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Mama's Belly
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. When Mama can’t see her toes, she counts to make sure there’s still ten. When Mama’s tired, she draws her a picture and gives her hugs. 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.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 17, 2018
4 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hosford
12 books13 followersKate Hosford is the author of six picture books and two poetry collections, garnering awards such as an American Library Association Notable Book, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. Her books have been published in eight languages. She is a graduate of Amherst College and Vermont College of Fine Arts where she earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Her most recent picture book, YOU'LL ALWAYS BE MY CHICKADEE was published by Chronicle in April, 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 28, 2019
A little girl anticipates the birth of her new baby sister in this lovely, heartfelt story about getting a new addition to the family, helping her mother, in the meantime, with some of the little things that are difficult during pregnancy. Whether it's counting her toes for her, because she can no longer see them, or playing quietly because she is tired, the girl demonstrates through her loving actions to Mama that she will make a very good older sister indeed...
Pairing a gentle, insightful story by author Kate Hosford with gorgeously vibrant artwork from illustrator Abigail Halpin, Mama's Belly is one of the best "new sibling" picture-books that I have seen in some while! Unlike so many other stories in this vein, there is no unhappiness here, no suggestion that the older sibling might have mixed feelings about the new arrival. There's nothing wrong with such feelings of course - they're perfectly natural, and there are many books addressing them - but it's nice to see something a little more positive as well. In this sense, Mama's Belly reminded me of Little Big Girl by Claire Keane, which also features a little girl who welcomes the family's new arrival wholeheartedly, with no angst. I appreciated the sensitivity that Hosford displayed, through her narrative, to the fact that sometimes when Mama is pregnant, there are things she cannot do, like provide a lap, or play all the time. Sometimes pregnant mamas are tired or grouchy! The accompanying artwork by Halpin, who also illustrated Finding Wild and Fort-Building Time (both of which I enjoyed), is absolutely lovely, depicting a devoted mixed-race family who enjoy spending time together in a variety of locales. Highly recommended, to anyone looking for new "new sibling" books, as well as to fans of Halpin's artwork!
Pairing a gentle, insightful story by author Kate Hosford with gorgeously vibrant artwork from illustrator Abigail Halpin, Mama's Belly is one of the best "new sibling" picture-books that I have seen in some while! Unlike so many other stories in this vein, there is no unhappiness here, no suggestion that the older sibling might have mixed feelings about the new arrival. There's nothing wrong with such feelings of course - they're perfectly natural, and there are many books addressing them - but it's nice to see something a little more positive as well. In this sense, Mama's Belly reminded me of Little Big Girl by Claire Keane, which also features a little girl who welcomes the family's new arrival wholeheartedly, with no angst. I appreciated the sensitivity that Hosford displayed, through her narrative, to the fact that sometimes when Mama is pregnant, there are things she cannot do, like provide a lap, or play all the time. Sometimes pregnant mamas are tired or grouchy! The accompanying artwork by Halpin, who also illustrated Finding Wild and Fort-Building Time (both of which I enjoyed), is absolutely lovely, depicting a devoted mixed-race family who enjoy spending time together in a variety of locales. Highly recommended, to anyone looking for new "new sibling" books, as well as to fans of Halpin's artwork!
May 13, 2018
A great story that really highlights the truths about pregnancy in a way that kids can understand. When a new baby comes into the house there is going to be some anxiety, for both the parents and the sibling. Mom will also have some struggles that are perfectly explained in this beautiful story. There is no easy way to explain the changes that will occur within the home and to Mama, so books are a great tool in doing just that. This book showcases all the ways a baby enhances the family and ensures the sibling that is certainly enough love to go around. A darling story with a sing song tone and illustration that are just gorgeous.
April 29, 2021
This book was so beautiful and well written. It gives children a beautiful sense of what it means to have a sibling and Emmy loved it too
March 26, 2018
*This book was provided via a representative of the author for an honest review.*
Oh, I loved this book! The illustrations are gorgeous and the story itself is one that reminded me so much of what it was like when we were expecting our second child. My child had so many of the same questions and experiences and I wish this book would have been around to share with her during that time.
If you are adding a child to your family then this book would be a fantastic one to read with the older sibling(s).
Oh, I loved this book! The illustrations are gorgeous and the story itself is one that reminded me so much of what it was like when we were expecting our second child. My child had so many of the same questions and experiences and I wish this book would have been around to share with her during that time.
If you are adding a child to your family then this book would be a fantastic one to read with the older sibling(s).
April 20, 2018
I have cried too many times on the library floor to know better than to attempt to read new baby books like this in public ...but I am weak! The charming pictures drew me in and I already loved the family from the start and I couldn't help myself - I had to read it right away. Good thing I know about water proof mascara and the subtle art of quietly blowing your nose.
April 20, 2023
How cute. When big-sister-to-be -- the book's narrator --realizes that Mama can't see her toes, how helpful! The narrator counts 'em for mother's benefit and, fortunately arrives at the correct total.
Look, I've only had one child. What if, during a second pregnancy, my older child had been walking-and-talking around like that narrator? If she were following me around, asking questions and offering help, what would I have done?
I'm crystal clear about that.
Pregnancy was a unique experience, especially the last two months. Spiritually, it felt graced. Physically, it felt like being a beached whale. Most notably, what did I notice? Sometimes I'd drop things on the floor, being less coordinated than usual. Every time, I'd pause and ask myself, "Will I try to pick this up now? Or just not bother?"
Every time, my answer was the same. Not in the direction of "Good Housekeeping," I assure you: I never bothered. A helpful narrator-type kid sure could have come in handy for pick-ups.
NOW THAT I'M NO LONGER PREGO AND CRABBY
Of course I'll give this sweet picture book FIVE STARS. The tone and dialog are pitch perfect; even to this reader who no longer feels like a beached whale, it's all very comforting. My favorite part to reveal -- not a spoiler, of course -- is the "magic energy machine."
Look, I've only had one child. What if, during a second pregnancy, my older child had been walking-and-talking around like that narrator? If she were following me around, asking questions and offering help, what would I have done?
I'm crystal clear about that.
Pregnancy was a unique experience, especially the last two months. Spiritually, it felt graced. Physically, it felt like being a beached whale. Most notably, what did I notice? Sometimes I'd drop things on the floor, being less coordinated than usual. Every time, I'd pause and ask myself, "Will I try to pick this up now? Or just not bother?"
Every time, my answer was the same. Not in the direction of "Good Housekeeping," I assure you: I never bothered. A helpful narrator-type kid sure could have come in handy for pick-ups.
NOW THAT I'M NO LONGER PREGO AND CRABBY
Of course I'll give this sweet picture book FIVE STARS. The tone and dialog are pitch perfect; even to this reader who no longer feels like a beached whale, it's all very comforting. My favorite part to reveal -- not a spoiler, of course -- is the "magic energy machine."
April 24, 2024
Jane and I read this book on this lovely day as we are awaiting her little sister Alice to be born. This was a very cute book about an expecting mother. The little girl who s excited to be a big sister.
August 10, 2023
Very sweet read
January 13, 2025
This was really sweet. Beautiful illustrations and pride talking about the baby growing inside Mama. Isn't that amazing? We women are able to grow life inside us! I loved the ending picture.
April 22, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Mama’s Belly, written by Kate Hosford and illustrated by Abigail Halpin, a vibrantly-colored, yet quiet and touching, look at a little girl as her family prepares for a new baby.
The unnamed young protagonist knows her baby sister is on the way – she can see the swell of her Mama’s belly like a rising sea. And she has a number of questions about the new arrival: Will her sister know her, when she arrives? Will she have freckles like her? Will the girl have to share her beloved blanket with the baby? And lastly, will her parents have enough love for her and the baby to share? Her patient parents answer each question, and the little girl helps to care for her Mama and prepare for the baby. Finally, the girl cuddles against her mother, stretching arms wide around her belly, so that she can hug her mother and the new baby all at once.
Gentle, warm, and simply lovely. There’s a sincere and almost meditative quality in which the narrative of the family’s day unfolds, inviting the reader into the mind of the curious, and perhaps a bit anxious, big-sister-to-be. Then, as her parents comfort her with reassuring and encouraging words, the soothing text and vivid, inviting illustrations wrap around the reader like a cozy blanket. The art is just beautiful, bringing the audience into a comfy house bursting with color in rich, warm tones. The multi-ethnic family is a nice choice, the length is great, and JJ loved it. A wonderful way to help prepare little readers for new siblings, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
May 12, 2018
A very special thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing Mama’s Belly with Beagles and Books. All opinions are my own.
There is no doubt that a new sibling can cause feelings of both excitement and apprehension. Mama’s Belly tells the tender story of an inquisitive young girl who poses a variety of questions to her parents about her sister’s arrival. The questions start simple. “Does my sister know me already? “Will my sister have freckles?” Mama explains that the baby already knows her sister’s voice. While the baby will not be born with freckles, her father thinks yes, perhaps after a few summers by the lake have passed.
As the young girl asks questions, Halpin’s gorgeous illustrations not only depict her excitement in the present but also the girl’s visualizations of helping her baby sister learn to swim and take a bath in the future. All of Halpin’s paintings warmly show how the girl’s parents have included her in preparing for her sister’s arrival.
Clutching her blanket, the questions turn more personal. “When my sister comes, do I have to share my blanket?” ‘Will your lap ever come back?” Mama assures the girl that her blanket will always be hers and suggests making another one together for her baby sister. As for her lap, Mama tells her daughter it will return after her sister is born.
The young girl saves her most important question until the end. “When my sister comes will you still have enough love for both of us? Gently holding her daughter’s face in her hands, Mama lovingly looks at her and says “More than the all the stars in the sky.”
For any child preparing for a new sibling, Mama’s Belly is the perfect gift. As a teacher, I also look forward to sharing Mama’s Belly with students. Hosford has written a beautiful and touching story to remind us that a parent’s heart expands with each child, and there is always room to love everyone.
There is no doubt that a new sibling can cause feelings of both excitement and apprehension. Mama’s Belly tells the tender story of an inquisitive young girl who poses a variety of questions to her parents about her sister’s arrival. The questions start simple. “Does my sister know me already? “Will my sister have freckles?” Mama explains that the baby already knows her sister’s voice. While the baby will not be born with freckles, her father thinks yes, perhaps after a few summers by the lake have passed.
As the young girl asks questions, Halpin’s gorgeous illustrations not only depict her excitement in the present but also the girl’s visualizations of helping her baby sister learn to swim and take a bath in the future. All of Halpin’s paintings warmly show how the girl’s parents have included her in preparing for her sister’s arrival.
Clutching her blanket, the questions turn more personal. “When my sister comes, do I have to share my blanket?” ‘Will your lap ever come back?” Mama assures the girl that her blanket will always be hers and suggests making another one together for her baby sister. As for her lap, Mama tells her daughter it will return after her sister is born.
The young girl saves her most important question until the end. “When my sister comes will you still have enough love for both of us? Gently holding her daughter’s face in her hands, Mama lovingly looks at her and says “More than the all the stars in the sky.”
For any child preparing for a new sibling, Mama’s Belly is the perfect gift. As a teacher, I also look forward to sharing Mama’s Belly with students. Hosford has written a beautiful and touching story to remind us that a parent’s heart expands with each child, and there is always room to love everyone.
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October 5, 2022I relate so much to this book right now because I am pregnant with a little girl and my son is 6 eagerly waiting for his baby sister. It's a great book to show how a mother can make room for another little one to love, while still making her first born feel special and involved.
January 12, 2019
This charming picture book tells the story of a family's journey through Mama's pregnancy. The family includes a sweet preschooler who is thrilled that she will soon have a baby sister.
I love that Mama's Belly addresses both the joy and the anxiety of becoming a big brother or sister, and does it in such a sweet and heartfelt way. I especially liked that not only did the story describe the excitement the family feels as they approach the big day, but it also describes the realistic side of a pregnancy. It tells us that sometimes Mama is too tired to play, sometimes she is grumpy and sometimes she no longer has a lap for little sister to crawl into. It also shares some of little sister's concerns when she wonders if she will need to share her favorite blanket with her sister and when she asks her mama, "when my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?" However, the majority of the story shows the joy that the little girls feels as she anticipates becoming a big sister and sharing the world with her.
Kate Hosford's story is even more poignant due to the warm and colorful illustrations by Abigail Halpin. Her pictures bring little sister's expressions alive for us. I loved her eyes on every single page. She expresses so much emotion just by the tilt of her head or the slant of an eye. I would definitely like to have one of Halpin's paintings hanging in my home! Be sure to peak beneath the cover of Mama's Belly and you'll find this hidden gem!
I love that Mama's Belly addresses both the joy and the anxiety of becoming a big brother or sister, and does it in such a sweet and heartfelt way. I especially liked that not only did the story describe the excitement the family feels as they approach the big day, but it also describes the realistic side of a pregnancy. It tells us that sometimes Mama is too tired to play, sometimes she is grumpy and sometimes she no longer has a lap for little sister to crawl into. It also shares some of little sister's concerns when she wonders if she will need to share her favorite blanket with her sister and when she asks her mama, "when my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?" However, the majority of the story shows the joy that the little girls feels as she anticipates becoming a big sister and sharing the world with her.
Kate Hosford's story is even more poignant due to the warm and colorful illustrations by Abigail Halpin. Her pictures bring little sister's expressions alive for us. I loved her eyes on every single page. She expresses so much emotion just by the tilt of her head or the slant of an eye. I would definitely like to have one of Halpin's paintings hanging in my home! Be sure to peak beneath the cover of Mama's Belly and you'll find this hidden gem!
June 26, 2018
Waiting for a new baby to arrive can be an unsettling time for an older sibling, who may feel uncertain about what a new baby means to the family. Will her parents still have time to play? Will she have to share her favorite things? Will her mom and dad still love her?
Mama’s Belly, a picture book by Kate Hosford with pictures by Abigail Halpin addresses the happy anticipation as well as the worries in a way that can help parents talk about them with their child. It begins with a girl talking about the tangible change she can see: “Mama has a belly rising up, like a wave. Inside is my sister, waiting to meet me.”
The girl sings to the baby inside and she wonders if her sister will look like her. She also tries to help when her mom’s back hurts and she is too tired to play with her.
At bedtime, when worries are easier to talk about, she asks, “When my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?” It’s a common concern for children about to become older siblings. Reading the mom’s response, “More than all the stars in the sky,” can help moms reassure their own little ones.
Abigail Halpin’s illustrations are full of color and flowing lines, painting peaceful scenes that are reassuring in their own way.
Mama’s Belly makes a great gift for expecting parents. It can be read and appreciated throughout a pregnancy as well as after a new baby’s arrival.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Mama’s Belly, a picture book by Kate Hosford with pictures by Abigail Halpin addresses the happy anticipation as well as the worries in a way that can help parents talk about them with their child. It begins with a girl talking about the tangible change she can see: “Mama has a belly rising up, like a wave. Inside is my sister, waiting to meet me.”
The girl sings to the baby inside and she wonders if her sister will look like her. She also tries to help when her mom’s back hurts and she is too tired to play with her.
At bedtime, when worries are easier to talk about, she asks, “When my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?” It’s a common concern for children about to become older siblings. Reading the mom’s response, “More than all the stars in the sky,” can help moms reassure their own little ones.
Abigail Halpin’s illustrations are full of color and flowing lines, painting peaceful scenes that are reassuring in their own way.
Mama’s Belly makes a great gift for expecting parents. It can be read and appreciated throughout a pregnancy as well as after a new baby’s arrival.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 8, 2018
Perfect for gifting and reading this Mother's Day weekend, MAMA'S BELLY shares the curiosity, love, and apprehension of a young girl awaiting the birth of her baby sister. As the older sister hugs, talks, and sings to her mama's belly, she also wonders what her baby sister will be like. Ultimately, she wonders whether mama will have enough love to go around for both of them. Mama assures her sweet daughter that she will be a wonderful sister and she has more than enough love for both of them.
I found this story to be so sweet and it reminded me of being pregnant when our boys were three and four. They were very curious about my growing belly, the movement the baby made, and what their sister would look like. This would have been a wonderful book to read to them and answer their questions and help them be excited about their sister's arrival.
The illustrations are gorgeous. The colors offer a calming feel to quell the anxiety your child may have about the upcoming baby. The story offers ways to interact with the baby still in mama's belly as well as ways to prepare for the birth by making a blanket so that sister doesn't have to share hers.
This book celebrates motherhood, sibling love, and the joy of creating a family. If you have someone in your life expecting a baby, this would be a wonderful gift to give.
I found this story to be so sweet and it reminded me of being pregnant when our boys were three and four. They were very curious about my growing belly, the movement the baby made, and what their sister would look like. This would have been a wonderful book to read to them and answer their questions and help them be excited about their sister's arrival.
The illustrations are gorgeous. The colors offer a calming feel to quell the anxiety your child may have about the upcoming baby. The story offers ways to interact with the baby still in mama's belly as well as ways to prepare for the birth by making a blanket so that sister doesn't have to share hers.
This book celebrates motherhood, sibling love, and the joy of creating a family. If you have someone in your life expecting a baby, this would be a wonderful gift to give.
February 24, 2019
A young, soon-to-be-older sister is both excited and curious about the little sister in her mama's belly, as what child wouldn't be. While she sings to the baby, she wonders if her sister knows her yet, or if she will have freckles. When her baby sister cries, big sister will rub her back to calm her, and give her a bath when she needs it. But when she worriedly asks if she will have to share her blanket with the baby, mama suggests they make a new one for baby. As mama's pregnancy moves along, the real question finally gets asked "When my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?" A new baby always changes the dynamics in a family, during pregnancy and after the baby is born. Hosford has created a lovely, warm inclusive environment in which to address this change for any child about to become a new sister or brother. It's not unusual for a little jealousy or selfishness to rear up and that is dealt with so well in this story, making this an ideal book for that reason. All of my young readers have younger siblings, and even though none of them can remember what it was like before their siblings were born, but they still liked this story and we will keep it on our bookshelves just in case.
July 26, 2018
Mama's Belly is a children's picture book written by Kate Hosford and illustrated by Abigail Halpin, which focus on a curious little girl as she awaits the arrival of her baby sister.
Hosford's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and filled with childish innocence. The inquisitive nature of the little girl asks poignant questions about her expecting baby sister and all the promises she's going to be for being a big sister. Halpin's illustrations are simply wonderful and depict and enhanced the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It's about a very inquisitive girl asking her expecting mother about her baby sister and how life would be with her coming soon. It is an honest and gentle exploration of a new family member and is ultimately a celebration of motherly love. It is also a love story of an older sibling to a younger one and despite having a spotlight on the upcoming child, there is more than enough love for everyone else.
All in all, Mama's Belly is wonderful children's book depicting the arrival of a new family member and while things may change – love is not one of them.
Hosford's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and filled with childish innocence. The inquisitive nature of the little girl asks poignant questions about her expecting baby sister and all the promises she's going to be for being a big sister. Halpin's illustrations are simply wonderful and depict and enhanced the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It's about a very inquisitive girl asking her expecting mother about her baby sister and how life would be with her coming soon. It is an honest and gentle exploration of a new family member and is ultimately a celebration of motherly love. It is also a love story of an older sibling to a younger one and despite having a spotlight on the upcoming child, there is more than enough love for everyone else.
All in all, Mama's Belly is wonderful children's book depicting the arrival of a new family member and while things may change – love is not one of them.
May 8, 2018
A young girl is with her family and soon she will have a sister. She has a growing love for the baby to come but wonders what she will be like. She hugs her moms belly and asks her sister when she is coming out. She listens to the belly and only hears the heartbeat of her mom. The young girl also notices how her sister is making her mom feel tired and sometimes grumpy. The young girl wonders how her families’ lives will be different once the baby sister arrives. Will her mom and dad have enough love to go around?
Author Kate Hosford along with illustrator Abigail Halpin have created a story that expresses curiosity, family unity and sibling love. Young readers will be enlightened and relate to the character especially if they are getting ready to welcome a new addition to the family. Vibrant illustrations and easy to read sentences make this a great first read for any beginner. Parents will love this guide to help introduce siblings and help encourage a warm and loving environment for all. Teachers can use this as a tool to open up discussions regarding family.
Author Kate Hosford along with illustrator Abigail Halpin have created a story that expresses curiosity, family unity and sibling love. Young readers will be enlightened and relate to the character especially if they are getting ready to welcome a new addition to the family. Vibrant illustrations and easy to read sentences make this a great first read for any beginner. Parents will love this guide to help introduce siblings and help encourage a warm and loving environment for all. Teachers can use this as a tool to open up discussions regarding family.
November 27, 2018
Mama's Belly by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Abigail Halpin. PICTURE BOOK. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2018. $17. 9781419728419.
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL(K-3), GIFT - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A young girl anxiously awaits the birth of her baby sister. She talks to her mama's belly, and asks questions about what it will be like to have a baby in their family. She is especially interested to know if her mama will love her just the same, and learns there is enough love for all of them.
This is an excellent book to prepare children for the coming of a new baby into the home. Its ridiculously heartwarming and charming in the tone of its text and illustrations. I do think the book will generally appeal more to girls, and perhaps the hope is to really market it to the mothers-to-be more than even the kids. In any case, I love it. I think this would also be a great selection to gift to anyone expecting their second or third child.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL(K-3), GIFT - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A young girl anxiously awaits the birth of her baby sister. She talks to her mama's belly, and asks questions about what it will be like to have a baby in their family. She is especially interested to know if her mama will love her just the same, and learns there is enough love for all of them.
This is an excellent book to prepare children for the coming of a new baby into the home. Its ridiculously heartwarming and charming in the tone of its text and illustrations. I do think the book will generally appeal more to girls, and perhaps the hope is to really market it to the mothers-to-be more than even the kids. In any case, I love it. I think this would also be a great selection to gift to anyone expecting their second or third child.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 12, 2020
Mama's belly covers the many questions soon to be older siblings may have about their incoming siblings. This may not be the best book for a classroom, but has teachable moments to young children about becoming an older sibling. If I had to use it in a classroom, I would have students list their questions about their younger siblings (if they have one). I would then discuss these questions with the students, pulling excerpts and answers from the book.
The illustrations in this book are bright, colorful, and detailed. On certain pages, however, there is no background and only the figures of the little girl and her parents surrounded by certain objects (pictures, blanket and bed, reading chair, etc.) This visual element takes the focus away from the setting and surroundings and focuses on the family and their relationship with the little girl.
The illustrations in this book are bright, colorful, and detailed. On certain pages, however, there is no background and only the figures of the little girl and her parents surrounded by certain objects (pictures, blanket and bed, reading chair, etc.) This visual element takes the focus away from the setting and surroundings and focuses on the family and their relationship with the little girl.
July 24, 2018
This book is perfect for introducing a young child to a baby on the way. The illustrations in this book are just gorgeous. The text is simple and accessible, for reading to children as young as 2 or 3. The story helps children deal with the questions that naturally come up as they consider the reality of no longer being an only child, such as, "When my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?" I love how this book also deals with common issues that arise for pregnant mothers who already have a child, such as not having enough energy to play or enough room on her lap for the older child to sit. A lovely approach to helping children understand what it means to soon become an older sibling.
May 9, 2018
When it comes to picture books about new babies, this is one of the most beautiful books I've read. The illustrations are stunning.
A mixed race family is preparing for the baby that's in mama's belly. Unlike most books on this topic, this book doesn't focus on feelings of jealousy or frustration. It's all about love and family.
The baby never makes an appearance in this story. It's more about the anticipation, hopes, and dreams of the family members for the unborn child.
It's a celebration of life, love, and family.
Like I said, beautiful.
Source: Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.
A mixed race family is preparing for the baby that's in mama's belly. Unlike most books on this topic, this book doesn't focus on feelings of jealousy or frustration. It's all about love and family.
The baby never makes an appearance in this story. It's more about the anticipation, hopes, and dreams of the family members for the unborn child.
It's a celebration of life, love, and family.
Like I said, beautiful.
Source: Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.
June 5, 2018
When a baby brother or sister is on the way, it is an exciting time in a family. This warm, sweet picture book looks at a mother's growing belly through the eyes of a little girl who is excited, but a little apprehensive about the changes that are taking place. The little girl has all sorts of questions for her mother, is glad to be able to help, but at the same time is a little sad that her mother's growing belly means that there's no room on her lap to cuddle her. This would be a terrific book to share with kids who are getting ready to welcome new siblings into the family.
August 14, 2019
This book is gorgeous. The text is as calm and peaceful as the illustrations. There are quilts and afghans throughout and that cozy feeling carries through. This book focuses on the positives and negatives of both the physical and and emotional journey of pregnancy in a family. And the acknowledgement page has a photo of the new baby, but I love that the story’s arc focuses entirely on the pregnancy, saving all the new baby stuff for another picture book. I love characters of color, I do not love the constant unnecessary gendering.
April 22, 2018
Mama's Belly was an adorable story of a family preparing for a new arrival. Mama's belly is growing and it becomes increasingly more difficult for her to do her regular tasks. The metaphors used throughout the book made you feel each and every page. The illustrations were beautiful and brought you even further into the story.
This is a wonderful gift book for a family waiting for a new little one.
This is a wonderful gift book for a family waiting for a new little one.
July 26, 2018
Good text for children's storytime about babies/expecting a sibling.
A girl asks many questions of her mother during her pregnancy. She anticipates her little sister's arrival, wondering what she will be like and how her mother is changing.
Great for sibling or new baby preschool storytime.
Illustrations satisfactory, , but not outstanding, stylistically different enough that I found it a bit distracting on some pages.
A girl asks many questions of her mother during her pregnancy. She anticipates her little sister's arrival, wondering what she will be like and how her mother is changing.
Great for sibling or new baby preschool storytime.
Illustrations satisfactory, , but not outstanding, stylistically different enough that I found it a bit distracting on some pages.
September 20, 2018
A little girl anticipates the arrival of her new baby sister.
This is a very gentle story told in poetic language with rich soothing illustrations. It captures both the excitement and the apprehension of an older child experiencing the arrival of a new sibling. This book was be a reassuring story share with a child to prepare him/her for a new addition to the family.
I liked that the family featured in the book was ethnically mixed as well as how both children were girls.
This is a very gentle story told in poetic language with rich soothing illustrations. It captures both the excitement and the apprehension of an older child experiencing the arrival of a new sibling. This book was be a reassuring story share with a child to prepare him/her for a new addition to the family.
I liked that the family featured in the book was ethnically mixed as well as how both children were girls.
September 12, 2018
Ahhh! This is my favorite new baby book! It almost made me cry. The stunning illustrations illustrate the day-to-day life of this girl and her mom as they prepare for a new baby. The pictures make them look like real people, and I love the positive approach this book takes to being an older sibling. I'm in love with this book!
January 19, 2020
I might like this one, but it is not one of my granddaughter's favourites. I will try it a few more times. Perhaps she will take to it more as the time for her new baby sister to arrive gets nearer. The story took me back to when I was pregnant with my second child. Abigail Halpin's art is gorgeous.
January 29, 2021
This is a delightful story of a young girl awaiting her baby sister in Mama’s belly. Maine illustrator, Abigail Halpin’s bright, cheerful illustration show the happy family walking and resting, making a new blanket, reading, snuggling and preparing for the imminent arrival of the already loved new baby sister.
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