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Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Review and Giveaway of Mama's Belly by Kate Hosford and Abigail Halpin

Mama's Belly 
by Kate Hosford 
Illustrated by Abigail Halpin
Expected Publication April 17, 2018. 
Abrahms Books for Young Readers
32 pages
Fiction-Picture Book
Review copy provided by publisher and Blue Slip Media


Goodreads Summary
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.

My Thoughts
Oh the sweetness! The little girl watches her Mama's belly as her little sister's arrival gets closer and closer. The story addresses many of the worries that older siblings may be having about becoming a big brother or sister. Will they need to share things? Will mom and dad have enough love for both? 
The book also gives a real portrayal of the end of a pregnancy by showing the mom achy, (slightly) grumpy and tired.  This shows children that those things are all typical and temporary. 
I really loved how the text was organized into bite-sized pieces, 1-2 sentences at a time. The illustrations are colorful and a bit on the darker side with a variety of interesting layouts. 

I would highly recommend this book for any family expecting a second (or third, fourth...) child. It's great book to have in classrooms for students who are becoming big siblings. It is also available with plenty of time to get for Mother's Day. 

Check out the book trailer.

About the Author
Kate Hosford is the author of several picture books, including Infinity and Me, which was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book award and was named an ALA Notable Children's Book. Her books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, French, and Romanian. Kate lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. To learn more, visit her website: khosford.com.
Twitter: @khosford_author
Instagram: @katelhosford

About the Illustrator
Abigail Halpin is the illustrator of many books for children, including Finding Wild. She lives in southern Maine. Visit her on the web at theodesign.com or on Instagram: @abigailhalpin

The Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of MAMA’S BELLY, courtesy of Abrams Kids (U.S. addresses).Special thanks to Abrahms Books and Blue Slip Media for organizing and sponsoring this giveaway!

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