The prize for...

...this week's beautiful book goes to Hello Baby by Jenni Overend. This charming story is illustrated by the celebrated Julie Vivas whose soft, warm watercolours also appear in books such as Possum Magic and Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge.



The picture book tells the story of Jack and his family. Jack and the others have been awaiting the day of the homebirth of his little brother or sister. The day finally arrives, and Jack and his sisters, father, aunt and the midwife help his mother through her labour, birth and the first few hours of the new baby's life.

This book isn't scary or ick, but is a beautiful, loving birth story. You certainly don't need to be a homebirth advocate to enjoy the miracle in this book. I first came across this book as a teenager when I was babysitting for a family. I was then and am now probably one of the least likely people to plan a homebirth, but even as a fourteen year old I could appreciate the warmth of this picture book.

As well as just being a lovely story in its own right, then book could also be used to initiate conversations about babies, birth, pregnancy and family changes. This book is full of warmth, closeness, cuddles, excitement and love - just like the birth it talks about.