A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 131

Picture Book: Mama Outside, Mama Inside

Author: Dianna Hutts Aston

Illustrator: Susan Gaber

Summary: This story begins with the line, “The babies are coming! The mamas have so much to do before they arrive.” The babies are a human baby and a bird baby. The mamas (and daddies) busily prepare by setting up a nursery or a nest. The birds’ nest is just outside the window of the nursery so the Mamas eventually hear and see one other. The parallels are many in this beautiful picture book that illustrates in two species the work and joy of welcoming a little one.

Hanna’s Comments: This would be a great book to use during Advent, but don’t limit its use to that season. Anytime a baby is expected, a celebration is in order and children have questions about what is happening and what will come. Making connections with other species enhances the experiences for children and encourages all of us to appreciate God’s wondrous and loving design for all sorts of families. If you are inclined to talk about less traditional families as well, use other species to give evidence of God’s varying designs for bringing up children. This book also offers an opportunity to talk about God's feminine qualities.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt & Company, 2006

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: animals, babies/children, beginnings/morning, family, God’s nature, home, humanity, image of God, labor/work, mothers, nurturing, parents/parental love, preparation/prepare, wonder

Scripture Connections: Like the eagle…God spreads wings to catch you…and carry you (Deuteronomy 32:11); Prepare the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3); as a mother comforts her child… (Isaiah 66:13); Jesus desires to gather the children of Jerusalem as a hen gathers her brood (Matthew 23:37)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to explain to children the importance of the season of Advent in the Christian liturgical year.