"Look, when the subtitle of the book includes the word "reproduction" then that''s a pretty big red flag that the information inside is probably going to include some kind of bodily functions. We Americans just cringe when it comes to the basics in terms of necessary information about stuff like where babies come from. So consider this title a helpful way to start talking with kids about where we come from and how we''re made. Basically, this is the whole mammal world and how we''re just a part of it. Birth canals and all." - Fuse 8 / School Library Journal "A factual and in-depth account of pregnancy and raising young from many mammal species including humans. This book contains high-level vocabulary such as altricial and precocial newborns (hard to say, but well defined and contains easy-to-understand examples). Every child eventually becomes curious about where they come from, and how they are made, and this book gives accurate information without graphic details.

To determine if this book is right for your child, it does say mammals sexually reproduce and does have an illustration of a human penis and vagina (more as diagrams-not shown in the act) and describes how the sperm fertilizes an egg and attaches to the uterus. Overall, if you have determined that your child is ready to learn more information about reproduction this is a good beginning resource." - YA Books Central "Readers of all levels can engage with the material, whether it be the illustrations or the two different levels of text - captions identify details in the pictures while a text block gives a broad overview of the topic on that particular two-page spread. I like Mama Mammals because of how accessible the content is and how appealing the illustrations are. You''ll see absolutely adorable baby animals and hilarious hippos spraying poop. You''ll read about the extremes and the averages. In short, you''ll get a very good grasp of mammalian reproduction and enjoy the learning experience. This is one more excellent example of the laudable direction children''s nonfiction has taken.

" - Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk Blog "Birds do it, bees do it, but this informational picture book focuses on what happens after mammals mate. First, the author introduces common traits among the more than 5,000 mammal species from the largest mammal (the blue whale) to the smallest (the Etruscan shrew). Double-page spreads with short descriptions; charming, childlike drawings (still with enough anatomical detail to be recognizable); and fun related facts about a variety of animals introduce reproduction topically. While the section on fertilization focuses on humans, with reproductive anatomy of a man and a woman depicted, the majority of the book spotlights reproduction in other animal species. For instance, young readers will see an elephant fetus in utero and learn how gestation periods vary across mammal species and some of the different ways they give birth. Other spreads consider specialized topics within mammalian reproduction, such as marsupials without placentas and monotremes (like the platypus) that lay eggs like reptiles. Finally, the volume turns to life after birth and some of the differences in young animal care and family structures, including human families." - Booklist "Full of information, the book begins with defining mammals and giving examples.

Then it moves on to mating behavior, which comes in a wide variety from vocal and visual displays to battles to assert dominance. Next is a page on fertilization, which is a good intro to a sometimes difficult subject. Fertilization is discussed including the possibility of multiple fertilizations for humans and other mammals. Gestation is covered right through to birth, raising newborns, breastfeeding, and the different amounts of time that a little one is cared for by their parents or community. Two pages of glossary expound on terms used throughout the book. The illustrations are kid-friendly and cute. Older kids may be put off by the illustrations of the human anatomy on the page on fertilization, but it''s tastefully done and informative for little ones who may have awkward questions." - Youth Services Book Review "What a gorgeous introduction to all things reproductive biology this is! Conception, gestation and birth spanning many mammal species, including humans, is gently but accurately depicted through Melo''s soft illustrations and explained through Evans'' matter of fact style.

Child-rearing and the importance of family groupings for survival in the mammal kingdom is beautifully covered with the inclusion of the sweetest message on the final page: Family today means different things to different people - we can be raised by one mum or two dads or a whole village. As long as we have love and guidance and food and shelter, we can do the things we do best: grow and learn. A perfect book to share with key stage one children - either in one go or to dip in and out of." - The Literacy Tree, UK.