Introduction: Health education is an important measure to reduce neonatal mortality. Pictorial representation is one of the effective means of health education. Objectives: To understand maternal perception of newborn care and recognition of danger signs presented pictorially as a parent guide. Method: Cross–sectional pictorial questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 mothers in 2 parts. Results: Fifty mothers were assessed in each part of survey. Most mothers were literate. Recognition and correct interpretation of pictures on Importance of hand washing, feeding only breast milk, dry cord care, immunization, common breast problems and important danger signs improved from 48 –68% (Pre explanation cohort) to 76–94% (post explanation cohort). Conclusion: Maternal Understanding and Perception of ‘Pictorial Parent Guide‘ On ‘Essential Care for Every Newborn‘ is better than average and can be further improved by health education.