Can't Wait to Show You by Jacqueline Boyle and Susan Lupone Stonis

Welcome friends!

It’s another day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, the place that welcomes readers of all ages and from all stages of life.  Speaking of life stages…

If you’ve been around the blog for some time, you’ve probably heard this story (or if you’ve read my “About Me” section); if not, allow me to enlighten you.  When my dear old Mom was pregnant with yours truly, she loved nothing more than to pass her free time with a good book.  Feet propped, warm drink (she lived up North), and some page filled fun.  Sounds good right…or perhaps familiar.  Just wait, I’m getting to it.  From novels to encyclopedias, cereal boxes to newspapers, anything wordy was fair game…and she didn’t just read to herself; she read to me.  That’s right.  Even before I saw any glimpse of this world, I was hearing the splendors it held both of the fictitious and every day variety….plus building a love of learning AND reading that (thus far) will last a lifetime.  Don’t believe it can happen?  Oh, but it can!  There are studies, research and the like to provide proof if you need; as for me, I’m proof enough to myself.  ^_^ 

Now, how does all that tie into today?  Well, I had an interesting review request come through for a board book (not unusual) that shared a story through words and pictures (not unusual) from a new series entitled Belly Books.  (< - That’s the unusual part!)  Just what ARE Belly Books you ask?  Great question!  Great question indeed.  Belly Books are stories meant to be shared both BEFORE and AFTER the birth of a little one.  They come in a sturdy board book format for less wear initially, and then later on to survive the handlings from tiny little fingers that like to touch, feel, and tear (oops!).  The book itself is even SHAPED with the expectant mother in mind as there is a “U” cut out on the bottom so as to be able to rest the book on their belly as they read; afterwards, it can serve as a reminder of those joy-filled times as well as create a natural reading circle for both Mom and kiddo.  It’s really quite ingenious!

The first installment in the series, I now have the pleasure of introducing to you.  Ready?  Set?  Here we go!  Today’s book of choice is….

Can’t Wait to Show You:

A Celebration for Mothers-to-be

Written & Illustrated by

Jacqueline Boyle and Susan Lupone Stonis

Produced by

Tim Waite and Kathryn Lane

9780986051104

Preliteracy Partners

The story is sweet and simple, sharing all the things that the Mom-to-be can’t wait to experience with her little one.  It helps to verbalize the love she feels for them now and will continue to show upon their arrival.  The illustrations allow adult readers the chance to “ooh” and “aah” over their cuteness while the colorful palette used will enchant the eyes of wee ones once they get a hold of it…not to mention inspire them to act out some of what’s depicted once they can splash in the tub or bang on pots and pans. ^_^

In short, it’s a new (to me at least) take on the classic storybook for wee ones and soon-to-be ones that dear old Mom can enjoy too!  It allows the joys of reading to be shared at the earliest stages while encouraging the skills continued growth.  Recommended for all mothers and mothers-to-be in your life; can we say perfect baby shower gift?  Yep, I think I just did.

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Special thanks to Susan and Jacqueline of The Reading Womb for the review copy and the chance to bring this amazing series to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the Belly Books series, be sure to stop by the official site, like them on Facebook, or pin them on Pinterest.  To discover more on the research and news on the benefits of reading to babies in utero, pay a visit to The Reading Wombblog…your comprehensive online resource.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or online retailer of your choosing.

Until next time…happy reading!