Mommy Laid an Egg: Or, Where Do Babies Come From?

My kids and I love this book. It takes a potentially embarassing subject from lots of blushing, mumbling, and eyerolling, to something funny and open and natural. It's a good way to answer those first questions about the "birds and bees" without getting all clinical and serious. I first gave it to my children when they were around six or seven - when they were approaching their teens they still read it, every once in awhile, just because it's so darn cute and funny. And now that they are in their 20's, they still read it every once in awhile, just for nostalgia purposes. I'm glad it gave us an opportunity to talk about this stuff while they were still young and receptive - it has paved the way for us to continue to be open and show more communicate with one another as they have grown up. show less

Hilarious!! I saw this while browsing in my local bookstore, and thought it was so funny, I bought it even though my kids, at the time, were too young for it. Since then, they've grown into it and we have all enjoyed reading it many times. The illustrations are hysterical! Essentially, it tells the story of two young children who ask their mother and father where babies come from. The mom and dad go through every euphemistic version of “the stork brings ‘em” – including some I’d never heard of before. Mid-story, the children erupt into giggles, telling the parents, “No, that’s not how!” And then, they proceed to tell the parents how babies are REALLY made – warning, though, that the more uptight/prudish parents out show more there, may object to the illustrations of a daddy “planting seeds” in the mommy with a “tube,” while being suspended from a helium balloon or rolling on a skateboard. It is just this sense of the ridiculous, combined with a very factual, yet simplified, approach that makes this book so charming. No, the clinical names of body parts are not used, but I don’t care – this is still a darn cute book! show less

My jaw hit the floor when reading this book. I expected it to go the way the book was leading you to believe and all of a sudden it took a turn, a gigantic turn. I personally love this book and think it would be amazing for young children to read, getting the some-what science version of how babies are born without having the insanely awkward conversation first. This allows children the chance to come to you with questions that actually make sense, making an easier transition to understanding where babies come from. I don't know about whether this book could be read in a classroom full of young children or not, knowing some parents would not appreciate it, but parents should definitely own a copy of this book. I also think it's a funny show more way of saying children usually know way more than we give them credit for.

This book would be amazing for a high school sex education course. They would assume the book will be silly and then fall in love with it.

I also appreciate how the book doesn't necessarily define the act provided as "sex" but really as "reproduction" or "where babies come from". I would hope that children would ask about sex, giving you the opportunity for explaining how this sex is not the only sex, even leading into homosexual and other conversations. This will lead to less awkward moments later in life for most parents, such as "oh you're married? Where is your husband?" to a lesbian couple.. etc... show less

I bought this for my bookshop, thinking it would be a nice addition to my 'puberty' bookshelf. But on reading it, I realised that it might be a little too close to the bone for the parents of the intended audience of little ones. I think discussions and similes for orgasms come a little later in a child's development! As with all Babette Cole books, it is beautifully illustrated and the humour is as quirky, no - its quirkier, than ever. Highly recommended as a gift to parents of young children, just to watch the reactions on their faces when they glance through it!

A parody of the "birds and the bees" talk. Mom and Dad give many cute and clever ideas for where babies come from, (like under stones or from a tube), and the kids give the true answer, (in some provocative poses). Overall cute, and it may be a good way to tell kids about the truth about baby-making (the technical part at least).

Surprising and hilarious. The "Crayola Kama Sutra" halfway through the book is worth the price of admission all by itself.

This book was very surprising! In the beginning, the book seemed like parents explaining the birds and the bees in a pretend, fun way. This book took a twist, the children drew very visual, representative pictures. I think one great thing about this book is the accuracy and the scientific aspect of it, though I can understand why it is controversial. The "talk" is one that parents go about very carefully and in their own way. Though this book teaches things that are essential, it may not be the best option for everyone. I understand the controversy, but appreciate the message.