Everybody Has a Bellybutton: Your Life Before You Were Born [Hardcover]

Laurence Pringle (Author), Clare Wood (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Discusses human life before birth and, hence, the reason for the bellybutton.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3. The reason for a bellybutton is the interesting starting point for a discussion that begins with a single cell and ends with a baby's first sip of milk. Told as though the reader is the subject of the story, the text begins by pointing out that everyone has a bellybutton and invites participation at different points by asking children to touch their own navels or feel their hearts beating. Words such as embryo, fetus, umbilical cord, placenta, etc., are introduced naturally in the text and are easily understood in context. Through the narrative, readers learn about the fetus's growth and anticipate its birth. The soft illustrations, done in pencil and pastel, add to the calm tone of the narrative and lend a happy, pleasant note to the information. They also help children to imagine themselves at each stage of development. A note to parents explains how to use and expand on this story. A short list of further reading is also aimed at adults who would like more information about human reproduction for themselves. This is an excellent first choice for youngsters asking about "where they came from" or who are anticipating the birth of a sibling.?Melissa Gross, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

An excellent book for adults to share with children who are curious about their prenatal lives. Pringle (Naming the Cat, p. 1035, etc.), addressing listeners directly, begins with fertilization (the mechanics of conception are deliberately left beyond the scope of this book), details the various developmental stages of the embryo and fetus, and ends with birth. Soft, discreet pencil drawings on pink, blue, and lavender pastel backgrounds show how a baby grows from a cluster of undifferentiated cells into a newborn being welcomed by happy parents and big sister. There is just enough information, in text and illustrations, for preschoolers; Pringle also offers thoughtful suggestions for personalizing the explanation but cautions against ``overtelling.'' Admirably restrained and formal, but not without warmth. (further reading) (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; 1st edition (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563970090
• ISBN-13: 978-1563970092
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #85 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Biology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for kids, the artwork is exceptional, June 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Everybody Has a Bellybutton: Your Life Before You Were Born (Hardcover)

The text is very informative and easily simplified when reading aloud to younger children. I thought the illustrations were warm and friendly, and beautifully done.