Welcome to Belly Books!

It's never too early to read to your baby!

What are Belly Books?

Belly Books, written and illustrated by Jacqueline Boyle and Susan Lupone Stonis, are inspired by a wealth of scientific evidence showing that babies absorb elements of language while in the womb, and that a rhythmic, repetitive story read regularly during the last trimester soothes and stimulates your baby before and after he or she is born.

At the same time, reading Belly Books allows you to celebrate this time of joyful anticipation.

Belly Books are durable board books, made in the USA, with a uniquely rounded shape that fits mommy’s belly!

Why Belly Books?

Exciting results from recent studies show the powerful effects of reading to babies in utero:

Babies absorb, remember and learn elements of language while in the womb.
Sharing stories with preterm babies familiarizes them with their mother’s voice and possibly the voices of other family members.
Spending quiet time, such as reading, during pregnancy can produce beneficial hormones and endorphins that have a soothing effect on the baby in the womb.
A rhythmic, repetitive story read regularly during the last trimester soothes and stimulates your baby before and after birth.

The Belly Books Collection, whose rhythms and rhymes are read aloud before and after birth, can enhance baby’s language development. You can actively participate in your baby’s cognitive growth as you celebrate this time of joyful anticipation!

How to Use Belly Books

Sit back and rest the book comfortably on your belly, and read to your “baby bump” slowly and clearly.
Relax and enjoy the language and imagery—this will enhance your emotional connection with your baby each time you read, and your unique voice will become more and more familiar.
Daddy, big brother or sister, Grandma and other family members can snuggle close to read to the awaited baby, too.
You might even want to sing the verses like a lullaby! Studies show that newborns recognize a song repeatedly heard from inside the womb during the last trimester, and are calmed by the melody sung in a familiar voice.
When your newborn arrives, the colorfully illustrated book will gently encircle him or her as you read aloud again. Watch as your baby settles in to hear the story, which he or she will recognize and respond to.
This cozy, reading-centered family time that was begun before your baby was born will continue for years to come!