Laura Gallagher wrote this story following a long and difficult journey to motherhood via IVF. She wanted to create a book which would allow other families to celebrate the many different ways in which babies can arrive. ‘Robo-Babies’ was the result. Make sure you read Laura’s special piece about her favourite picture book families.
In a far away galaxy, there’s a sparkling metal planet full of robots and their much-loved robo-babies. Some were born conventionally, some were conceived using IVF or donor conception. Some were made using surrogacy and some are twins or even triplets!
But what do they all have in common? Despite being made in very different ways, each is wanted and very much loved by their families.
It’s so important that there are books celebrating all the families who have had difficult journeys to their completion. ‘Robo-Babies’ sensitively highlights some of the many ways in which families are formed and focuses on the love and determination felt those grown-ups who wish to become parents.
The book was created in consultation with a focus group of families who have experienced fertility issues to ensure an accurate representation of all family types.
The bright, bold illustrations contribute to the upbeat feel of this very special book, which deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf. 3+
Now let’s hear from Laura about her favourite picture book families:
Top 5 families in picture/kids’ books
Laura Gallagher, author of Robo-Babies, shares the Top 5 children’s books about families that she enjoys reading with her two-year-old son, Rafe.
Meet the parents by Peter Bentley and Sara Ogilvie
This book is very clever as parents will enjoy it as much as the kids. It focuses on the relationship and love between parents and their children and how parents can come across as the bad guys more often than not! But really, there is a lot of fun to be had with grown ups, and this is shown through the hilarious illustrations. I think Rafe really enjoys it because I enjoy reading it so much!
Little Dream by Celeste Rankine
This book struck a chord with me the first time I saw it. The illustrations are so dreamy and beautiful and the detail really captures Rafe’s attention. He comments on every little thing in amongst the pages. Little Dream tells the heartfelt story of a couple desperate to have a baby and looks at all the ways they try to cope with keeping the faith and hope alive, waiting for their turn to be parents. It is so entrancing and very emotional to read.
The Blanket Bears by Samuel Langley-Swain and Ashlee Spink
Families come in all shapes and sizes and many forms and that’s why books like The Blanket Bears are so important to read to children from a very early age. Rafe loves the gorgeous illustrations and he is sad for the bears when they are sad and alone in the snow, and happy when they are looked after and feeling safe. The concept is a great way to help educate children about adoption and foster care and there should be more books like this out there!
I love Mum and I love Dad by Eric Carle
The thing I love most about these two books is the simplicity of the wording and illustrations. Each animal portrays a different character trait of a mum and dad and Rafe loves reading it with us because he can relate it to his own simplistic relationship with us, his parents. For example, the page with the flying owl is accompanied by the caption ‘You are so wise’, and ‘You can be silly’ with a monkey on the same page. These books are short and sweet and are a constant go-to for Rafe at any time of the day.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
My son loves this book (and all of Julia Donaldson’s books)because he is starting to learn how to speak and the repetition of the phrases not only makes him laugh but allows him to join in too, as if he is also reading. I know this isn’t a conventional‘family’, but I love how the story focuses on a group of animalscoming together and feeling united and stronger together. The way all the characters protect the witch at the end and find their place in their new family dynamic is so heartwarming and inspiring!
Robo-Babies by Laura Gallagher, illustrated by Nicci Martin, is published by Owlet Press, £7.99 paperback, out 25th August 2020.
Library Girl.
*Thank you to Owlet Press for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour*
Library Girl and Book Boy 