As seen in Neonatology Today!
This beautiful collaboration between a children’s librarian and an NBA- player-turned-watercolor-artist introduces the most natural and loving act—mothers nursing their young. Winner of a Parents’ Favorite Products Award, the book’s luminous illustrations and lyrical text give children a glimpse into the worlds of 13 different mammal babies. Compelling childhood facts also broaden the reader’s knowledge about each animal.
The book’s overarching theme of breastfeeding inspires conversations about parenting, biology, habitats, survival, and more, making this book an engaging choice for young children as well as elementary school readers.
Read a blog post by the author here.
Babies Nurse
Product type Paperback
Hardback
eBook (full color)
Pages 32 ISBN Paperback: 978-1-930775-71-8
Hardback: 978-1-930775-61-9
eBook: 978-1-930775-47-3
Dimensions 10 7/8" x 8 3/8" Age Range 4-7 Grade Range preschool-2nd grade Language English Publication Date October 2018 “A simple, easy way to bring up the topic of breastfeeding while also learning about different mammals and enjoying the lyrical text.”
—Andrea Yanke, Glimpse Reviews
“What a gentle book! It nurtures a child’s empathy for others and opens their eyes to the world of nature. Very sweet and educational.”
—Dr. Harvey Karp, FAAP, author, The Happiest Baby on the Block
"Animal mothers of all shapes and sizes lavish their little ones with love and affection in a series of sweet poems celebrating nature, wildlife, and the special bond forged through nursing. Tigers, seals, dolphins, pandas, and other mammals softly take shape in peaceful watercolor portraits. Perfect for reading aloud to find out which mamas nurse their babies in the snow, underwater, on the beach, or upside down."
— Foreword Reviews
“Simple, rhyming text and gentle, quiet illustrations introduce the very youngest reader and listener to that most natural and loving of activities—mothers nursing their offspring. Mothers and babies of the fields, jungles, air, and water are all portrayed, demonstrating that all mammal babies are nourished in the same way. This book will be invaluable in presenting nursing as something completely natural, normal, loving, and good for both babies and mothers.”
—Wendy Watson, author and/or illustrator of over 60 books for children, Phoenix, Arizona
“It is extremely important for children to learn that nursing is natural and normal. With its gorgeous illustrations, Babies Nurse beautifully represents the art of breastfeeding.”
—Katie Finney, R.N., NICU Nurse
“This beautiful book magnificently demonstrates the natural and instinctual connection between a mother and her offspring. Breastfeeding is the first step in cultivating a healthy mind, gut and spirit for both mommy and her little ones. As a pediatrician and mother, I appreciate the simple text paired with the lovely illustrations. Brilliant and inspiring!”
—Kristin Struble, M.D., author of How to Be a “Poop” Detective
“This very special book delights and enthralls young readers with its depictions of various mammals engaged in the act of nursing. Stunning illustrations convey the warmth and universality of this most nurturing bond. The verbal and visual artistry conjures heartfelt vignettes to which youngsters respond with intense curiosity, fascination and empathy. The back of the book contains a section that delivers detailed facts about each of the 13 species, information to which youngsters are highly receptive. Babies Nurse both satisfies and whets children's appetite for knowledge, providing a robust springboard into conversations about parenting, biology, habitats, survival, and the world at large.”
—Tillywig Toy & Media Parent's Favorite Products Award review, 2018
“This book creates a safe space to explore normal infant feeding and bonding. It will entertain the tiniest toddler as well as older children who will love all of the interesting animal facts at the end. What a lovely way to promote healthy attitudes towards nurturing and feeding babies. Our culture desperately needs books like this to create positive images and stories around breastfeeding. I will definitely be ordering this book for our clinic lobby! I truly love this book!!”
—Julia Hall JD, Founder and Executive Director of Babymoon Inn Birth Center
“This beautiful rhyming children's book captures a mother's love for her babies and the special relationship that nursing provides. Charming watercolor illustrations of mammals in the wild remind children that other animals protect and nourish their young just as their own mother does. A delightful book for breastfeeding families, older siblings welcoming a new baby, or as a gift for an expectant mom! Highly recommended.”
—Torey Potter R.N. IBCLC, The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington
“Phoebe has beautifully shared meaningful and inspirational information conveying that all babies nurse. It has been my passion and honor to encourage and teach the benefits of nursing to thousands of mothers and mothers-to-be. I look forward to reading this informative, colorful book to the 2 youngest of our grandchildren, both breastfeed.”
—Joyce Lundquist, R.N., Childbirth Educator and Doula
“This tender and sweet book conveys the unconditional love a mother has for her young. It also displays the amazing bonding that takes place while a mother feeds her babies.”
—Michelle Goodman, RNC, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
“The illustrations are lovely. The beautiful colors and fluid lines allow the reader to see the babies nurse softly and naturally. This beautiful book is a perfect gift for every new baby.”
—Alejandrina Vostrejs, Certified Birthing From Within Mentor and Doula
"In this cross-species tribute to mothering and motherhood, youngest readers and listeners will find short, rhyming poems... that partner with luminous artwork. Fox’s soft, evocative watercolor-and-pencil portraits, each of a particular mammal mom and her young in their natural environments...are gentle and quiet, effectively complementing the text and communicating to young readers the tenderness of the nursing experience. Each quatrain ... is as soothing and warm as the art accompanying it."
—Beverly Slapin, De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children
Download the free Teacher's Guide here.
Download curricula articulations here.
Read the Press Release.
Download our Breastfeeding Education Module here.
