A gentle, reassuring story about growing up and letting go.
Arleo’s Bye-bye, Mama’s Milk approaches the weaning process with sensitivity and clarity, giving voice to a milestone that children’s books frequently overlook. After nursing throughout her baby and toddler years, Michaela is finally ready to say goodbye. But will she be able to do it? Arleo builds the story around a simple, reassuring structure: a paper-chain countdown that lets Michaela remove one link each night. The repeated phrase “Getting closer to bye-bye, Mama’s milk” creates a soothing rhythm and helps children understand time. Arleo’s measured pacing gives families a reassuring way to approach a sensitive milestone.
Carlotta Passarini’s soft, watercolor illustrations strengthen the book’s soothing tone. The initial spreads depict nursing with warmth and restraint. Later illustrations—of play, pretend feeding, and focused kneeling—subtly trace Michaela’s move toward independence. The story closes on a soft, joyful moment that treats the transition as a shared success rather than something being taken away. Two concluding activities—a simple paper-chain craft and a no-bake cake—extend the book’s supportive spirit into real-life practice. Warm, reassuring, and thoughtfully composed, this is a welcome resource for families navigating the end of the breastfeeding journey.
A standout.
Carlotta Passarini (Illustrations)
Pub date
ISBN 978-1-03-834862-3, 978-1-03-834863-0
Pages 36
Price $21.49 Hardcover, $14.99 Paperback