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CM . . . .
Volume VII Number 10 . . . . January 19, 2001
excerpt: You began with a special cuddle between your mum and dad. But after this cuddle you didn't just pop out into the world - their cuddle was only the beginning. It took nine months before you were ready to be born. 
So begins the story of how life is made, as told to young children. This well-written and
well-illustrated book is very suitable to teach children at home or in the classroom about
procreation. The text of the softcover edition is bright red, with a baby in vitro asking the
question that forms the title. All the details of reproduction are explained tastefully and carefully
for the young mind to comprehend:excerpt: "As they cuddled, your dad's penis moved gently inside your mum's vagina and the sperms flowed out.
Accompanying accurate watercolour illustrations are large and make the process of the baby's
conception, growth and delivery a happy and sometimes humorous event. Children ask questions
in bold type that are answered in the text. Information swims outside the illustrations, such as the
description of the amniotic sac, which protects the baby "from bumps and germs." The authors
are British, and so a few words, such as "jumper" (sweater) need to be reinterpreted in Canadian
English.
How did I Begin? is a handy guide to reproduction and childbirth. Adults will feel comfortable
using it as a resource, and children whose mothers are expecting a baby will feel empowered and
comfortable with what it has to teach.
Highly Recommended.
Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - January 19, 2001.
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