The Belly Song

Filled with zerbert-able bellies of various shapes and sizes, this affirming board book is based on a popular song by TikTok performer Mother Moon, making a picture book debut. As the pages celebrate many different kinds of human bellies, they simultaneously model a wealth of loving connections between children and adults. Collage-like illustrations by Giles (When Isaac Hears the Rain), which portray individuals with various body types and skin tones, are set against radiant-hued, textured backgrounds. The opening pages (“Big belly,/ little belly”) show a child snuggling the rounded stomach of a bald, bearded adult. A page turn later (“round belly,/ flat”), two grown-ups with different physiques encircle a child delighted by belly tickles. Kids also dance, attempt yoga, and swing from an adult’s arms, exhilarated to be in the company of someone who loves them, and likes “whatever kind of belly... you’ve got!” The text, set in bold block type, lends a feel of joyful proclamation to this body-neutral tune. A QR code on the back cover links to the author performing the song. Ages up to 3. Illustrator’s agent: Chambers-Black, Andrea Brown Literary. (July)