What’s that in Mommy’s belly? From the earliest questions kids may have about pregnancy to topics like surrogacy and changing routines when the baby comes, all are approached through an age-appropriate lens in these books.
Note: Books that touch on the birds and the bees are marked with a star next to them.
Preschool
“How You Came To Be” *
by Carole Gerber
This love letter written from birth parent to child invites readers to experience a baby’s month-by-month development in the womb as compared to familiar fruits and vegetables. Simple, age-appropriate facts are woven into a tender and lyrical text that celebrates the miracle of a baby.
“It’s Hard To Be A Baby”
by Cheryl B. Klein
While adults assume life as a baby is easy, a young child sympathizes with babies and recognizes that life as a baby is harder than it seems.
“Mama Lou’s Belly”
by Marie-Francine Hébert
“In this illustrated picture book, everybody is guessing what’s in Mama Lou’s belly. The bird thinks it could be a cat, the cat thinks it might be a mouse and the sister thinks it could be a doll. But only the baby knows who they truly are!” — Provided by publisher: Orca Book Publishers
“Mama’s Fruit Belly = Mā Ma De Shuí Guŏ Dù”
by Katrina Liu
Experience the wonders and joy of pregnancy and new sibling anticipation through the eyes of a little girl in this adorable story.
Early Elementary
“The Blue Canoe”
by Sheryl McFarlane
A mother and daughter spend the day on the lake, admiring the local flora and fauna and considering the way their paddling routine might change when a new baby arrives.
“You’re a Good Swimmer” *
by Christopher Rivas
Dive into the journey of life with a captivating picture book that answers the age-old question: Where do babies come from?
Upper Elementary
“It’s So Amazing!: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, Gender, and Families” *
by Robie H. Harris
This book uses bird and bee cartoon characters to present straightforward explanations of topics related to sexual development, love, reproduction, adoption and more.
“Making a Baby” *
by Rachel Greener
Young readers can find out exactly what is needed to grow a baby, from introducing the basic building blocks of life such as sperm and eggs to explaining the different ways that these building blocks can be put together to create a family.
Middle School
“Saint Ivy: Kind At All Costs”
by Laurie Morrison
Ivy is 100% supportive when her mom decides to be a gestational surrogate, carrying and giving birth to her friends’ baby. But when Ivy finds out the surrogacy treatment worked and her mom is pregnant, she’s shocked that she’s jealous and worried about what others will think.
High School
“Prom Babies”
by Kekla Magoon
This book chronicles the stories of three teen girls who become pregnant on prom night. Eighteen years later, their three babies, now high school seniors, are headed to prom.
“Roads to Family: All the Ways We Come To Be” *
by Rachel HS Ginocchio
This book provides readers with a roadmap of the many routes prospective parents can take to bring children into their lives.
