Runa's Birth explains natural childbirth to young siblings

It takes a lot for a children's book to really break through and make an impression; if you go to any medium sized bookstore you'll find hundreds of books on every aspect of babycare, for every audience. So why are my partner and I so taken with Runa's Birth? First, because it tells the story of the birth through the eyes of a child, so this is great for any young siblings who are nervous about a new famly member on the way. The real treat though is that the birth takes place at home, and since Jess had both Luke and Ivy at home this issue is close to her heart.

The illustrations are warm and very non-threatening, with a lot of real detail about what can be expected from childbirth. The more the children know going in the better prepared they'll be when the day finally comes, and this shows how wonderful a home birth can be. It's clear that this is a story Uwe Spillman wanted to tell and the entire book feels like a love letter to the act of childbirth. Any book that helps to explain to children what a midwife is scores high in our household.