When I Carried You in My Belly

In her first picture book, adult author Umrigar suggests that a mother’s gifts to her child go far beyond genetics. Alternating between scenes of the pregnant mother and her young daughter, Chen’s images exude warmth and intimacy while helping to establish the book’s cause-and-effect structure: “When I carried you in my belly,/ Grandpa baked a chocolate cake each week.... And that is why you became... the sweetest girl that I know.” Umrigar’s story celebrates a mother’s love, her daughter’s individuality, and the contributions of extended family. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Daniel Greenberg, Levine Greenberg Rostan. Illustrator’s agent: Mela Bolinao, MB Artists. (Apr.)