I could linger long and hard over a lovely new book called Life with Mother by the Editors of Life Books (Life Books/Time Inc.), not just for its attractive pictures but for its inspiring collection of quotes that celebrate moms, kids, and families around the world. (Guys, hang in—a follow-up book is coming out soon called Life with Father).

    The book goes on sale in about a week, and if you're like me and already thinking ahead to May even as we're just about to start April (I love April, but Mother's Day is always my favorite day of the year), this makes a fine gift. Or something to enjoy any day, any time.

    Here, my 5 favorite quotes on motherhood from the pages of this book:

    1. "Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face." --George Eliot 

    2. "A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." --Sophia Loren

    3. "I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." --Abraham Lincoln

    4. "Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all." --Oliver Wendell Holmes

    5. "There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it." --Chinese proverb