How Babies and Families Are Made: There Is More Than One Way

This guide to reproduction aims to speak to children of various origins and family backgrounds. It discusses a host of reproductive circumstances including miscarriage, cesarean delivery, twins, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, premature birth, babies with disabilities and different family arrangements like adoption and stepchildren. (Surrogate babies, however, are not included.) A book that is wide-ranging in content and complexity, it mixes pages having the simplicity of a first-grade reader (""Michael and Rachel are the same as you in some ways'') with those that review such technical terms as clitoris, urethra, seminal vesicles, vas deferens. While the technical explanations of gender and birth are well written and supported by clear drawings, they may convey more information than beginning readers can follow. In an attempt to cover so much material, the author may be offering young readers insight but providing only confusion. Ages 5-9. (January)