Along Came You

This book is wonderful! I love how Karona captures the love a mother has for her child. Through picturesque language, Karona shows how the mother's life has been enriched since her daughter came into her life. This is a great book for baby showers, graduations, a gift from a mom to her daughter on the birth of her first child, etc. This is a must read!

Along Came You, the delightful debut children's book written by Karona Drummond and dramatically illustrated by Estelle Corke, tells of the transformation moms make from before kids to after kids. Along Came You was released by Zonderkids in April 2009. Along Came You is a hardback picture book that contrasts the full and exciting life before kids with the full and exciting life after kids. Both lives are good, but different. I absolutely love this book! I think my favorite line is Before you, my world was quiet. After you, There is joyful noise. The picture looks like my daughter. She usually has some sort of costume or jewelry on, and she loves to sing. Karona captures some wonderful examples of the life changes that come with motherhood. I like that she doesn't make either picture out to be negative. Life before kids was great. Life after kids is great. The after is more colorful. She even says "I am still me". One final word....when I write my children's book/s, I want Estelle Corke to illustrate them. She did such an awesome job of capturing the fun details (such as the swinging necklaces in the dance scene!)

Along Came You by Karona Drummond and Estelle Corke is a touching look at how a mother's life changes after she has a child. First, Mia's thoughts: The book was about Mommy and me and how much we love each other. I really liked at the end where the mom said that life was amazing after you [the little girl]. That was the sweetest thing! There was a funny picture in there where the mom had food in her mouth so she looked like a walrus *giggles*. This book made me feel a thousand times a million happy because it reminded me of our family and my family makes me happy! It made me laugh, and I love to laugh! Now my (Mom's) thoughts. This book about a mother's love thoroughly captured the fun and joy of being a mother in the subtle and not so subtle ways our lives change. Meals, travel, and even sleep will never be the same after a child is born. Corke's illustrations have just the right amount of whimsy and emotion. The language is simple, and the repetitive structure allowed Mia to try to guess what was coming next. It's a sweet book, perfect for expecting or new moms, or even for old timers like me!

The author, Karona Drummond, does a wonderful job portraying family life.The early years of a child are particularly memorable to a mother. This book would make a great present for Mother's Day. Children will also enjoy the story and viewing the colorful illustrations.

Excitement always fills the air around any couple who are about to bring a new life into the world. Often, if it is their first child, they have no idea of how their lives will change. Oh they hear of no longer being able to sleep late, or finding smudged finger prints all over their beautiful wallpapered kitchen wall. The list of negative and almost fearful comments goes on and on, often casting a shadow over the miracle of this new life. However, author, Karona Drummond in her outstanding book, "Along Came You," truly shows what a blessing a child will be. Inside the pages of this work you will find brilliant, lifelike illustrations, boldly proclaiming through sight the words you are reading. The author does not put forth that a parents life will not change, but what she does is turn every negative into a positive. Let me give you an example of the words you will find: Before you, my home was decorated in style. After you, my home is decorated in love. Or another: Before you, I read books with a thousand pages. After you, I read your favorite book a thousand times. In my opinion this book indeed brings to light that the presence of a child in our lives will change it. However it shows that sharing everyday existence with another is a God given joy and one to be embraced. I loved this book. I loved the illustrations and the message it left in my heart, and the memories it stirred in my spirit. For I too remember about my own children, so very long ago that: Before you, my world was quiet. After you, there is joyful noise. (and for me that joyful noise is one that I want to hear everyday of my life.) Very highly recommended. A book that will be treasured for years to come, and a reminder that truly children are a gift from God.