A New Book
What I Learned from Mom
27 Celebrated Individuals on How Mother's Wisdom Shaped Their Lives
By Jeffrey D. Dunn and Sherrie Rollins Westin
About the Book
A Celebration of the Women Who Made Us Who We Are
In this heartwarming collection, twenty-seven remarkable people open up about the profound influence of their mothers. From lessons whispered at bedtime to hard-won wisdom shared over kitchen tables, these stories reveal how a mother's guidance ripples through generations, shaping leaders, creators, and changemakers.
Heartfelt Stories
Intimate, moving stories from 27 celebrated individuals about the mothers who shaped them.
Diverse Voices
World leaders, artists, athletes, and visionaries share universal truths about a mother's love.
Timeless Wisdom
Lessons on resilience, kindness, courage, and authenticity passed from generation to generation.
Meet the Authors
The Minds Behind the Book
Jeffrey D. Dunn
Jeffrey D. Dunn is a veteran media executive and former president and CEO of Sesame Workshop. With decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations, Jeffrey brings a deep understanding of storytelling and its power to connect people across generations. His passion for celebrating the bonds between parents and children inspired this collection.
Sherrie Rollins Westin
Sherrie Rollins Westin is President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, and a seasoned communications and media leader who has held senior positions at both Sesame Workshop and ABC News. A passionate advocate for children and families, she has led transformative initiatives that bring research-driven early learning to children in more than 190 countries. Recognized on Forbes’ “50 Over 50” list, Sherrie has spent her career amplifying voices that matter and believes deeply in the power of storytelling to change lives.
Praise
What People Are Saying
"A beautiful tribute to the unsung heroines in all of our lives. Every page is filled with warmth and wisdom."
— Praise for What I Learned from Mom
"These stories remind us that the greatest lessons aren't taught in classrooms — they're shared at kitchen tables, on long car rides, and in quiet moments of grace."
— Praise for What I Learned from Mom
"An extraordinary collection that celebrates the universal bond between mothers and their children. Moving, inspiring, and unforgettable."
— Praise for What I Learned from Mom
The Perfect Gift for Every Mom — and Everyone Who Loves One
Whether for Mother's Day, a birthday, or just because — this book is a beautiful reminder of the love and wisdom that shapes who we become.
Available in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats.