If you’ve been around here for a while, you know that books are kind of a big deal in our house. Like… a we-have-enough-to-open-a-library kind of big deal. Between the bedtime reads, holiday traditions, “just one more page” nights, and stacks of books hiding in every room, reading has become one of our favourite ways to connect as a family.
We’ve rounded up our favourite children’s books and authors, must-read parenting/motherhood titles, podcasts that get us through the chaos, and resources we swear by—all with the same goal: to inspire, comfort, and sometimes just make us laugh when the day’s been a lot.
Favourite Children’s Books & Authors
I could honestly do an entire series just on our kids’ book collection (and maybe I will). I truly believe every book is written with a certain cadence—the rhythm of the words, the pauses, the dramatic whispers—which I swear is part of why my kids love reading so much.
I’ll often find Palmer quietly on her bedroom floor, surrounded by a sea of books, reading to herself. And yes, we’re big on traditions: our 25-book Christmas countdown (one book a night, alternating between kids) has been the best way to grow our library and make holiday memories.
Here’s who’s always on our shelves:
- Tabitha Page – Stunning illustrations and beautifully simple storytelling, perfect for early learners.
- Meagan Trifaux – Our very own Cold Lake local author—supporting her is a no-brainer!
- Joanna Gaines – The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is a sweet, inspiring read for kids (and honestly for parents, too).
- Sandra Boynton – The queen of board books. Silly rhymes, goofy animals… 10/10 for keeping toddlers’ attention.
- Ross Collins– There’s a Bear on My Chair—witty, adorable, and fun to read aloud.
- Paul Covello– Canada 1-2-3 is a colourful counting adventure that makes learning numbers a joy.
- Usborne Books– A treasure trove of educational and engaging books for every stage.
- Sabrina Moyle– Bananas For You and ABC Dance are high-energy, joyful reads.
- The Berenstain Bears– Classic life lessons with a touch of nostalgia.
- Raffi– Beloved for his songs, but his picture books are equally charming.
- Robert Munsch– If you know, you know. Love You Forever… pass the tissues.
- Kallie George– Heartwarming stories that spark imagination.
- Patricia Hegarty– Known for lyrical, nature-themed picture books that feel like poetry.
Book Hack: BookOutlet.com is my go-to for discounted gems. Discount books = more books. Simple math.
Books for Moms (Parenting & Motherhood)
From pregnancy to toddler meltdowns to teenage eye rolls, these are the books that have shaped how I parent—and kept me sane in the process.
Motherhood & Mindset
- Jessica Ulrichs– Heartfelt words and encouragement for moms in the thick of it.
- Matt Haig– The Comfort Book is like a warm hug in paperback form.
- Ann Douglas– Canadian parenting guru, offering realistic, relatable advice.
- Emily Oster– Data-driven parenting without the judgment.
- Reshma Saujani– Empowering women to embrace imperfection (Brave, Not Perfect is a must).
- Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts– Honest and validating for postpartum mental health.
- Breathe, Mama, Breathe– Bite-sized mindfulness for busy moms.
Gentle & Connection-Based Parenting
- Pure Bliss – Madeline Sheppard
- Awfully Hilarious – Heather Hendrie (a reminder to laugh at the chaos)
- Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide – Rebecca Eanes
- Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids – Dr. Laura Markham
- Bounce Back Parenting – Alissa Marquess
- Good Inside – Dr. Becky Kennedy
Modern-Day Parenting Challenges
- The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic – Amy McCready
- Reset Your Child’s Brain – Dr. Victoria L. Dunckley
- Free to Learn – Dr. Peter Gray
- Free-Range Kids – Lenore Skenazy
- Fair Play – Eve Rodsky
Research-Based Parenting
- Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline – Dr. Becky A. Bailey
- Unselfie – Dr. Michele Borba
- The Yes Brain – Dr. Tina Payne Bryson & Dr. Daniel Siegel
- The Formula – Ronald F. Ferguson & Tatsha Robertson
- The Whole-Brain Child – Dr. Daniel Siegel & Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Habits & Life Skills
- Get the Behavior You Want… Without Being the Parent You Hate – Dr. Deborah Gilboa
- Teach Your Child to Fish – Holly D. Reid
- No More Mean Girls – Katie Hurley
- Mindful Games – Susan Kaiser Greenland
- 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do – Amy Morin
- The Ultimate Guide to Raising Teens and Tweens – Douglas Haddad
Favourite Parenting Podcasts
Perfect for folding laundry, driving, or hiding in the pantry with your coffee.
- Good Inside– Dr. Becky Kennedy answers big parenting questions in under 30 minutes.
- Janet Lansbury Unruffled– Respectful parenting wisdom with the most calming voice ever.
- Hand in Hand Parenting– Tools to decode tricky behaviours and strengthen connection.
- Talking to Teens– Expert interviews to help navigate those rollercoaster years.
- Family 360 Podcast – Thoughtful conversations about what makes families thrive.
- Life of Dad– Dads get real about fatherhood.
- 1000 Hours Outside– Inspiring families to swap screen time for green time.
But here’s the thing—We are not the type of mom who only listens to parenting content. I like a mix of voices that inspire me as a coach, a mom, and just a human figuring life out. For mom content, I love The Redefined Pod and anything from Arielle Houlihan.
On Instagram, I always find myself going back to @motherblue._, @mandsmania, @sophpapamama, @sophia_illich, and @natalieviall. My second cousin, @brookevanderkley, also runs an incredible account that I love following.
Outside the mom space, I keep up with The Viall Files with Nick Viall, plus Stassi from Vanderpump Rules and Amanda Batula from Summer House. And of courseAlex Cooper—definitely not a mom, but everything she puts out about confidence and boundaries feels relevant in every season of life.
Extra Resource We Love
- Alberta Healthy Parents, Healthy Children – Covers everything from pregnancy to age 5. Available online or in print.
If you read to your kids every day, their teachers will thank you. And if you read to yourself? Your sanity will thank you.