Book Review: "What Makes a Baby?" A Book For Every Kind of Family and Every Kind of Kid

Cory Silverberg, a sexuality educator, author, and public speaker based in Toronto, has written a new book just for kids "What Makes A Baby" (Seven Stories Press: Triangle Square) that introduces children to the many ways babies can arrive into a family biologically.

Billed as "a book for every kind of family and every kind of kid" and colorfully illustrated by Fiona Smyth, "What Makes A Baby" helps families discuss modern relationships, love, parenting, and our shared humanity with children on their own terms.

With questions like: "Who helped bring together the sperm and the egg that made you?" and "Who was happy that it was YOU who grew?", this book is a great starting point for families who may choose to later discuss other details with their child, such as sex, donor insemination, fertility treatments, surrogacy or adoption.

Silverberg has included a free reader's guide for parents to download to assist with family discussion:

http://www.what-makes-a-baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/WMAB-Readers-Guide-opt.pdf

Smyth's bright, rainbow colored art is reminiscent of Todd Parr, but with images that can appeal to an older audience of children as well. When I asked my 8 year old what she thought of the book she explained, "I liked it. I especially liked when the egg and sperm were smiling and holding hands."

"What Makes A Baby" presents factual information on conception on a kid's level. With text that is open to personal embellishment, this book is sure to cater to many families and birth experiences.

-Christine