Give Mom the gift of a good book

"MY MOM IS MY HERO: Tributes to the Women Who Gave Us Life, Love, and Clean Laundry," edited by Susan Reynolds, Adams Media, $9.95

Like the title says, this book is, indeed, a tribute to women and mothers. Inside, you'll find 50 stories from different authors about how their mother or another treasured woman helped influence their lives.

The stories are deeply personal and highly individual, yet they are similar in how they describe the love and influence most mothers have.

One story is about a woman who kept encouraging her son to live his dreams despite the fact his stepfather said he wouldn't amount to anything. Another is about a mother who supported a child suffering from depression.

"From the moment we cross the threshold, we rely on our mothers' wellsprings of nourishment and nurturance to fulfill our most basic physical and emotional needs," says the book's introduction. "Without our mothers, we are lost."

"LIFE WITH MOTHER," by the editors of LIFE Books, Time Inc. Home Entertainment, $17.95

It's been nearly 15 years since "LIFE with Mother" was first published, and now it's back, with updated images, captions and quotes.

You'll love this book for its simplicity. There isn't much text, but the photographs speak clearly to the love of a mother for her child.

Each page features a new image. Some are of celebrity moms such as Jacqueline Kennedy or Elizabeth Taylor, but other pictures are of average mothers from around the world.

All the pictures tell a story about the work a mother does, whether it be assisting her son with diving lessons, showing her daughter pigeons or just nurturing with a hug.

"A CUP OF COMFORT FOR NEW MOTHERS: Stories that Celebrate the Miracle of Life," edited by Colleen Sell, Adams Media, $9.95

The stories in this book are funny, sweet and emotional, but they also accurately depict the challenges of motherhood.

You'll find yourself laughing about the experiences of one mother and then crying about the experiences of another new mom. One standout story is about a mom whose baby learned to "finger paint" with a diaper.

Another mom tells about her guilt in deciding to use a bottle to feed her baby.