Sex Education

When You Were Inside Mommy

Name: When You Were Inside Mommy
Author: Joanna Cole
ISBN: 9780688170431

by Joanna Cole, Maxie Chambliss

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Overview

Isn't it amazing that you were once inside Mommy?

With clear inviting text and lively illustrations, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss introduce young children to the concepts of pregnancy and childbirth—from the time they begin as one tiny cell to the joyful moment when their parents welcome them into the world.

Synopsis

It's exciting for children to learn about the days before they were born. With clear, inviting ext and lively illustrations, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss introduce young children to the concepts of pregnancy and childbirth—from the time babies begin as one tiny cell to the joyful moment when their parents welcome them into the world. Children will be fascinated to see how they grew inside their mother and learn what happened when they were born.

Publishers Weekly

When You Were Inside Mommy by Joanna Cole, illus. by Maxie Chambliss, also explains pregnancy and childbirth in language young children can understand and presents pertinent details in a matter-of-fact manner. Chambliss's palette in soft tones of pink, blue and lavender conveys the happiness of the expectant family and several detailed drawings of a developing fetus reveal some of the mystery. The small trim size makes the paper-over-board book comfortable for lap sharing while the "Note to Parents" in the back offers advice on talking to children. (Aug.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

About the Author, Joanna Cole

Joanna Cole is the author of the popular Magic School Bus series, I'm a Big Brother, I'm a Big Sister, and many other award-winning books. In Asking About Sex & Growing Up, she provides a reassuring blend of practical guidance and scientific fact for the audience that needs it most.

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Editorials

ALA Booklist

"The…benevolent portrayals of characters help create a reassuring tone that makes the books natural starting places for family discussions. "

ALA Booklist

“The…benevolent portrayals of characters help create a reassuring tone that makes the books natural starting places for family discussions. ”

Publishers Weekly

Children's Literature

Most kids are curious about where they came from or how they came to be. This book tells the story with correct terminology and tasteful illustrations. It is a wonderful choice to help explain the process of conception, development and birth and on a level that will be sufficient for most young children. The last spread provides tips to parents and it closes by urging them to take their child's questions seriously, but to keep the discussion light and warm. Great advice from Joanna Cole, the acclaimed author of the Magic School Bus series. 2001, HarperCollins, $5.95. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

School Library Journal

PreS-A meaningful and sensitive way to open up a dialogue about pregnancy and childbirth with preschoolers. Cole tells the facts in a straightforward, enthusiastic, but sensitive manner, addressing the child directly ("Once you were inside your mommy. Did you know that? It's true!"). The concepts covered are the most basic: babies grow in the womb from cells provided by the mother and father and are fed through a special tube. When the muscles of the womb start squeezing and the baby is ready to be born, the scene switches to the hospital, where the joy of the birth is the main focus. Chambliss's color illustrations match Cole's tone perfectly, and show a warm and loving family consisting of a mother, a father, and a baby who develops into a boy of about four. The happiness brought on by the infant's birth can even be seen on the faces of the doctors, their smiles visible through their surgical masks. Illustrations that depict the womb and the umbilical cord make the text easier to understand without being too graphic. An informative note to parents offers practical tips for answering children's questions with honesty and warmth.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.