When Anne Marie became the mother of a new baby, she planned to breastfeed for the health benefits alone. However, she soon adopted a lifestyle of attachment parenting, co-sleeping and nursing on demand out of a need for survival. Anne Marie also became an advocate for breastfeeding beyond infancy, not only because of the strong bond that she had developed with her daughter, but also because her very determined toddler refused to wean.

Anne Marie did not return to her position as an elementary school teacher when her baby was six months old, choosing instead to stay home with her growing family. This gave Anne Marie the opportunity and excuse to write that children's book she'd always dreamed of completing. Since she was at a loss for a suitable subject, someone suggested to her that she "write about what she knew." Anne Marie laughed at this and said, "All I know about these days is breastfeeding!" And so, the idea for "Mama Means Milk" was conceived.

Written from a child's perspective, "Mama Means Milk" is Anne Marie's first book. Mothers and children alike will enjoy this warm and cozy look at the unique relationship that exists between a mother and her nursing child. Through its publication, Anne Marie hopes to educate mothers and families worldwide about the benefits of attachment parenting, co-sleeping, and of course, breastfeeding beyond infancy.

Watch for Anne Marie's next book, "Marina's Story", which is narrated by her Russian-born daughter, adopted at the age of four.

Christina Renaud is an Honours Student in the Visual Arts and French program at the University of Western Ontario. Her love for painting children is embodied in the collection of works featured in this book. She plans to continue, through similar projects, to portray the joy a child brings to the world. For more about Christina and her work, go to www.angelfire.com/art/avenue