Lessons From My Favorite Fictional Moms

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Have you noticed that some of the most beloved characters in kid’s literature have been separated from their moms due to tragic circumstances? Harry Potter. The Penderwicks, The Pevensie Kids.

Do you ever get the sense that children’s authors like getting rid of the moms early on in their stories so the kids can freely embark on adventures for the sake of a great storyline? 

It begs the question: does the presence of a loving mother hinder a child (albeit a fictional child) from living out amazing stories? 

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love such stories! But what about the excellent children’s literature that features amazing and present mothers?

My Favorite Fictional Moms

There are plenty of great moms in fiction. Today I’m paying my respects to three of my favorites. Read on to get to know them and the lessons they’ve taught me.

Mrs. Rabbit in the Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Oh, Mrs. Rabbit! Early in the story, we learn that she has lost her husband to a tragic accident in Mr. McGregor’s garden. She is a single mom raising her four bunnies: Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter. Can I just stop here and say she’s doing an AMAZING job raising those rabbits on her own?! 

In the story, before running an errand, she grants her “kids” permission to venture out into the nearby fields with only one stipulation. They must NOT go into Mr. McGregor’s garden, lest they suffer the same tragic fate of their late father. Despite her wise instruction, Peter, of course, ignores her warning and steals veggies in Mr. McGregor’s garden. He is spotted by our antagonist and is nearly caught and killed. Thankfully he survives, but returns home naked, exhausted, and sick. Mrs. Rabbit graciously receives him home and nurses him back to health as he suffers the natural consequences of his folly.  

Mrs. Rabbit has taught me that we can do our best to teach and guide our children but ultimately they make their own choices. Mrs. Rabbit couldn’t control Peter, but she did what she could and didn’t fret about the things she couldn’t control.

Mrs. Arable in Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

Mrs. Arable is mother to Fern, who raised Wilber the pig from the time he was a runt on the family farm. Once Wilber grows too large for Fern to keep as her pet, he is taken in by Mr. Zuckerman to live in his barn. Fern is still deeply attached to Wilber, so she spends all her free time at the Zuckerman farm. Wilber’s new farm friends, and Charlotte, the grey spider, become Fern’s friends! She speaks with them, keeps up with all the barnyard happenings, and happily reports them back to her family at home. 

Mrs. Arable becomes deeply concerned that her daughter would rather spend time with barn animals than with children her own age. She is also convinced Fern is making up all the stories about the animals speaking with her and finds this deeply disturbing. Unable to quiet her growing concerns for her daughter, Mrs. Arable goes to the family doctor for advice. 

When the doctor is content to believe Fern is telling the truth and rules out any other possible health concerns, Mrs. Arable lays her fears to rest and allows Fern to be herself and keep pursuing her friendship with the farm animals.

Mrs. Arable teaches me there is no shame in seeking the help of an expert when we have concerns for our children’s health and well-being. She also helps me remember to take a deep breath and let go of my fears when I realize things are not perhaps as bad as I thought.

Dorothy Quimby in The Ramona Collection by Beverly Cleary

Dorothy Quimby is mom to Beezus, Ramona, and Roberta. I love her because she’s your every day, relatable mom! This collection of stories centers on Ramona and her relationships with her siblings, neighbors, classmates, and teachers from the time she is four-years-old until her 4th-grade year. 

It doesn’t take long to see how full Dorothy’s hands are! Ramona is inquisitive, independent, full of determination, and oh so lovable! Throughout the series, the Quimby family experiences everyday stresses like sibling rivalry and school classroom drama. They also face financial struggles when Mr. Quimby loses his job and makes a big career change.

My all-time favorite depiction of Dorothy is in Chapter Four of Beezus and Ramona. Four-year-old Ramona has been sitting in the cellar of the Quimby house next to a large crate of apples. Beezus is horrified to discover her sister has been taking apples from the crate, one by one, and eating just ONE bite from each before tossing them onto a growing pile on the floor. Beezus indignantly reports the situation to their mother, expecting her to exact justice by punishing Ramona for being so naughty. But Dorothy, wisely realizes that Ramona is just being a four-year-old who is likely seeking attention.  She chooses to help Beezus settle down, and then she takes those apples, washes, cuts and peels them and makes a big batch of applesauce!

Dorothy Quimby teaches me that moms are human! We get exhausted, we wear lots of hats, we’re not perfect but we’re doing the best with what we’ve got! And when motherhood gives you a pile of apples with a single bite missing from each, it’s time to take a deep breath and make applesauce.

Do you have a favorite fictional mom from kid’s literature?  Tell me about her and what she has taught you in the comments!

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