Total Pageviews

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Mama Lou's Belly, written by Marie-Francine Hebert and illustrated by Guillaume Perreault. Orca Book Publishers, 2023. $21.95 ages

 


"Everyone agrees. 
Except for the baby. 

A cat, 
a mouse, 
a ball, 
a soccer player, 
a doll, 
a gift and what else?!
That's enough! 
I'm me! 
Don't you understand? 

says the small voice 
inside Mama Lou's belly. 
But no one hears it.
"

The reader know immediately that Mama Lou is expecting a baby. The dilemma, to begin with, is that no one seems to know what she is hiding in that big belly. There is speculation; the small voice inside has an opinion as well, constantly reminding anyone interested with an  'Hello, it's me!' Obviously, no one is listening to that small voice.

A bird from the neighborhood is watching, and expresses the fear that Mama Lou might be hiding a cat in there. After all, everyone keeps 'patting her belly'. All that bird needs is another cat to avoid. The small voice assures it is not a cat. What does the cat think of Mama Lou's penchant for cheese? Perhaps a good-sized mouse! No one hears the voice dispute that idea. 

And so it goes: from cat, to basketball, to Mama and Daddy who know it's a baby. Older Brother is sure it's a boy who will know how to play soccer and be a great team mate. At least, he knows it will be a baby. Older Sister wants a girl to dress like a doll and teach everything she needs to know. The family gathers to share its wishes and wonder what the baby will be. It isn't long until the small voice tires of being ignored and finally has its own say:

"WAAAAAA!" 

So much excitement and anticipation prior to a baby's birth. This lively book makes the waiting more fun as each character has a personal take on what it might or should be. 

No comments:

Post a Comment