I Love Mum with the Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle's signature torn-tissue collage is reason enough to put this small book in a child's hands, and the animal mama-and-baby pairings — giraffes, penguins, kangaroos, elephants — make the 'I love you' message universal without being sentimental. It hit No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list, which tells you everything about its gift-book appeal. The honest caveat: this is almost entirely an art showcase. There is no story here, no arc, barely any text — if you're looking for something to read rather than something to give, you may want a different Carle. But as a Mother's Day gift or a lap-sharing moment with a baby or toddler, it delivers exactly what it promises. Completely family-safe and genuinely joyful.