Mama Lou's Belly

Mama Lou is pregnant and everyone's guessing what's in her belly.

Who is hiding in there? The bird thinks it's a cat because everyone keeps petting it. The cat thinks it's a mouse because Mama Lou is craving cheese. The brother thinks it's a boy, and a good soccer player too. And the sister thinks it's a doll she can dress up. Everyone has their own idea. "But I'm not any of those things!" the baby says from inside Mama's belly. "I'm me! Don't you understand?" No one can hear it. Until...WHAAA! The baby is tired of being ignored. It's time their voice was heard. Finally the guessing is over and the baby can show their family who they really are!

"This lively book makes the waiting [prior to a baby's birth] more fun as each character has a personal take on what it might or should be."

-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"The illustrations align perfectly with the text...Provides good conversation points for children. One being that gender does not matter. What is important is a healthy baby. The other being an explanation of what it means to be nonbinary for an older child who may be ready to grasp this concept...This book would make a wonderful gift for any family that is excitedly awaiting the birth of another child."

-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)"

"A cute story that expresses all the excitement before the arrival of a new family member and how people like to guess the gender...the story shows how the new baby is given unconditional love, no matter what was predicted...Young readers will enjoy the funny illustrations. Highly recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

"The warm artwork and gently rendered characters echo the love and affection the family feels for each other...A welcome addition to libraries looking to add books about new babies."

-- "School Library Journal"

Marie-Francine Hébert is an award-winning author and playwright. Over her thirty-year career, she has won the Mr. Christie's Book Award, the Prix Alvine-Bélisle and the Prix Marcel-Couture, and she was nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, among others. Marie-Francine lives in Montreal.

Guillaume Perreault is a graphic designer who now works mainly as a freelance illustrator and author. His techniques vary according to his projects, but balance, contrast and humor are present in all of his work. Guillaume lives in Gatineau, Quebec.

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