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Becoming a big brother or big sister
The books we have chosen for our fourth topic, Becoming a big brother or big sister, cover the many feelings that accompany welcoming a new baby into the home. Children often have mixed feelings about the arrival of a new sibling. We have chosen books that support the older child, helping him to understand his place in the family in the midst of all of the changes around him.
Clicking on the titles will direct you to the amazon.com page for each book listed below. Clicking on highlighted words or phrases in the descriptions will direct you to resources and information related to the topics.
For ages 0 - 3
Best-ever Big Brother by Karen Katz
Big brothers can be wonderful role models to younger siblings. In this lift-the-flap book, a big brother talks about all the things his baby brother and sister can't do yet, like wear big-kid underpants, drink from a cup, read a book or run like the wind. However, big brother’s reassurance comes through in the end as he says, “but she will someday when she’s big like me!” - D. Gilbert
The New Baby by Mary Packard
"The New Baby," by Mary Packard, is a short nicely written book. Packard addresses important topics older siblings are likely to ponder, such as: "Will Mommy and Daddy still have time for me?" and "What do I do when baby cries?" The book ends with the lovely image of the first smile shared between new siblings. Somehow, Packard manages to convey all this using only 48 words! Therefore, this is not only a great book for new siblings but also a great book for new readers. - L. Fox
For ages 0 - 3 and ages 3 - 6
My Big Brother by Valorie Fisher
This book is beautifully written and photographed. The story is told through the eyes of baby who adores her big brother. Big brother is viewed as a hero who can do many things. Even though he is busy in his play and work, he still finds the time to play with his young sibling. It is a reminder of all the things that an older child can do and the important role he that plays in his sibling's life. This book is a wonderful addition to your library whether you have a child on the way or a new little one at home. - S. Miller
Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
Peter is feeling jealous when all of his things are being changed for his baby sister. His cradle, crib and high chair are now all pink! At last Peter spots his chair that hasn’t been painted yet and grabs it and says to his dog Willie, “Let’s run away.” Peter and Willie go outside of the house and Peter arranges his blue chair, toy alligator and baby picture just the way he likes and decides to sit in his chair. To his surprise, the chair is too small. Peter thinks for awhile and then has an idea. What will become of Peter’s chair? - D. Gilbert
For ages 3 - 6
Will There Be a Lap for Me? by Dorothy Corey
Welcoming a new baby to the family often opens the doors to many worries: Do they still love me as much? Will they have time for me? Will there be a lap for me? In this story, Kyle struggles as his mother's lap shrinks as the baby inside her grows. After the baby is born, mother has her lap back, but she has little time for Kyle because she is always busy caring for and feeding the new baby. In the end, Kyle and his mother find a special time for each other and Kyle finds himself once again in his favorite and most comfortable place: on mother's lap. Carving out special time for the older sibling(s) is an important part of helping children with the life-changing transition of welcoming a new baby into the family. - J. Reid
J
ulius, The Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
Lilly loved the idea of becoming a big sister until it actually happened and her baby brother was born. Her feelings changed from excitement to anger and jealousy, to sometimes even hate, as her brother became the center of her parents' attention and affection, causing her to often ask, "When is he going back?" In the end, Lilly grows to like her new brother, showing parents and children alike that is okay to not always like how it feels when there is a new baby sibling in the house. Emotions like hate and anger do not mean there is something wrong; becoming an older sibling evokes a variety of feelings and is an life adjustment. The captions, revealing Lilly's true thoughts and discomfort, are humorous to the adult reader or older child. - J. Murphy
A Baby Sister For Frances by Russell Hoban
Frances, once an only badger, has a new baby badger-sister, Gloria, who seems to be taking much of her badger-parents' time and attention. They don't seem to have time and notice things the way they used to. Frances, feeling pushed aside, decides to run away (under the dining room table) because, as she says, "things are not very good around here anymore." This book has a gentle way of conveying her parents' understanding of her expression of her feelings, as well as their sensitive way of talking about how they miss Frances once she has run away under the table. In the end, the story, in its simple yet lovely text, conveys the importance of family as well as the lesson that no matter how a family grows, each member is special and there is always enough for everyone. - J. Reid
Bittle by Patricia MacLachlan
With its bright colors and simple text, the authors of this book share the story of two pets, a cat and a dog, and the ways in which they learn to cope with the many changes occurring in their home as their owners get ready for the arrival of a new baby. An endearing story that allows a child who is about to become a big brother or sister the ability to relate to the mixed feelings that both that cat and dog express with some emotional distance. - C. Love
The New Baby by Fred Rogers
Very few authors can tactfully empathize with children and help them understand the many feelings that are evoked with the birth of new sibling like Fred Rogers does in The New Baby. It's simple words and photographs depict the mixed emotions and experiences that most children have when becoming a big brother or sister. I recommend this book for all younger and school age children, who are preparing for a new addition to their family. - J. Murphy
Dear Baby: Letters From Your Big Brother by Sarah Sullivan
I like to use this book in the classroom to help children who are struggling with their many different feelings about having a new brother or sister. It is a candid collection of letters written by a boy to his baby sister before and after she is born. He shares his every thought from the baby’s first sonogram to her first birthday. He uses these letters to tell her about himself and express his mixed feelings in safe and protected way. It’s great for a child who feels like he/she needs to feel a certain way about a new baby. It also provides a child a sense that it’s typical to feel a range of emotions during this transition. - C. Love
Parent Literature
The New Baby At Your House by Joanna Cole
Parents will find that this book addresses most every question and worry that a child might have when anticipating the arrival of a new baby in the family. The pictures are somewhat dated but they do not detract from the superb content. The New Baby at Your House begins with pregnancy and explains childbirth as well as what will unfold as the new baby grows into toddlerhood and beyond. Also included is a “Note to Parents” which highlights the importance of preparing your preschooler for this most significant event and provides further insight into the thoughts and feelings that he/she may experience. Constructive suggestions and important information – a valuable resource for parents and children alike! - D. Mugno
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