New babies arriving into families with children create the magical relationship of “sibling”, but that doesn’t mean older kids don’t feel nervous or put-out by the prospect of a new addition. Books that address the arrival of a new sibling come in all age ranges. We’re sharing 4 of our favorites with you.
Look at Me! Mirame! illustrated by Rachel Fuller is an English/Spanish bi-lingual board book for the youngest older siblings, 3 yo and under. The new baby has arrived and a special relationship is starting to grow between the two boys. The older child is able to show what he can do because he’s a big boy and doesn’t feel upstaged by his younger brother. This is the last in a series of 4 board books that address the anticipation, worry, arrival and blossoming of a relationship between siblings.
You Were the First by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin will appeal to kids ages 3+. When our second child was on the way and our oldest child was 3 years old, it was helpful for us to remind her that she will always be the person who made Mijha and Runako “Mommy” and “Daddy”. Although she couldn’t fit on my lap towards the end of my second pregnancy, she did not have to fear for her place in our hearts. The arrival of another baby isn’t imminent in the book, but the last pages hint at possible babies down the road: “One day there may be a second — or a third — to sleep in the basket with the yellow ribbon wound round. But you will always be the first.”
Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Sophie Blackall features a pregnant mother and her daughter, Gia, who is somewhere between 6-8 years old. Gia is not at all excited about the arrival of the “ding dang” baby. Everyone keeps talking about the baby, saving old clothing for the baby and Gia is feeling squeezed out by a person who hasn’t even arrived yet! Her anger erupts at Thanksgiving Dinner when all anyone can talk about is the baby. Her mother comforts her, letting her know that she will also miss the times when it was just her and Gia, and reassuring Gia that she and the new baby will always need her. Pecan Pie Baby is appropriate for children from 3+, but kids who are at least 5 years old will get the most from it.
Cilla Lee-Jenkins, Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte is a chapter book for the 7+ crowd. Cilla’s mother is expecting a new baby and Cilla is convinced she needs to achieve best-selling author extraordinaire status before the baby arrives and everyone forgets she exists. Cilla hasn’t had a lot of experience in the world, but she knows herself inside and out. So, she chooses to write her masterpiece about herself. Follow along with Cilla as she saves herself from oblivion and learns that she is unforgettable.
