It covers all the basics of the mum species – from their different names around the world to the many ways to be one – along with a breakdown of the special likes, dislikes and natural habitats of different ‘types’ (like Chatty, Sporty and Zen). As the title suggests, this book is positive with a capital P. Milli is all about choice and helping mums to look beyond the way birth is shown on TV and think about what they want... what they really, really want. She has a great way of taking the thing we're all scared of ( labour) and turning it into something to be excited about. Inspiring stuff. 9. Dare to Dream: My Struggle to Become a Mum, by Izzy Judd Big emotions can be overwhelming for small people as anyone who has dealt with toddler tantrums or stroppy three-nagers knows. But this clever book by acclaimed author Polly Dunbar offers a simple way to help them find some calm. From fixing vacuum cleaners and knitting spacesuits to do wheelies on bikes and telling the best stories, there are many reasons why mums are fantastic. Following on from her brilliant Gas & Air blog, midwife Clemmie shares her knowledge about pregnancy and birth with humour and honesty. This handy week-by-week guide to pregnancy includes stories about her own three pregnancies as well as relatable anecdotes from friends and readers. 3. Hurrah for Gin: A Book for Perfectly Imperfect Parents, by Katie Kirby

When Sarah, Percy and Bill wake up to find their Owl Mother gone, the trio are anxious for her to return. They ponder over where she might be and fret amongst themselves until a happy reunion ensues.

3. Hurrah for Gin: A Book for Perfectly Imperfect Parents, by Katie Kirby

If, like us, you’ve fallen head over bump for Giovanna while watching her weekly vlogs, then you’ll love her first non-fiction book. It’s a moving account of her journey through motherhood, from struggling with PCOS to the present day, written with her trademark warmth and positivity. 2. How to Grow a Baby and Push it Out, by Clemmie Hooper Being a mum sometimes feels like working for the most ungrateful boss with never-ending demands, no holidays and terrible pay. While we adore our children, some days the word “Mum” could be interchanged for “Servant” (or “Mug”), especially since the pandemic hit and disproportionately impacted on our mental and physical demands in the home.

This board books takes the spirit of Dahl’s work and way with words, paring it with some of Blake’s illustrations for a phizz-whizzing celebration of all mothers do. This witty but tender ‘spotter’s guide’ to mums is perfect for slightly older kids, and a great way to open up discussions about how much mums do if you are feeling under appreciated. While Jools is now a mum-of-five, her book about her first pregnancy is a down-to-earth account that many first-time mums will relate to. She writes openly about facing the unfamiliar emotions and physical changes that pregnancy brings about. 6. The Mother Book, by Molly Gunn (Selfish Mother) Mums are so many wonderful things and this novelty book takes the characteristics of the cast of Little Misses to show just how brilliant they truly are. Reading in pregnancy is a great way to relax and prepare yourself for the arrival of your little one. It's also the last time you're likely to have much 'me-time' for a while, so we recommend you make the most of it.

9. Dare to Dream: My Struggle to Become a Mum, by Izzy Judd

Sarah's hilarious book about motherhood follows the huge success of her 'Unmumsy Mum' blog. Refreshingly honest it will have you weeping with laughter and prepare you for parenthood's less glamorous truths. 5. Minus Nine to One: The Diary of an Honest Mum, by Jools Oliver Here are some unmissable reads for mums-to-be as recommended by the team here at Tommy's. 1. Happy Mum, Happy Baby, by Giovanna Fletcher Who wouldn’t want to grow up to be just like Mummy? She’s practical, creative and adventurous – but totally down to Earth in this story too. All customers and recipients should ensure they have read the product information carefully, especially if a recipient has any allergies. There’s a wry humour to this story about a boy testing out his theory that his mum has superpowers and X-ray vision, with a clever twist that takes the reader by surprise.