Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans

by Sheinelle Jones

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the beloved Today show host Sheinelle Jones comes an inspiring collection of heartfelt life-lessons from hard working moms who raised some of our favorite celebrities.

When Sheinelle Jones launched “Through Mom’s Eyes,” a recurring Today show segment interviewing celebrities’ mothers about raising successful kids, she had an ulterior motive—she wanted to bring all their wisdom to bear on raising her own three children. So she asked Lin-Manuel Miranda’s mom about staying present with kids while balancing a demanding career, talked with Lady Gaga’s mom about how to recognize bullying, and got tips from Steph Curry’s mom on making sure even future NBA royalty does his chores. She has since interviewed dozens of remarkable women and gathered a candid, warm, and insightful collection of valuable lessons about life, love, and parenthood.

Now in her first book, Through Mom’s Eyes, Sheinelle is ready to share even more of those life-changing secrets with the world. Combining insights from celebrity mothers with her own journey through modern parenting, Sheinelle reveals how to make it through the hard parts of motherhood and still tap into the joys of it with empathy, generosity, and solidarity. Through Mom’s Eyes is a beautiful celebration of those who are the guiding light for their loved ones—mothers.

Featuring advice from the moms
Lady Gaga * Kevin Durant * Matthew McConaughey * Venus and Serena Williams * Lin-Manuel Miranda * Steph Curry * Padma Lakshmi * Tyra Banks * Donnie and Mark Wahlberg * Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski * Jessica and Ashlee Simpson * Shaquille O’Neal * Brandon Maxwell * The Jonas Brothers * Thomas Rhett

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Audiobook, Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 4 out of 5]

💕

An easy read that is not only for moms, but for those who are looking to start a family. But also, there’s so much wisdom and knowledge sprinkled throughout this book. There’s something for everyone.

[Kim Quain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Sheinelle Jones and could not wait to read her book . First off the cover was gorgeous. And I really enjoyed reading the stories from Moms about their famous children’s childhoods. If I have to pick a favorite it might have to be Shaq’s Mom but all were inspiring. All the women had a common theme, love your child, see your child, support your child and allow help from others -it takes a village. Being a Mom is the best and most difficult job in the world. You feel it all- you are only happiest as your unhappiest child.

[Amy Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, especially the interviews with the moms of the different celebrities. I didn’t love how she went back-and-forth between the interview and her own experiences. At times, it felt a little choppy, but overall still a good read..

[Jackie Denarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart warming Collection of stories about motherhood

[Dawn Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Each chapter is mothering advice from interviews she conducted with famous people’s mothers intertwined with her own discoveries about motherhood.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read! Important parenting tales & lessons

[Mary Radford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet book with great stories from many mothers of successful children. I was a bit confused at first as the author wove her story throughout the chapters along with the mothers' stories and I wasn't sure whose story was being told.

[Allison Michels · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never know what legacy you’ll have, maybe it’s the one you’re raising!

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting based on the title. Sure there were snippets of interviews with “celebrity” moms. But for each piece of “advice” offered by the moms, Sheinelle turned into a story about her and her children. I was expecting to hear more from the celebrity moms and maybe hear from some moms of celebrities that are popular now rather than the past.

[Ariana Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the celebrities seem a bit outdated since this is from her years of tv interviews.

[Melissa Lamp · Rating 2.25 out of 5]

Well, this was a struggle to actually finish. Although there was great advice from multiple mothers it was often difficult to tell who was being featured....the selected mom or the author. Some sections were better than others, but sadly one section literally took multiple paragraphs to learn about the offered advice from the featured parent.
A simple solution would have been for the author to use a different font when she was telling her own stories and thoughts. Even better....add her thoughts and relatable experiences at the end of each chapter. Mrs. Jones could have even waited until the very end and compiled her favorite bits of advice or saved all her life experiences for a second book....a memoir.

[Samantha Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone close to me recommended I read this book.

It was a good listen. I am glad I did not purchase the physical book.

Some of it was solid advice but there were parts that I was not too interested in hearing about. Parts that I felt were not relatable in the slightest bit as a “new mom”.

Overall, just okay.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting, encouraging collection of mothering/parenthood advice from the mothers of some celebrities sprinkled in with bits of the author's own experiences as a working mother of three. I thought this was equally inspiring and hopeful and had some real, practical advice. Both entertaining and useful and good on audio too. Definitely worth a read or listen!

[Kendelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good. I wrote down a ton of quotes and advice that struck me at the time!

[Denise Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mom wisdom. We’re all just trying to figure it out, but we all want What’s best for our child.

[Bonnie Sitaras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy read and real, heartwarming advice from other (famous) moms! I wish I could have read this when my kids were little and the struggle was real.

[Madeline]

I’m a sucker for anything Jenna and Sheinelle do so I had to listen to this one! Especially liked hearing about Jessica Simpson’s mom and Jonas brother’s mom.

[Pattie Babbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lovely! Great job Sheinelle! The simple wisdom is sometimes the most important lesson of all.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every insightful piece of this book and her audio and dialogue was fabulous!

[Kimball Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet memoir by a young mom who gets the thoughts on motherhood from the mothers of famous offspring while goi g through the dark days of loosing her husband to brain cancer. It is full of great stories and thoughtful advise for mothering and just being human.

[Gina Jacques · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with different Mother’s perspectives & insight! It is great to read for Mothers of all ages & so fitting to finish it the day before Mother’s Day. A lot of inspirational parts had a lot of meaning for me. I highly recommend this feel good book of Wisdom from mothers who raised extraordinary humans!

[Mary Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Tribute To Mothers!
Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of Through Mom’s Eyes by Sheinelle Jones in exchange for a honest review.I have been a big fan of Sheinelle’s from her time on Philadelphia’s morning news to her time now on Today and the Jenna and Sheinelle. She has always been a quiet, calming voice of strength even through the loss of her husband so I was definitely looking forward to reading her new book.Through a series of interviews with the mothers of famous sports figures such as Shaquille O’Neal’s mom , famous actors’ moms such as Matthew McConaughey’s mom and famous singers ‘ moms such as The Jonas Brothers’ mom, the reader gains insight into how these moms were able to help their children succeed in their given field.In each chapter entry Sheinelle ties in personal experiences from her own life that corresponds to what the famous mom is discussing.Between each chapter she offers personal antedotes from many of her fellow cohosts.This is a perfect book to buy for the mother in your life for Mother’s Day.This is a very personal moving tribute to all the great mothers out there.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although there were some good takeaways/advice from famous people's moms, I thought it was annoying how a good majority of the book was about the author herself.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheinelle Jones from the Today Show was inspired to write “Through Moms Eyes” when she did a series about motherhood and interviewed mothers of famous actors, singers, athletes, etc. She learned so much from them, so she decided to create a book about motherhood and parenting. Therefore, she could share their wisdom in more detail and talk about her own experiences with motherhood.

Motherhood is not perfect and has its ups and downs. Each mother defines who they are and how they raise their children. These were all themes with each mother sharing their wisdom.

A wonderful book that is fascinating to read! It’s an uplifting and inspiring book. I loved how Sheinelle Jones included “Mama Said” at the beginning of each chapter! It’s a book that is perfect for your nightstand as you can read it cover to cover or just read a chapter that speaks to you at the moment! A great book to gift to fellow mothers and moms-to-be!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Elizabeth Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories in this book (each from a different celebrity mother) feel like warm conversations—real, relatable, and filled with wisdom. Whether you’re a mom yourself or just love stories about family, this book reminds us that behind every mom is a journey of strength, grace, and endless love. It’s a perfect blend of vulnerability and encouragement that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels. 💕

As a mother currently in the trenches with a young toddler and newborn- this is the exact book I needed!

💬 “Motherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.”

Thank you to NetGalley for the e arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Deidre Ferris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book didn’t hold my interest, though I enjoy Sheinelle’s perspectives on life when I see clips of her from her morning show. And she is a pleasant narrator. Maybe if I’d read it when I was a young mom I would’ve enjoyed it. I did like the concept of speaking with mom’s of recognizable people and stories of triumph.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

THROUGH MOM"S EYES
BY: SHEINELLE JONES

"RAISE YOUR WORDS, NOT YOUR VOICE.
FLOWERS GROW BETTER IN RAIN THAN THUNDER."---RUMI

I am simply in the wrong demographic for this book which really didn't teach me anything that I already didn't know. My kids are in their twenties and while to be fair to the Author I read this from start to finish I've thought that this would be a great gift to those expecting mothers or mothers who have much younger children. The Audible version would be another inspirational way to help mothers with much younger children, so I'll keep this in mind to buy for a gift.






































THROUGH MOM'S EYES
BY: SHEINELLE JONES

"RAISE YOUR WORDS, NOT YOUR VOICE.
FLOWERS GROW BETTER IN RAIN, THAN FROM THUNDER." RUMI

This would make an amazing gift to mothers who have young children or just had a baby, or are expecting one. I loved the sections at the end that say "Mama Said." I am the wrong demographic for this because even though I read it from start to finish, it really didn't tell me anything that I already didn't know. My children are grown and in their twenties, and I already knew most of what I read, actually all of it. I can see it as helping Mothers whose kids are much younger, and inexperienced with stressful lives of kids that are looking for tips, and it would also make a great listen to expecting mothers wanting to prepare, or learn from Celebrity Mothers who have tips to pass on to mothers who haven't already faced the issues brought up which I admire the author's efforts, there was just not anything I didn't already know, but as I said for mothers to be, or for those of us looking to gift this it was inspiring.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheinelle Jones, a host from the "Today" show, interviews the mother's of many noteworthy celebrities (from Lady Gaga to Padma Lakshmi to Mark Wahlberg and more) and pulls in her own experiences as a mother to pass on words of wisdom to the reader. It really felt like a friend retelling the interviews to you while you both sat down with a cup of coffee.

I particularly loved that when I finished reading this novel I did not feel overwhelmed or ashamed about what I have done (or not done) as a mother, but instead I felt empowered and reassured that I am doing what is best for my family. Many parenting books push certain ideas or opinions that make you feel bad for disagreeing with, but this book does not do that. I would highly recommend any mom, but especially a mom of little ones, to read this.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons publishing and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[TL Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5? This was a weird one for me. First, to be fair, I am not the target audience. I don't like the Today Show (or shows like it), I am not a mother, and I'm not a big celebrity follower. That said, I do like uplifting and heartwarming segments and fun stories, and I was expecting more of that here. This is really not the simple wisdom from mother's so much as the author's thoughts on the interviews (ones she did over the years I would assume) of other mothers. Her story is predominant in each of the chapters over the top of the mom being discussed. It's pretty well written and that's ok, but you aren't getting a story of the mom and kid, which is what I was thinking it would be. It's really her memoir but with an occasional quote or reference to a mom she interviewed over the years (many are pretty dated as far as fame goes but so am I, so that was fine). A mix of results as far as each chapter in terms of interest, but all were at least ok.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept is solid, the stories are interesting enough in their own right and perspective, but over all it leaves something wanting. The author mixes her own thoughts and experiences into the stories told and tries to relate how she is going to put the lessons she's gleaned into practice. In a lot of ways this is a book you'll lean into and take what you want from if you read it in the right mindset. Parts are relatable, parts are not. It's not a "one size fits all" read. I think it would have been a lot more helpful to have the story chapters followed by a set of workshop questions or recapped takeaway prompts to work out how you could journal out how these lessons could fit and work into your own experiences. It's supposed to be inclusive, it's supposed to be advice, given with grace, but it's written from a point of privilege and mother's interviewed are reflecting on motherhood rather than in the trenches of actively mothering.