Newborns - by Paulina Jara (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this nonfiction picture book, learn about a diverse group of animal parents and babies, from alpine salamanders to polar bears, scorpions to walruses, in simple, kid-friendly language paired with vibrant illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Did you know that Darwin's frogs hatch as tadpoles in their father's mouth? Or that a baby giraffe has to survive a six-foot fall because its mother is standing when it's born?

What about how a baby dolphin has to swim up to the surface immediately after it's born to take its first breath? Some gestation periods are days; some are years. Some babies are born ready to fend for themselves while others rely on their parents for months. From scorpions to ravens to red kangaroos, all animals have their own miraculous processes to keep their species thriving. With its sweet, striking artwork and fascinating facts about 25 diverse animals, Newborns: How Baby Animals Come into the World is a great introduction to animal behavior for young readers.

From the Back Cover

Baby animals aren't just adorable--they're amazing!

A newborn dolphin swims to the surface right after it's born to take its first breath, a baby giraffe tumbles six feet because its mother gives birth standing up and Darwin's frogs hatch as tadpoles in their father's mouth. Learn how 25 animals, from bats to ravens to red kangaroos, come into the world and the unique ways in which each species thrives.

Review Quotes

"Entertaining and very informative...the text is casual and easy to understand, the cartoon-style illustrations add to the fun, and the wild fact boxes are fascinating."

-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

★ "The highly stylized art is simple yet exudes texture and depth. Makes the science of procreation accessible to young minds. A perfect way to start incubating a respect and appreciation for all lifeforms. [This] beautifully illustrated picture book teaches budding readers about the variety of amazing ways baby animals can enter the world."

-- "Shelf Awareness, starred review"

"As an introduction to this topic, there are neat facts in Newborns: How Baby Animals Come Into the World and a nice variety of species for kids who are curious about animals. They'll have some basic knowledge to recall when reading more detailed investigations of animal life cycles. Recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

"A lighthearted celebration of the miracle of birth...Adds both perspective and a positive spin on a universal experience."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Paulina Jara is a Chilean author with experience in theater and differential education. She has developed a career focused on reading animation and oral narration which has led her to work as an expert advisor for school libraries. She has published more than 15 titles with various publishers.

Mercè Galí is an illustrator from Barcelona who grew up surrounded by books in her parents' bookstore. She studied illustration at the "Llotja" art school and fine arts at the University of Barcelona with a specialty in engraving. She is mainly dedicated to illustration for children and young people and has published in over seven countries. Occasionally she combines illustration with teaching, giving creative workshops on art and engraving for children and adults at the Manolo Hugué art school.