother’s Day, siblings, cats, expressions of love
Opening:
Mama’s special day would be here soon.
Oleander wanted to find something beautiful to celebrate beautiful Mama.
Brief Synopsis: Kittens create flowers in their own special ways as a gift for their mother.
Links to Resources:
· Check out Freedman’s Resources and Activities Guide;
· Check out these resources from the American Horticultural Society to promote kids’ gardening;
· Try some flower art projects for kids.
Why I Like this Book:
With gorgeous pastel mixed media artwork, Freedman explores creativity in all its glory. As the kittens debate the best gift for their beloved Mama, they decide to give her flowers. Their search turns up only weeds, “prickly thistle” that isn’t a good present for their “soft Mama.” Instead, Oleander suggests that they “make some for Mama.” But what does it mean to make flowers?
For Tulip, it’s an impressionistic canvas filled with flowers in all of Mama’s favorite shades. Herbie collaged flowers using bits and pieces of recycled items from around the house. Blossom wrote a song. And Oleander? I won’t spoil the ending and reveal his take on the task, but I think everyone will enjoy the beautiful garden that results from the different approaches to “making a flower” and expressing love. Mama certainly seemed happy with it!
For Mother’s Day or any day you want to celebrate a special someone in your life or explore your creativity, I heartily recommend Flowers for Mama.
A Note about Craft:
Not only did Freedman explore different methods of creativity in Flowers for Mama, she tried different artistic techniques herself in illustrating this book.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 