Before You Were Born

Written by Katrina Germein

Published by Working Title Press (Harper Collins) (May 2021)

Created by duo Katrina Germein and Helène Magisson, this heart-warming picture book captures the excitement and anticipation of the arrival of a baby. Filled with love, hope and happiness, Before You Were Born celebrates the universal joy of new babies in all kinds of families.

Shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Book Awards 2022

‘Helene Magisson's illustrations are a standout here; they have a generosity and a spirit not unlike the style of Julie Vivas in Our Granny.’ by Nicole Nelson for Read Plus.

 
 

Some Reviews

  • Helene Magisson's illustrations are a standout here; they have a generosity and a spirit not unlike the style of Julie Vivas in Our Granny. Vibrant double page spreads depict a diverse array of families as they prepare for the arrival of a new baby. By Nicole Nelson for Read Plus.

  • Helene creates imaginary worlds that capture hearts. There is so much movement and detail that it is a delight to take time and fully appreciate each unique family. Magisson has cleverly brought so many extra layers of meaning to the story and so much diversity. By Karen Hendriks for BuzzWords.

 
 

  • The rhyming prose anticipates the arrival of a new baby from the ‘baby shower’ and the excited relatives, through to the love felt as we imagine what the new baby will be like. Multicultural images drawn by award winning illustrator Héléne Magisson bring each thought and stage of the pregnancy to life with a range of smiling faces as the story progresses. By Childmags.