Kids' Home Library by Lee Littlewood

Mother's Day is the perfect time to read young children tales that capture the love between mother and children. These new picture books, and one guide for teens, make fabulous Mother's Day gifts.

"Llama Llama Misses Mama" by Anna Dewdney; Viking/ Penguin; 32 pages; $16.99.

Dewdney, author of the best-selling "Llama Llama Red Pajama" and "Llama Llama Mad at Mama," returns with this reassuring preschool tale. In her latest, it's Llama Llama's first day of preschool. Though everything is exciting and new, he slowly realizes Mama isn't there. After some encouragement from friends and the teacher, plus some fun adventures, the little llama realizes he can love his mama and school, too.

A fantastic and fun way to address separation anxiety, "Llama Llama Misses Mama" is a unique picture book in the "off to preschool" genre.

"Momma Loves Her Little Son" by John Carter Cash; illustrated by Marc Burckhardt; Little Simon/Simon & Schuster; 26 pages; $16.99.

As the son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, John Carter Cash was bound to inherit the ability to construct meaningful verse. This lovely ode to a little boy, from his mother, is set against a homey, colorful Americana backdrop — as Mama's love reaches over mountains and skyscrapers and through forests and streams.

Cash, already a Grammy-winning music producer and author, does beautifully with this lyrical poem, and Burckhardt's vibrant illustrations paint a natural backdrop that is both magical and pure.

"Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons" by Rob D. Walker; illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon; Blue Sky Press/Scholastic; 32 pages; $16.99.

Though his gorgeous book is "A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons," dads will enjoy it, too. With elegant artwork from Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon, Walker's smart book presents 12 life lessons passed on from mothers to sons from different cultures.

Written in English and in the native languages portrayed on the pages, the outcome proves that true love between parent and child transcends differences and unites all.

The beautiful lessons, from the importance of caring to helpfulness and timeliness, are so valuable, especially now.

"My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life" by Kate Feiffer; illustrated by Diane Goode; Simon & Schuster; 32 pages; $16.99.

A different slant on mother-child love, Feiffer's pastel-colored picture book stars an outspoken little girl who is certain her mother — and, then later, Dad — is trying to ruin her life. How? Mom kisses all over her face in front of friends, talks too loudly and "never lets me eat food that I think is good for me."

Hilarity ensues when our poor child dreams up a scheme about biking away from home, Mom chasing her and then Mom ending up in a jail cell. The same thing will then happen to Dad.

All is not as she imagined it, living at home by herself, with scary dreams and no food. Kids will appreciate that the girl finally realizes how much she loves her mother and father, and that her life would really be ruined without them.

"How to Raise Your Parents" by Sarah O'Leary Burningham; illustrated by Bella Pilar; Chronicle Books; 144 pages; $12.99.

Attention teen girls. "How to Raise Your Parents" will help you aid your parents through what they see as your "difficult years." You'll learn to negotiate like a pro, steer clear of your parents' hot buttons and become fluent in "ParentSpeak" — that previously indecipherable language that includes phrases like "because I said so" and "you'll thank me later."

A witty, wise way for teenagers to understand where parents come from and to learn new relationship skills, Burningham's book is personable, funny and helpful. The author, who admits to still being a teen at heart, writes her advice like a young person with an adult's wisdom. A fantastic mesh of life- and career-smart conservatism and lighthearted liberalism, "How to Raise Your Parents" is a must-have guide for girls.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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