When the Parent Bloggers Network asked me to review Amazing Baby, I figured that I wouldn’t learn much as I’ve already birthed three babies. However, they touted the photography of the book and I thought the write-up sounded like a good departure from the normal “you’re having a baby and everything is going to go wrong” kind of books that new mothers are given, so I gave it a go.

And, man, let me tell you: this book has my ovaries twitching.

The photography is phenomenal. I just keep flipping through the book and staring at all of the amazing pictures. And the babies. The cute, sweet, scrumptious babies. I want to nom-nom-nom on their feet all day long! Related to the photography is another of my favorite points: the diversity of the children represented in the photography. Gorgeous!

After I flipped through the book, I got down to reading. And I learned things! Did you know that newborns have an ability to swim? I was also pleasantly surprised to find that this book didn’t just talk about pregnancy or the newborn phase (though they were discussed as well) but ventured into later baby issues like the development of speech. (An important reminder for this mom of a three year old AND a one year old who is developing a vocabulary is that I need to watch my tone as it is an important “modifier” that can “dramatically change [the word's] significance.”) It also addresses tantrums (yikes), different stages of play and even a bit on potty training.

Even more appealing than having such a wide range of information combined with beautiful photography? The positive tone. I cannot believe the positive tone. If you’ve read some of those other books that focus on everything that can (ANDOMGWILL!, or so they would have you believe) go wrong, you know how easy it is to want to throw the book away and/or at the author for scaring your pants off. Twice. This book, while addressing some tough issues like a defiant toddler, really doesn’t drive home any scare tactics. Instead we’re given positive tips and logical steps to work through issues. How refreshing. I could have used this book when BigBrother was born.

Most interesting in the book are the overlays of the baby’s brain, muscles, skeleton, eye, head and other internal systems. This is the dork in me, of course, that loves to know little tidbits. My Husband, a paramedic familiar with internal workings from his training, found these pages to be very interesting. He poured over them for awhile and let me know that even men would find this part of the book intriguing. (A Dad’s seal of approval! Win!)

My initial intent was to pass this book on. But I’ll be honest: it’s staying in our library. In fact, I may toss out one of those scary, negative books and keep this one in short-distance reach. (Side note: BigBrother loved looking at the pictures.)

Expecting a baby or know someone who is? Treat them to a positive look at motherhood with Amazing Baby. And read some more over at Parent Bloggers Network.