The Children’s Book Review | December 18, 2014
By Toni Olson; Illustrated by S. Marie Carlson
Age Range: 3-7
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: baby-love books (2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0985840303
What to expect: New Baby, Siblings, Family, Breastfeeding, Attachment Parenting
In Mama, Talk About Our New Baby, a young boy asks his mother: “Mama, what will it be like after the new baby is born?” Mama gently explains how things will be a little bit different and what life will be like with a new baby. Parents who choose to parent using the attachment parenting theory, will greatly appreciate author Toni Olson’s approach of guiding the young boy through the lifestyle changes that come along when a new baby is introduced into a family.
Mama’s approach toward her son is calm and respectful as she talks about the initial resting and recovery period and frequent nursing that takes place. She describes ways that her son will be able to feel included and nurtured while also telling him of ways he can connect with the baby with his own voice and empowers him with the thought of being a big helper. The illustrations of a diverse family of multiple backgrounds offer up a nice depiction of typical and practical new baby situations and will aid deeper conversations between parents and children that read this book together.
Mama, Talk About Our New Baby is a great parental tool that supports breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby wearing, and raising emotionally intelligent older siblings. The ultimate goal for older siblings to maintain a strong emotional bond with their emotionally available parents and understanding the changes a new baby brings is well fostered in this picture book for children ages 2 through 7.
Add this book to your collection: Mama, Talk About Our New Baby
About the Author
Toni Olson is a work-from-home mother to Presleigh, Max, and Delaney. All of her children were born at home; her first was an unexpected unassisted home birth and the other two were planned home water births. She is passionate about women being empowered by their birthing experiences and breastfeeding. Toni graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a BA in Women’s Studies. Along with doing some writing and photography, mothering three little ones keeps her very busy.
About the Illustrator
S. Marie Carlson grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, with a love of art and a love of pregnancy and birth. She has found a passion of creating things for children and will be publishing more books. S. Marie Carlson is working for her certification as a labor and birth doula. With her love of childbirth growing she founded Doula Connect, which is a community for doulas to connect with mothers in need of support during their unique births. To see more from S. Marie Carlson check out her art blog at www.smariecarlson.com.
Dedicated Reviews allow publishers, authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The author of “Mama, Talk About Our New Baby” paid for this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …