Rating: 
Summary: Magical
Review:
This book was gifted to me upon the birth of my second child, and I have twice gifted it to friends upon the birth of their children since that time. Although I didn't read all the reviews, I feel that the last -- Susan from Philidelphia, PA -- said it best when she wrote that this story "truly captures the transcendent nature of a infant's entry into the world." It does exactly that.
How anyone could suggest that it is egocentric (?) is beyond me, given that it is told by an omnipotent narrator who seeks to articulate through images and words the beauty of life's interconnectness, and the otherwise inarticulate sense of intimacy and joy adults feel when an infant enters their world.
In respect to the criticism about the book's "images" ...
No doubt the author and illustrator were deliberate in this for it is a story that is meant to apply to every single child in the world, regardless of their gender, race, culture, religion, and/or place of birth. All of which is to suggest that a picture of a caucasian girl or african-american boy or asian set of twins, etc., would have detracted entirely from its point, given that it meant to be read as if it is telling the story of your child's birth to him/her. Thus by not including "pictures" -- photo like renditions -- of children but instead illustrating the text with abstract images, the story is therefore inclusive to all readers -- ie., children.
Finally, not long ago, I heard someone say that "when you have a baby, it's like heaven opens up for a bit."
If you believe's that to be true, than this is the book for you if only because it says just that in a few more words, with images, and in a context/form that you can share with your children time and time again.
Rating:
Summary: Radiant and moving
Review: "On the day you were born a forest of tall trees collected the Sun's light in their leaves, where, in silent mystery, they made oxygen for you to breathe..." Radiant and moving, it doesn't get much better than this explaining what went on in the Universe the day your child was born. A book that I highly recommend. A child will feel and know that they are a significant part of Universe. A beautiful book to give as a gift.Although this book is recommended for the 4-8 group, a child of 12 months will be fascinated and held captive with this book and grow along with the book.This is a beautiful book celebrating the joy and wonder when a child is born. It describes how everyone, from animals to people to Earth itself, celebrated when 'you'were born. A child can't help but feel loved and very special when this book is read to them. And the parent, who is reading the book, can't help but realize how wonderful bring a new baby into the world really is. This is an ideal gift for a family when a child is born.
Rating:
Summary: A child sees how she is connected to the larger world.
Review: A beautifully illustrated book to connect the child to her environment and to others. Through this story, she can understand that she is an integral part of the world and her community. She will also be assured that she is wanted and loved and is a part of something larger than herself.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful story to be read time and again.
Review: All children like to hear the story of the day they were born. This story is great and I wish I had been able to read it to my children and grandchildren. I give it as baby gifts now. I think I got a really winning gift.
Rating:
Summary: This book will make parents cry and toddlers read.
Review: Any parent who has read this book will tell you that it can move you to tears. What makes this an outstanding book is that it uses science in a magical way. It is an inclusive book -- regardless of one's values and the place of religion in one's family life, this book fits in neatly. Since it does not make relationship associations, it can be read to children whether they are your birth child, adopted, foster child, grandchild, godchild or friend. The tone of the text provides positive affirmation of a person's individuality. It is written for babies, but can apply to everyone regardless of age. It does not condescend, either by tone or language. The use of paper illustrations with their clean, bold lines and colors captures and holds my 18-month-old daughter's attention every time we read it, making it easy for her to point out various shapes and objects. It is easy to read this one many times without becoming tedious. I applaud Debra Frasier for her effective celebration of life. If you are a book giver, and looking for a gift for a new baby, or even a toddler, this is an excellent choice. Or even if you are a grandparent, or just have small children visit you, what an excellent addition to your own library this book will be.
Rating:
Summary: Spiritual, Moving, and Reverent
Review: As Pagans, my husband and I have a hard time finding age-appropriate books for our son that reflect our faith without being dogmatic or corny. When we ran across 'On the Day You Were Born," we knew we had a winner! It expresses the marvel of life that we want to emphasise, the connection of all things under the Divine and the belief that we are all a part of something immense and wondrous. But the real triumph is that it does these things in a way so subtle, beautiful and fundamental that it will be of value to people of ANY faith. It invites quiet and deep appreciation for the awesome power that is all around us, no matter what name we give it.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book to Read to a Baby
Review: Debra Frasier visited my high school creative writing class in 1994 and read this to us. I think the whole class was moved to tears. I bought it before my son was born in August and read it to him almost every night. He loves the smoothness and poetry of the words; it keeps him mesmerized. The contrasting, bright illustrations also keep his attention at 3 months. I have plenty of other books to read to him, but this one is my favorite, and I think the words give a sense of security and belonging even to babies who cannot understand them yet.
Rating:
Summary: Deep and Moving book for new parents
Review: Each time I reach for this book, it is to remember and relive those incredible feelings I had during and after the birth of my baby boy. This book shows a deep respect for human life as part of the universal life cycle, how awsome and wonderful! I will give it as a gift to new mothers (and fathers!)again and again.
Rating: 
Summary: Self-esteem as self-aggrandizement
Review: Grounded in the self-aggrandizement school of self-esteem, On the Day You Were Born is a Desiderata for the 90's. In author Debra Frasier's universe, the Copernican revolution never happened--she tells us that on the day you were born, the sun lights "your sky," the moon's pull washes the beach "clean for your footprints" and the news of "your birth" migrates from animal to animal. This sort of egocentric subjectivity would not be so offensive if we were at least willing to reciprocate. But what to get a newborn slug? Illustrated in the style of Matisse cutouts.
Rating:
Summary: Touching and nostalgic
Review: I bought this beautiful book during one of my first trips out of the house with my newborn daughter. I first read it in the store-- given that my daughter's birth was SO fresh in my mind, and the fact that she was strapped to my chest gazing up at me, caused tears of nostalgic joy to spring to my eyes. All new mothers and babies should read this book together; I envision reading this with my daughter many, many times in the years to come. Each time I pick it up I am instantly transported to that magical moment in which she entered my world . .
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