A UNICEF Collection

Mothers are universally regarded as the most influential characters in their children's lives, an influence that continues long beyond childhood. In this collection famous daughters and sons recall their own mothers, in prose and in verse, paying tribute to the strength of their love, remembering favourite childhood moments, and presenting characters as diverse in their personalities and interests as their more famous sons and daughters.

Among the 57 contributors are: novelists Frank McCourt, Maeve Binchy and Edna O'Brien, milliner Phillip Treacy and fashion designer John Rocha, Mo Mowlam, film director John Boorman, President Mary McAleese, Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, TV cook Darina Allen, Jean Kennedy Smith, actress Pauline McLynn (Mrs Doyle from Father Ted), Archbishop Robin Eames, Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, soccer supremo Mick McCarthy, comedian Graham Norton, international newspaper magnate A.J.F O'Reilly.

It is a funny, moving, inspiring, sometimes surprising book that will appeal to everyone.

Royalties go to UNICEF's Mother & Child Fund.