The Biggest Bed in the World by Lindsay Camp Illustrated by Jonathan Langley

I think anyone who has shared a bed at some point or another with their child/ren can appreciate the father's feelings in this book. As his family expands there is less and less room in the bed and therefore, less and less opportunity for a good night's sleep. I like how the Mom always seems pretty content to have her gaggle of children undercovers with her, but the Dad is sick and tired. So he decides to build the biggest bed he can after the upgraded bigger beds are no longer big enough. However, the biggest bed in the world was a bit too much for their house to handle and one day the bed kind of crashed/flew out of the house and ended up in the ocean. After that Dad banned everyone into their own bed but then realized he and mom were kind of lonely all alone.

I really really really like this book for a number of reasons. Firstly, it really connects to me because I am also part of a family-bed family and as tough as it can be (that's a whole different blog...) there is no where else my babies would be as comfortable. I do think that the story is a little unrealistic (or maybe it's just an idea that I haven't thought of yet) because instead of having multiple blankets for everyone, there is just one big blanket that is comprised of a bunch of smaller blankets sewn together. One blanket, even a big blanket, isn't enough for just the adults in my bed so I thought it was a novel idea.

I also really really really liked how each kid in the family had a B name. Ben, Billy, Beth, Bart, Brittany, Bella and Boris.

Harper Collins Publishers, 1999.

The World is Full of Babies! by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom

All sorts of animal babies are explored and compared to human babies, from fetal development to the various ways babies act and interact with their parents. The text is big and bold and perfect for younger readers while the illustrations are concise and depict animals realistically. This book does a great job in connecting with the reader on some of the various activities that are universal to all babies and brief explanation of various animal behaviors accompany the illustrations. This is a wonderful book to read to explore animal development or if children are interested in babies in general (not just human ones).

Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 1996.

A Teeny Tiny Baby by Amy Schwartz

This teeny tiny baby describes his life in a surprisingly realistic way that any child can identify with. The illustrations are interesting and complex. I love how the book explains the various options that are given to a teeny tiny baby, such as where the baby sleeps (on the quilt, in the swing, on the sofa, in the car, on the rug, on the baby's right side, on the baby's left side, on the baby's belly, on the baby's back, NOT in the cradle and with mom and dad). Even parents will enjoy reading this book as it is surprisingly humorous and realistic when it comes to doing things with a brand new teeny-tiny baby.

Orchard Books, 1994.

The Cuddlers by Stacy Towle Morgan Illustrated by Marvin Jarboe

This book tells the story of a family of four who come together in the wee hours of the night and become the cuddlers. It is a great story told quite realistically about co-sleeping and how it can turn out for a family. I personally love all of the illustrations of the family bed (and everyone squeezed in it with dwindling room as the children come marching in). It presents co-sleeping in a very positive way that makes me want to cuddle with my littles right now!

La Leche League International, 1993.

A Ride on Mother's Back by Emery and Durga Bernhard

Babies, babies and more babies all being carried around by the people who care for them. This book explores babywearing as a natural phenomena in various cultures all around the world. The illustrations are bright and gorgeous with lots of detail and although it is a bit wordy for younger children, the different cultural examples of parenting are interesting for children and parents alike.

Gulliver Books, 1996.

Staying at Sam's by Jenny Hessel Illustrated by Jenny Williams

Sam's family is like visiting another planet to the little boy who is Sam's friend. Sam's family is very open and is constantly kissing one another and talking to each other and they all sleep in the same bed! This book is a great exploration of a lot of things many families do that much of children's literature does not fully explore. The book is written for first-readers but is a great picture book for any age!

J. B. Lippincott, 1989.