Happy Birth Day!

I had mixed feelings after reading this book. I liked the story line and how simple it was to follow and understand. I also liked that this book explains the first day of a baby's life and what actually happens. This book is told in a way where the mother is speaking to her newborn baby. This book would be beneficial for children who are going to be a big brother or sister and want to know more about the new baby. Parents also can read this to their children to prepare them for the new baby coming using the realistic pictures. The part I did not like about this book was how realistic the pictures are. I understand that it is imperative to have realistic illustrations to emphasize the feeling of what is happening. I do love the amazing show more artwork done by the illustrator, however, I feel as though these illustrations are a little too realistic and almost frightening. The illustration on the first page is a little scary even for me. The main point the author was trying to make is that the first moments after birth are magical and wonderful. show less

Summary:
This is the realistic story about a woman giving brith in a hospital. It describes the process of a woman going into labor and then giving birth, including such things and what an umbilical cord is and why it has to be snipped. It begins with a woman having contractions, and goes all the way to what babies are like when you take them home.

My Personal Reaction:
This book is a wonderful tool for both teachers and parents of young children to explain what childbirth is and what it is like. I enjoyed this book because it did not tell the infamous "stork" story, but rather made a point to inform children of the realities of childbirth, in an appropriate and child-friendly way. I would absolutely use this book in my classroom and home show more as a tool for teaching children a usedul world-knowledge.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Have students write about a time when a younger sibling or other relative came into their life? If this has never happened for them, write about what their parents say it was like when they came into the world, or came into their life any other way.
2. Have students create their own Birth Day story, and share with the class. show less

Summary: This book is a realistic tale about the day a baby is born. The story is about the birth of a baby and their first day in the world. The story talks about details from the umbilical cord being cut, to the first feeding, and the family visiting.

Personal Reflection: I enjoyed this book because I'm pregnant myself. it gave me a look into the day I'll get to have my daughter, and it gave me something to look forward to.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Have the kids go home and ask their parents about the day they were born, then have them write a story about it.
2. Have the students draw a picture of what they think they looked like when they were born.

This book is about the actual birth of a baby. It tells about the pushing, the cord, and how the baby is wet when it is born. Then it shows the "messy" baby. The book tells in detail how the baby is weighed, wiped off, measured and gets an ID bracelet. Then it tells about the events of the first day. For example, people take lots of pictures and give lots of kisses. There is a "birth" certificate in the front of the book for your child to fill out.

I liked this book. It was very accurate. I would probably not read this to a group of children. It is graphic (in a good way) and I do not want to have to explain childbirth to someone else's child. I would definately read this to my own children, though.

Possible Extensions:
1. I could have a show more birthday party for the baby in the book.
2. Make copies of the birth certificate and have each child fill them out.
3. Have the children write a story about the day they were born. They will probably need a little help from Mom or Dad. show less

I love this book it reminded me when I had my daughter. This is a good book to read to students when their birthday is being celebrated. I loved the illustrations in the book. The pictures are very real. As I read the book it felt like I was drawn back to having my daughter.

Summary:
In this book a mother tells her daughter about her first moments of life outside the womb. She tells of all the things her daughter was able to do from thumb sucking to breast feeding. The mother and father envelop their baby daughter in love and everyone celebrates her day of birth.

Personal Summary:
I enjoyed reading this book and looking at the pictures of the sweet baby girl. I think children will also enjoy seeing such detailed pictures of a newborn. I imagine this would be a very helpful book when parents want to answer a child's questions about birth. This book offers young children facts and reassurance.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Use this book as a tool to celebrate the lives of the students in your classroom. After show more reading this book have students bring their own baby pictures to class. Make a birthday bulletin board using student's baby pictures.
2. This book can be kept in the classroom and brought out to read when a student is going to have a new brother or sister. show less

This book is about a woman who gives birth to a baby. It talks about the process of what happens when the baby first arrives in the world. It also descibes how she and the family feel to have a new addition to the family.
I love how this book makes it seem as though giving birth is as easy as eating a piece of cake. It is an easy way to explain to children, how the came into the world.
Extension ideas: preparing for a new sibling. desribe process of newborns after birth.