I received a copy of Mama’s Belly in exchange for my honest review.
I remember being pregnant with my second baby, and wanting to do as much as possible to prepare my firstborn for the arrival of her sister. “Mama’s Belly” is a lovely new book from Kate Hosford, illustrated by Abigail Halpin, that celebrates a new baby on the way.
As a curious little girl awaits the arrival of her baby sister, she asks Mama many questions: “Will she have freckles?” “Will I have to share my blanket?” She helps Mama and Dad prepare to meet her little sister, singing her songs and knitting her a new blanket. But the most important part of getting ready is taking care of Mama. An honest and gentle exploration of the excitement and anxiety kids feel when welcoming a new family member, Mama’s Belly is ultimately a celebration of motherly (and daughterly) love and a soothing story for older siblings that even with the spotlight on a new baby, there is always enough love for everyone. Kate Hosford is the author of many books for children, including Infinity and Me and Big Bouffant. (Abrams Books)
The book talks about bonding with the new baby before she is born, and I love how it inspires the little girl to plan how she is going to be a big sister and love her little sister. It even talks about how Mama is tired as her belly and the baby grows.
The illustrations are lovely, stretching across the pages to bring the story to life. The images are reminiscent of some of the books I read when I was a kid, and the images are lovely depictions of family spending time together.
What a great book to read as you prepare for a new baby!
“Mama’s Belly” by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Abigail Halpin is available April 17, 2018.
Young children have so many questions about things happening around them in life. This is a cute idea for them to help understand the arrival of a new brother or sister.