Baby, Come Out! [Hardcover]

Fran Manushkin (Author), Ronald Himler (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

Baby is quite content living in the belly of her Mom and does not want to come out, until Daddy thinks of things that will entice her out -- lots of love and kisses!

WINNER-Dutch Silver Pencil Award

Editorial Reviews

Review

Love and kisses conquer all in this quirky, wise, and utterly original tale. The precocious heroine, a baby who is reluctant to be born, needs plenty of coaxing in order to leave the comfortable womb, but she eventually finds family life to be an even cozier delight. This hilarious inside-the-womb view of childbirth is a timeless reminder that newborn babies need [the love of their family] more than ... anything else! --Parenting Magazine

From the Publisher

A great story for families who are expecting!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Star Bright Books; 2nd Printing edition (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887734716
• ISBN-13: 978-1887734714
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 0.4 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I come from a family of six, in Chicago and after I came to New York worked as children's book editor at Harper & Row. It was Charlotte Zoltow at Harpers who encouraged me to write, and I'm so glad that she did You can reach me at www.franmanushkin.com. My web site has many photos and sketches from my books as well as detailed information about school visits.You can also see two short animations for THE SHIVERS IN THE FRIDGE.
I am co-chair of PEN American Center's Children's Book Committee. PEN fights for freedom of expression and I'm so proud to be a part of it.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gentle approach regarding the impending birth of a sibling, February 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Baby, Come Out! (Paperback)

This tiny, gentle book, featuring exquisite pen-and-ink drawings, tells the story of Mrs. Tracy who is expecting "Baby." (The reader is treated to a view of baby in-utero; but relax..."Baby" is drawn whimsically as a mobile infant, without graphic detail or visible sexual organs.) "Baby" and the members of her family are able to speak to and hear each other. One day Mrs. Tracy tells Baby that the world is lovely and how much Baby will enjoy it, once born. Astonished at the idea, Baby announces that she will certainly NOT be coming out. Panic ensues in the tracy household. Each of the family members comes to speak to Baby and offer her a reward for deciding to be born; a ride in the car, a shiny nickel, a bananna cake. But to no avail. Finally, Mr. Tracy arrives home from work and gives everyone kisses. When Baby asks what's going on, Mr. Tracy gives Baby a "kiss" on Mrs. Tracy's belly. When Baby complains that she can't feel anything, Mr. tracy explains that she cannot really be kissed until she's ready to come out. Baby promptly decides that it's her turn for kisses, too, and excitedly is born into the world and into the love of her family. Despite the fact that this book it out of print, I have to HIGHLY recommend it to anyone trying to make an older child's transition into "siblinghood" one of gentle progress, rather than sarcasm and jealousy. It requires no anger or pleading on the part of Mr. and Mrs. Tracy to encourage the older children in their family to help the new baby feel welcome and secure. The illustrations are EXQUISITE, and the writer's use of language soothing and accessable for children of all ages.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY IN PRINT AGAIN! THE BEST BOOK EVER!, February 1, 2002

By 

Traci Mann (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baby, Come Out! (Hardcover)

I am so thrilled to see that this fantastic book is back in print. It is the ideal book to read to a child when a little sibling is on the way. Not only is the book delightful, charming, and sweet, but it perfectly captures the essence of family love, and delves beautifully into the psyche of the pregnant woman. It is a favorite among children in my son's day care center, and as a child deveopment expert myself, I strongly recommend it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just the gift to give the friend who's expecting..., November 22, 2000

By 

Mary G. Longorio "Texasbookgirl" (Eagle Mountain, UT) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Baby, Come Out! (Paperback)

It is a crime that Baby Come Out has been allowed to go out of print. This delightful book tells the story of the baby who has decided not to come out, not to be born.....just stay where she is(many of my pregnant friends tell me they suspect their babies are planning the same thing). When baby declares she is not coming out, the entire family pitches in to try to entice the baby to come out, to no avail. The illustrations are the heart of this book, the baby in her mother's tummy... trying to express herself. This is a wonderful book to read to the brother or sister to be, an engaging children's book with heart and a sense of humor. The story is involving and sweet and has a delightful resolution. This book is a must give to any pregnant friends nearing their due date. This is a gem of a book and should be reissued.