Babies Don't Eat Pizza: A Big Kids' Book About Baby Brothers and Baby Sisters

A straightforward, reassuring book aimed at children awaiting the arrival of a new baby in the family...The charming watercolor illustrations show all kinds of families caring for and getting to know their newcomers. Though many quality books on this subject are available, Danzig's offering will bring comfort to expectant parents and siblings alike.- School Library Journal

With kid-friendly humor and honesty, BABIES DON'T EAT PIZZA covers waiting for baby and life with baby from birth through toddlerhood. Multicultural families; how babies are born, grow and behave; adoption, premature and special needs babies; breast and bottle feeding, twins, helping and playing with babies, older children's feelings, and a parents' tips page are included. Vetted by teachers, nurse educators, physicians, librarians, and parents, the book speaks to the real questions, perceptions and concerns that the author has heard from over 2,500 children about their baby siblings.

Mom's Choice Award Gold Recipient
California Readers 2010 California Collection - Elementary Division

While Danzig, an R.N. who has led sibling preparation classes for two decades, and Tilley \ (Growing Up: It's a Girl Thing) seek a spot on a very crowded bookshelf, their practical, straightforward approach merits a look. Focusing on day-to-day living with an infant, the text adopts an unfussy tone that subtly flatters readers as being sensible and mature (relatively speaking). "Babies are small and fragile and strong," writes Danzig. "Watch out for your ears and nose, and don't let your hair get too close." It's also notable that Danzig refers to the infant as "your baby," clearly signaling that the reader has a stake in all this, too. She reinforces the connection by referring readers frequently to their own babyhood: "Can you believe you had to learn to roll over?" Tilley's ink and watercolor cartoons are sunny and empathic in the Laura Cornell mode, and include plenty of visual jokes to encourage anxious kids-and their parents-to bond. Headings on most spreads make this volume eminently browsable-and therefore a handy family resource. --Publishers Weekly, Jan. 2009

Stop right here if you are looking for a perfect book to tell children about their new lit\ tle brother or sister. Done in a light-hearted but also matter-of-fact style, this book will answer all of the questions new big siblings have. The book ranges from what babies look like to what they eat to what they can do plus all of the hair pulling and stinky bottoms too. The mix of the sweet with the annoying will prepare children well.

Danzig's text is spot on, offering just the right amount of information and leaving nothing to a child's imagination. The tone is exactly right too, filled with humor but staying up front and informative. Tilley's illustrations add a friendly approachable feel to the information, keeping the book light rather than intimidating.

A great book for public libraries to have on hand to inform all of the new big brothers and sisters. This would also be a great gift for the new sibling when the pregnancy announcement is made. --Tasha Saecker, Children's Librarian, Director-Elisha D. Smith Public Library (Menasha, WI), Feb. 12, 2009

Becoming a big brother or sister is a very big deal in a child's life...try to think of a \ book that discusses infant development on a child friendly level...Well, thanks to Dianne Danzig, Babies Don't Eat Pizza fills in that gap nicely...This is a very sweet (but not saccharine-there's plenty of humor) and respectful book. Kudos to Danzig for noting that some mommies have an operation to get the baby out, and that some babies need to stay in an incubator if they are small or sick. The book empowers children in interaction with their new brother or sister...If you know of a soon-to-be big brother or big sister, get him/her this book. --Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Warrenton Branch of the Fauquier County Public Library System (VA), Feb. 27, 2009

Featured as "Parents' Press Pick": ...What do babies do? They sleep, they nurse, they have wacky hair - and so did you, Dianne Danzig explains in this charming, kid-friendly book for ages 3-8. Our resident sibling (Celia, age 3, big sister to Reuben, age 6 months) gave it two thumbs up. So do we. Practical tips for parents too. --Dixie Jordan, Editor/Publisher, Parents' Press (San Francisco Bay Area, CA), March 2009

Featured as a "Parents' Press Pick"-"What do babies do? They sleep, they nurse, they have wacky hair-and so did you, Dianne Danzig explains in this charming, kid-friendly book for ages 3-8. Our resident sibling (Celia, age 3, big sister to Reuben, age 6 months) gave it two thumbs up. So do we. Practical tips for parents too." - Dixie Jordan, Editor/Publisher, Parents Press (Berkeley, CA)

Our goals were to use honesty and fun to create one complete book to answer kids' questions and concerns about babies joining their families, and to assure children that they are valued, no matter how big their families may be. BABIES DON'T EAT PIZZA is meant to be read over time - as a friendly guide alongside children experiencing new babies in their families.

Welcoming a new family member - especially one who squirms, squeals and steals the show - can be tricky for siblings. What does it mean that a new baby is coming to the house? What do babies really look like? What do they eat? Why do they cry? And what if you wish they'd go away?

Dianne Danzig offers her expertise in this accessible and fun picture book. Also included is a note to parents with tips. This warm and engaging book helps inform and reassure with the perfect blend of kid-friendly humor and honesty. Debbie Tilley's effervescent watercolors are full of energy and color; and she doesn't miss an opportunity to create a laugh. It's a wonderful way to prepare for one of the biggest and most exciting changes a family can make.

Dianne Danzig, RN, has taught over two thousand children about baby brothers and baby sisters for twenty years. As a Neonatal Nurse Clinician and pediatric nurse, she has cared for older children, well babies, and infants in intensive care. As an educator, she has taught on numerous healthcare subjects, including sibling preparation for a new baby. Dianne and her husband have two sons and live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Known for her humorous, whimsical, and sensitive approach, Debbie Tilley has illustrated over forty beloved books for children. As Canadian-American citizens, Debbie, her husband, and their daughter divide their time between Victoria, British Columbia, and Escondido, California.