About This Book
Reach for this book when your child's favorite teacher or a close family friend announces they are expecting a baby. It is a perfect tool for children who might feel anxious about losing their special connection with an adult who is about to have a new focus in their life. The story follows a first grade class as they prepare for Mrs. Neal's maternity leave through letters, art, and shared excitement. Eve Bunting gently explores the themes of communal joy and the passage of time. By focusing on the class's active participation in the pregnancy, the book helps children ages 4 to 8 process the transition from being the center of a teacher's world to sharing that world with a new baby. It is an excellent choice for normalizing the 'waiting' period and turning potential jealousy into collaborative celebration.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book handles the topic of pregnancy and maternity leave in a completely secular and realistic manner. There are no mentions of the 'mechanics' of birth, focusing instead on the social and emotional changes in the classroom. The resolution is joyful and reassuring.
Ideal Reader
An empathetic 6-year-old who thrives on classroom routine and might feel unsettled by the idea of a substitute teacher or their teacher's changing physical appearance.
