A beautiful illustrated collection of art and musings that highlights the simple joys of caregiving from artist and social media star Riley Sheehey.

MODERN MOTHERHOOD:
Celebrating Quiet Moments of Love and Care
by Riley Sheehey
Abrams Image, March 2025

Multimedia artist Riley Sheehey brings together a charming collection of 100 illustrations of the sweet and often unobserved moments between children and their caregivers.

These aren’t the typical milestones we tend to capture in photos but rather the subtle moments of everyday life that make lasting memories like dancing in the kitchen, playing peek-a-boo, or a taking a sunny nap at the beach.

Originally inspired by Delft tiles, the 400+-year-old blue and white pottery from the Netherlands, Riley started sharing her illustrations on her Instagram account, resonating with thousands of mothers, nannies, teachers, and anyone who has experienced the joys of caring for little ones.

Simple, spare captions allow space for the reader to reflect on their own memories or anticipate experiences to come with their loved ones, and ultimately, pause and appreciate more of these moments as they’re happening.

Riley Sheehey is a watercolor and multimedia artist and textile designer. Before becoming an artist full-time in 2017, she taught elementary school art and developed a love for whimsical styles and playful details. Her artwork, which has been featured in Southern Living, Veranda, Victoria, and the Cottage Journal, reflects this childlike view of the world with fun color palettes and an attention to detail that evokes a viewer’s curiosity. While her work and new ventures are constantly evolving, she continues to prioritize incorporating personal elements in her art that connect the viewer with her practice. She lives in Falls Church, Virginia, with her husband, daughter, and dog.