PreSchool-Grade 2—A straightforward, reassuring book aimed at children awaiting the arrival of a new baby in the family. Organized into logical sections—from babies' development in the womb to the hospital to what infants look like—the accessible text offers sound, comforting detail. A wonderful spread of "Your Basic Baby" points out everything from "wacky hair" to hospital bracelets. Several pages cover how infants fit into a family's life, explaining what they eat and do and how older siblings can interact with them. There are many self-affirming phrases like, "…you can be a big sister or big brother. That's important. Stand up, take a bow! Hooray for you!" The final page gives expectant parents tips on how to deal with potential sibling rivalry. The charming watercolor illustrations show all kinds of families caring for and getting to know their newcomers. Though many quality books on this subject are available, Danzig's offering will bring comfort to expectant parents and siblings alike.—
Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
While Danzig, an R.N. who has led sibling preparation classes for two decades, and Tilley \ (Growing Up: It's a Girl Thing) seek a spot on a very crowded bookshelf, their practical, straightforward approach merits a look. Focusing on day-to-day living with an infant, the text adopts an unfussy tone that subtly flatters readers as being sensible and mature (relatively speaking). "Babies are small and fragile and strong," writes Danzig. "Watch out for your ears and nose, and don't let your hair get too close." It's also notable that Danzig refers to the infant as "your baby," clearly signaling that the reader has a stake in all this, too. She reinforces the connection by referring readers frequently to their own babyhood: "Can you believe you had to learn to roll over?" Tilley's ink and watercolor cartoons are sunny and empathic in the Laura Cornell mode, and include plenty of visual jokes to encourage anxious kids-and their parents-to bond. Headings on most spreads make this volume eminently browsable-and therefore a handy family resource. --Publishers Weekly, Jan. 2009
Stop right here if you are looking for a perfect book to tell children about their new lit\ tle brother or sister. Done in a light-hearted but also matter-of-fact style, this book will answer all of the questions new big siblings have. The book ranges from what babies look like to what they eat to what they can do plus all of the hair pulling and stinky bottoms too. The mix of the sweet with the annoying will prepare children well.
Danzig's text is spot on, offering just the right amount of information and leaving nothing to a child's imagination. The tone is exactly right too, filled with humor but staying up front and informative. Tilley's illustrations add a friendly approachable feel to the information, keeping the book light rather than intimidating.
A great book for public libraries to have on hand to inform all of the new big brothers and sisters. This would also be a great gift for the new sibling when the pregnancy announcement is made. --Tasha Saecker, Children's Librarian, Director-Elisha D. Smith Public Library (Menasha, WI), Feb. 12, 2009
Becoming a big brother or sister is a very big deal in a child's life...try to think of a \ book that discusses infant development on a child friendly level...Well, thanks to Dianne Danzig, Babies Don't Eat Pizza fills in that gap nicely...This is a very sweet (but not saccharine-there's plenty of humor) and respectful book. Kudos to Danzig for noting that some mommies have an operation to get the baby out, and that some babies need to stay in an incubator if they are small or sick. The book empowers children in interaction with their new brother or sister...If you know of a soon-to-be big brother or big sister, get him/her this book. --Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Warrenton Branch of the Fauquier County Public Library System (VA), Feb. 27, 2009
Featured as "Parents' Press Pick": ...What do babies do? They sleep, they nurse, they have wacky hair - and so did you, Dianne Danzig explains in this charming, kid-friendly book for ages 3-8. Our resident sibling (Celia, age 3, big sister to Reuben, age 6 months) gave it two thumbs up. So do we. Practical tips for parents too. --Dixie Jordan, Editor/Publisher, Parents' Press (San Francisco Bay Area, CA), March 2009
