America’s Favorite Grandma Babs Costello Celebrates New York Times Bestseller Debut of Picture Book “Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?”

HEARTWARMING, HUMOR-INFUSED GUIDE TO MODERN WISDOM AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE DEBUTS AT NO. 4 IN CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS FOLLOWING APRIL 7 RELEASE.

Grand Rapids, MI –New York Times bestselling author and “America’s Favorite Grandma” Babs Costello celebrates a major milestone as her debut picture book, Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?: Words of Wisdom, Wit, and Love (Zonderkidz™), officially debuted at No. 4 on the New York Times “Children’s Picture Books” Bestseller list following its April 7 release. The book’s successful launch was supported by a national media tour, with Costello appearing on Good Morning America, TODAY, and The Tamron Hall Show, among other outlets, where she shared the book’s core message that children’s feelings deserve to be seen, heard, and valued.

Written for children ages 4–8, the breakout 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 a modern perspective. Costello, a former preschool teacher known to millions online as Brunch with Babs (BrunchwithBabs), blends playful rhymes with warmth and heart, creating a shared reading experience that encourages emotional expression, self-acceptance, and kindness.

“We are thrilled to see Babs’ debut picture book resonate so strongly with readers and earn a place on the New York Times Bestseller list” said Megan Dobson, VP and publisher for Zonderkidz. “Her warmth, wisdom, and genuine care for children and their families shines on every page, offering 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 new readers alike are embracing the same warmth, wit, and wisdom they’ve come to love, 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.