The Amazing True Story of How Babies are Made

by Fiona Katauskas

The new Australian go-to book for parents wanting help with THAT talk ...
It's one of the most amazing stories ever told - and it's true!

Funny, frank and embarrassment-free, THE AMAZING TRUE STORY OF HOW BABIES ARE MADE gives a fresh take on the incredible tale of where we all come from.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Parenting

48 pages, Hardcover

First published July 20, 2015

About the author

Australian cartoonist.

Reviews

[Amazing · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Cute pictures suitable for younger children, all the facts, for preteens.
I liked the no nonsense anatomy, and I really liked how it went beyond sex, through pregnancy and birth and babies.
My children are 7yrs (girl) and 10yrs (boy). There were giggles at the beginning, awe in the middle and interest at the end. I think it answers a lot of questions in a straight forward way (much better than "where did I come from"). In an age of media, this book tells it like it is, in a light hearted and very appropriate way.

[Emi Yoshida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive, straight-forward, little modern compendium of the facts of life by Australian journalist Fiona Katauskas recommended to children 6-9. Covers it all in a very normalizing manner: the clear message being that everybody (animals, all over the world, at different ages, same sex partners) makes babies (via intercourse and IVF, multiple babies and premature babies). Illustrations show baby's development and the birth process, both vaginal and caesarean; and also explain how the body changes through puberty and sexual development.

[Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for uni

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I asked around what a good age was for kids to read a book like this, to basically start learning about the birds and the bees. There wasn't a lot of consistency of friends' (or online) advice, so I plunged right in. Jack (nearing 6) and Lily (3.5) might not have been ready to hear this, and I'm not sure I was ready to read it to them, but I'm so glad I did. We posed for a few shocked/embarrassed photos as I started reading, but really, my wife was the main one cringing/giggling/embarrassed. The kids took in all in their stride, and because the book is so perfectly conceived, paced, drawn and written, they stayed engaged throughout. Jack, especially, was curious and interested. The 'sex' page with the drawings that caused my wife so much embarrassment was fine, the kids amused but not embarrassed, and genuinely interested. The fact the that page is only part of an entire book about the wonder of procreation and birth is part of that. I read this book to the kids twice. The second time, of that 'sex' page, Jack showed his understanding by asking 'so did you and Mummy do that?' I responded, 'yes of course, that's why you are Lily were born?' and he responded then, 'so can you do it two more times?'

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Short listed for the Children's Book Council of Australia awards 2016)
Great book for guided reading by parents or teachers.
From my point of view (Primary School library), I may not put it out for general access by the kids.... a couple of the pages may have a little too much illustrated information that might get commented on by some parents. Will handball that decision up the line.
Overall... the topic is well handled and a bonus for supporting THAT talk with the little ones.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm confused. This book was pretty well done and the illustrations were sweet. But who is it even FOR? What are level? It starts off like it's for a four-year-old but it runs through things at a pretty pre-teen level and I can't figure it out.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the 2 pages on sex a slight bit graphic but otherwise, good book with great illustrations and very thorough in explanation. I liked that the author included different ways of getting pregnant (IVF and Donor sperm) as well as both versions of birthing and breast/bottle.

[Xx M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ummm.... I would rate this book zero because it has stuff no kid wants to see until they're adults. BUT I highly recommend you reading this book if you want to have a dirty mind.

[gemsbooknook Geramie Kate Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The go- to book for parents wanting help with that talk…
Shortlisted for the 2016 Children’s Book Council Book of The Year Awards.
It’s one of the most amazing stories ever told — and it’s true!
Funny, frank and embarrassment-free, The Amazing Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made gives a fresh take on the incredible tale of where we all come from.’
This book was fantastic.
If you are planning on getting this book for your child or a child in your life; you should read it first. It goes into a lot of detail about puberty, anatomy, conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. Now if you have purchased this book you probably already know that but you may want to have a look through it before you show it to young readers in case there are parts of it you would prefer to skip, maybe depending on the age of your child.
Now as for the book itself, it is terrific. The information provided is factual and inclusive with an added layer of humour that lightens what could be an uncomfortable reading experience. As well as facts and information, this book is filled with amazing illustrations to help explain and entertain young readers.
Fiona Katauskas has done a fantastic job with this book. By using common sense and humour, she has delivered a book that is both sex-positive and inclusive. I don’t have children but if I did this book would definitely be a go-to for me when the time came to have the talk with my kids.
This book does exactly what it says it is going to do in a fun, intelligent, and interesting way. Parents who want to have the talk with their children in a way that isn’t difficult or embarrassing should definitely get themselves a copy of this book.

The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made by Fiona Katauskas is a must-have for all parents of young children.

Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com

[Benita Al-Samarrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made" by Fiona Katauskas is a transparent and honest family resource. It covers everything from bodies, eggs and sperm to IVF, adoption, and birth in a way that's informative, respectful, and even a little bit funny! The book uses scientific terms for body parts, includes labelled diagrams of private parts and fertilisation, discusses puberty and body changes, and even shows a picture of what childbirth looks like. It's a comprehensive guide to the miracle of life, but it's important to note that it's more suitable for older children due to its detailed and mature content. This book's bright, colourful illustrations are visually appealing and make the tricky topics feel approachable and engaging.

[Tatum Damman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is worth buying and storing away for the day you need to discuss the birds and the bees. I've never read a book that covers ALL aspects of baby making and I don't mean the gross cover your ears don't talk about that Mum kind of aspects. Regardless of how your baby is made there is a place in this book for you. Covering natural conception, IVF, donor sperm and egg pregnancies and surrogacy it truly allows for all types of conceptions. This is a game changer for children not conceived the conventional way. With an IVF baby myself, it'll made it a lot easier in the future to explain things.

[Kanga_Rue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this book, and highly recommend it to parents of children of all ages. It discusses bodies, different ways pregnancy and birth can happen, and doesn't dumb it down for children, yet keeps it in age appropriate language.

I wish it included a page on periods if an egg isn't fertilised, but otherwise a great book (the only reason this isn't a 5🌟 review).

I first read this to Pickle when he was 5yo; now 8yo he has corrected adults misuse of vulva and vagina. The #sexpositive mummy is so happy this book exists.

[Dominique Liongson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This b0ok makes me wish I read this first; way before my brother explained to me where babies come from. I agree it is funny, frank, and embarrassment-free. It beats the filth version that other people tell me and insist their versions are the facts of life. I recommend the adult-you to read this book first before you decide to share it to the children in your care.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, haven't read it to the kids yet but it's exactly what I am looking for to help answer their repetitive questions about how they got in my tummy, and to dispel some of the odd ideas they have about it. I love that sex is just one part of the book.

[Jodie Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. The kids were hilarious and giggled the whole way through. This is definitely one of the best books out there for kids and tweens to learn facts about their body, and the birds and the bees.

[Freddie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant resource.

[Sarah Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for uni, great resource but could’ve been a littleee more inclusive and diverse in its examples.

[black willy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great plot, But I think the story is a bit unrealistic.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS AMAZING HAD ME CRYING TEARS OF BEAUTY IT WAS SO GOOD HELP

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so I edited my review because it turns out I bought this just a bit too early. Now that my kids are later elementary schoolers this is perfect for discussion and my daughter is fascinated! It's one of her favorite books because she LOVES babies and biology.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute. It's going to be a big help when I sit the kids down for the 🐦 and 🐝 talk.

The kids liked the book a lot. They thought parts were gross (they are 11 and 7 and don't like the mushy stuff) but liked how a lot of questions were answered. Thanks!