Review of "If You Were Born a Kitten," by Marion Dane Bauer

Review of

If You Were Born a Kitten, by Marion Dane Bauer ISBN 0689801114

Five out of five stars

 While this book opens with the birth of kittens, it also covers the birth of many other creatures. The actions of “birth” and early life of sea horses, chickens, whales, snakes, bears and elephants are some of the events that are described. It ends with the birth of a human baby and how the newborn infant has characteristics just like that of other “newborn” animals.

 The moment of “birth” is a great transition for the babies. They all go from an extremely protected and safe environment to one where they are helpless and at the mercy of their environment. All are described in words that the early elementary student can understand. The images of mother and “child” are well done and appropriate for this age group.

 This is a book that I can strongly recommend to all adults that want their children to learn what new animals are like when they leave their initial shelters.