Module 15: My Mom’s Having a Baby by Dori Butler, Illustrated by Carol Thompson

My Mom’s Having a Baby by Dori Butler is a non-fiction look at baby from conception through birth.

Summary

This is an informational book that gives children a look at sexual reproduction and the beginning of life.  With illustrations that show the growth of a baby from conception to birth, the text gives an honest account of the miracle of life. Scientific terminology is mixed in with kid-friendly comparisons such as a comparison of the baby being the size of a little girl’s tooth.

Impressions

This is an accessible way to approach a sensitive topic for parents who would like to discuss this with their children.  I think that many parents will appreciate the candor and discretion that is used.  For those who may want to leave out the parts concerning sexual reproduction, the pages covering that can be easily skipped without affecting the rest of the content or diminishing the value of the material about the development of a baby.  This could be a great asset to parents who are not sure of how to approach this topic, but would like to, or who are already fielding questions from a curious little one.

Professional Reviews

Numerous books are avialable to prepare soon-to-be siblings for the changes that come with the arrival of a new baby in the house. Butler’s goes one better by candidly and thoughtfully responding to the question many such books ignore, “How did that baby get there?” Joyous, splashy watercolors establish the warmth of a close-knit family and introduce narrator Elizabeth, about five, a bundle of energy. Her delight and curiosity spill across the pages as she explains that her mother “has a baby growing inside her” and describes what she learns about the pregnancy and her developing sib. In between, Mom talks to her aobu how “our baby got inside,” allowing Elizabeth to relay what she learns abou everything from fertilization (correct terms are usually used) to “the liquid that shoots out of a man’s penis.” The art is somewhat more demure than the text (lovemaking is hidden under blankets), but labeled cutaways show adults sexual organs and the developing fetus, Mom huffing and puffing during labor, and newborn Michael smiling at the world in all his naked glory. The disconnection between the picture-book format and the informational content may be problematic for some, and certainly an adult must be around to answer the inevitable questions this book will provoke, such as, “Is breaking water like having to pee?” In the end, though, the affectionate family dynamics and Elizabeth’s ingenuous, enthusiasitic narration beautifully sustain the child-centric view.

Zvirin, 2005

Library Uses

Expecting parents could bring their young children for an interactive storytime where we use dolls as a substitute for the new baby and practice how to hold and be gentle with the baby. Parents will interact to answer their child’s questions one on one after the story is read.

References

Butler, D., & Thompson, C. (2005). My mom's having a baby! Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman 
     &  Co.

Zvirin, S. (2005). My mom’s having a baby. Booklist, 101(15), 1358.