Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: March 24th, 2020
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Blurb from goodreads:
For any parent who has struggled on their journey to have a baby, Million Dollar Listing star Emilia Bechrakis Serhant's debut picture book poignantly explores her own difficulty conceiving and her life-changing experiences with IVF.
I swam through the deepest ocean.
I climbed the tallest mountain.
Finding you was a journey.
And meeting you was my greatest joy.
In this picture book, illustrated by the #1 New York Times bestselling artist of A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, families of different shapes, colors, and sizes must cross deserts, navigate rough seasons, and climb mountains--all to find their miracle babies. Emilia's story reminds us that, despite the challenges and complications often thrown our way, hope will always prevail. To the Moon and Back for You combines a timeless feel with a timely subject, and is poised to become a modern classic for years to come.
My Thoughts:
What a challenging book this must have been to write as Serhant, who is apparently a TV reality star, share her journey to have a child, ending in IVF. Serhant states in her author's note at the end
There are so many ways to become a parent, and so many parents who struggle to get their baby. I wanted to write this book for those mothers and fathers who have had a similar road to parenthood.
I love that childrens books are gradually including books about the many, varied types of parents and ways of becoming parents. We've seen many books about children who are adopted but this is the first one that I'm aware that addresses IVF. A friend of mine used IVF to have her child and I'm sure she could relate to this book. No doubt, many parents reading this book will relate. Even if they didn't conceive via IVF, they may have struggled with becoming parents. Serhant's story is told sparely and simply but poignantly, and the artwork is lovely. The colors are are a blend of muted and bright with enough detail to add atmosphere.
The problem, for me, is that I don't think children will understand what the story is about. It's too vague, at times poetic, which is lovely, but not concrete enough for its intended age group of 4 to 8. The topic as presented is simply not age appropriate. The older ones, 6, 7, and 8, may make the connection but not the younger ones. Even the older ones will need their parents to fill in the details. Honestly, the text seems aimed more at tweens and older.
As a stand alone story, it's weak. As a starting point for a conversation, or multiple conversations, about pregnancy, birth, and motherhood, this book would work. Children will enjoy the lovely artwork and as they get older, the story may have meaning for them.
The cover is fab. Sounds like it would be good book to open a conversation on a difficult topic.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is fab, and yes, it's a good conversation starter.
DeleteI do love the cover, too.
ReplyDeleteThey did a good job with the cover.
DeleteI like that the book talks about IVF but that is because I am an adult. I just wonder if kids will get this one at all, or even care, which you addressed.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think the topic is worthwhile but the execution was poor. It's certainly a topic that children should be introduced to as it's increasingly relevant.
Delete