Soul Sustenance - Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?: Words of Wisdom, Wit, and Love

New York Times bestselling author and “America’s Favorite Grandma” Babs Costello introduces a fresh, heartwarming resource for families and children alike. Her first-ever picture book, “Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?: Words of Wisdom, Wit, and Love” (Zonderkidz™), is now available for preorder and will be released on April 7, 2026.

Written for children ages 4–8, the upcoming title reimagines familiar phrases such as “Don’t cry over spilled milk” and “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” infusing them with humor, empathy, and modern perspective. Costello, a former pre-school teacher and known to millions online as Brunch with Babs (BrunchwithBabs), blends playful rhymes with warmth and heart, creating a shared reading experience for children and adults that encourages emotional expression, self-acceptance, and kindness.

Through her signature warmth and humor, Costello invites readers of all ages to embrace the little things in life, discover that catching flies isn’t always the goal, and remember that unconditional love is timeless.

“We are thrilled to partner with Barbara Costello on her debut picture book” said Megan Dobson, VP and publisher for Zonderkidz. “Babs’ warmth, wisdom, and genuine care for families shines on every page, bringing a relatable and heartfelt voice that feels like home.”

“This book is a hug on every page,” says Costello. “I wanted to create something families can enjoy together, that’s fun to read aloud, full of heart, and a reminder that love and encouragement matter more than perfect advice.”

Costello has built a loyal following for her relatable, heartfelt, and humorous approach to life, family, and food. With “Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?,” fans and followers will find the same warmth, wit, and wisdom they’ve come to love, now beautifully captured in a playful, heartwarming picture book perfect for children and families to enjoy together.

About Barbara “Babs” Costello
Barbara Costello, known as Babs on social media, is a mother of four and grandmother of nine. Babs has taken the internet by storm with her warmth, enthusiasm, practical tips, and motherly wisdom, earning her the title of “the internet's favorite grandma.” The bestselling author of “Celebrate with Babs” and “Every Day with Babs,” she’s also a regular guest on Today, Good Morning America, and The Drew Barrymore Show, where she shares her household tips, tricks, hacks, and delicious recipes. A former teacher and preschool founder, she is also a wife to her loving husband, Mr. Babs.










About Zonderkidz™




Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative, and educational resources that reflect a Christian worldview and build up children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.