📖 Overview
"My Mom's Having a Baby" follows Elizabeth, a young girl whose mother is expecting a child. The story tracks her experience through her mother's nine-month pregnancy journey, from initial doctor visits to the arrival of her new sibling.
This children's book addresses pregnancy, childbirth, and human reproduction through straightforward explanations and illustrations. The narrative includes medical information about pregnancy and anatomically accurate descriptions of how babies are conceived, making it a resource for children with questions about these topics.
The book generated significant controversy upon its 2005 release and was banned in multiple states. It ranked as the fourth most censored book in the United States in 2011, with objections focusing on its anatomical illustrations and direct discussion of human reproduction.
This work stands as an example of educational children's literature that attempts to address complex biological topics without simplification or euphemism. Its frank approach to reproduction and family expansion represents a departure from traditional children's literature about new siblings.
👀 Reviews
Parents and educators have conflicting views on this children's book about pregnancy and childbirth. The book averages 3.8/5 stars on Goodreads and 3.5/5 on Amazon.
Readers appreciated:
- Clear, scientifically accurate explanations
- Month-by-month pregnancy progression
- Child-friendly illustrations
- Inclusion of basic reproductive biology
Common criticisms:
- Too explicit details about conception for young children
- Illustrations of nude bodies and birthing positions
- Discussion of sexual intercourse that some found inappropriate for target age group
Multiple reviewers on Amazon noted the book prompted unexpected conversations about sex with children aged 4-7. A librarian reviewer mentioned the book works better for older elementary students or as a parent-guided resource rather than independent reading. Several homeschool parents praised its educational value while recommending preview by adults first.
The book frequently appears on both "recommended pregnancy books for kids" lists and "challenged/banned books" lists at schools and libraries.
📚 Similar books
It's Not the Stork by Robie H. Harris
This book explains human reproduction, birth, and bodies through straightforward text and illustrations for young children.
What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg The book presents conception, pregnancy, and birth in language that includes all family structures and paths to parenthood.
Hello Baby by Lizzy Rockwell A child watches their mother's pregnancy progress and learns about fetal development through medical facts and anatomical drawings.
How You Were Born by Joanna Cole Photographs and text follow the nine months of pregnancy and birth process from a medical perspective.
A Baby Sister for Frances by Russell Hoban Frances the badger experiences her mother's pregnancy and the arrival of a new sibling, mirroring common childhood emotions about family changes.
What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg The book presents conception, pregnancy, and birth in language that includes all family structures and paths to parenthood.
Hello Baby by Lizzy Rockwell A child watches their mother's pregnancy progress and learns about fetal development through medical facts and anatomical drawings.
How You Were Born by Joanna Cole Photographs and text follow the nine months of pregnancy and birth process from a medical perspective.
A Baby Sister for Frances by Russell Hoban Frances the badger experiences her mother's pregnancy and the arrival of a new sibling, mirroring common childhood emotions about family changes.
🤔 Interesting facts
⭐ The author, Dori Hillestad Butler, has written over 50 books for children and young adults, including the popular "The Buddy Files" mystery series.
🌟 The book received the Science Books & Films Prize for Excellence in Science Books from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
💫 Despite some controversy over its content, the book remained one of the most frequently recommended resources for parents preparing children for a new sibling in the early 2000s.
⭐ Illustrator Carol Thompson has illustrated over 60 children's books and won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award for her work.
🌟 The book uses actual medical terminology rather than "baby talk," following expert recommendations that children should learn correct anatomical terms from an early age.