Hellobee

Becoming a new big brother or big sister is hard! Just ask Lil’ CB! Twenty-nine years ago, I became a big sister myself, and though I was only 6 (did you just do the math and figure out my age now? ;)), I still remember that strange mix of feelings that accompanied my new promotion — excitement, joy, confusion, and, if I’m being honest, some bitterness, anger, and jealousy. It’s a lot for a little one to take on at a young age! Children’s book writers recognize this and thankfully, there are many excellent books that explore this topic in different ways. Here are some of great books that honor big brothers and big sisters and the big change that has happened or is about to happen:

Julius Baby of the World: Many of you may recognize Lilly of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse fame. This is an earlier book about Lilly and her baby brother’s entrance to the world. Lilly is the best big sister to Julius…until he is born. She tries to sabotage her little brother, but in true spunky Lilly fashion, she comes around when it’s time to protect him.

The New Small Person: I adore Lauren Childs’ books and this one is no different! Elmore Green loves being an only child, so one day when the new small person comes along, he is not too happy. Even though the new small person disrupts Elmore’s life, Elmore’s parents say he can’t help it since he’s small. One day, things change and Elmore learns that the new small person may not be so bad after all.

Jin Woo: This one hits home because it centers around a family waiting for a child from South Korea. Older brother David narrates the story and he is unsure of this new addition, but soon learns that perhaps his new little brother needs him. This one is best suited for older, school-age children.

Ten Days and Nine Nights: Another one about Korean adoption — this one is told through the eyes of a big sister waiting for her mother to come home from Korea with her new little sister. I love that it shows the juxtaposition of what the big sister is doing at home to prepare for her little sister’s arrival and what her mother is doing in Korea as she receives the new baby.

Little Miss, Big Sis: I love the simple language of this story as Little Miss learns she is to become a big sister and the waiting and happy arrival that follows.

Hello in There!: A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting: A fun interactive book for soon-to-be older siblings that are just waiting, waiting, waiting for their little sibling’s arrival!

You Were the First: This is a beautiful story that honors the first-born child while at the end, subtly prepares for a new baby’s arrival.

Franklin and Harriet: I always find Franklin stories to be so calming and real. Read about Franklin’s difficulty with adjusting to his new baby sister and the lesson he learns about how his little sister sees him.

I’m A Big Brother: Simplistic and easy to follow, this is a great book for very young children that are about to be come big brothers. Also check out the companion, I’m a Big Sister.

Babies Don’t Eat Pizza: This book is better suited for older, school-age children as it goes into some detail about the whys and hows of babies (including their time in the womb). I love that it includes all different types of babies and families! Older children will appreciate the honesty and humor in this book.

Peter’s Chair: Featuring Peter from The Snowy Day, this is another story about Peter and it involves his baby sister, Susie’s, arrival. This one is a great one for talking with older siblings about some of their old toys and items being reused by their new sibling.

This quartet of books, Waiting for Baby, My New Baby, You and Me, and Look at Me! are wonderful for young children that are going to become big brothers or sisters. Written with simple words and featuring multicultural and diverse families, these books deal with issues like what a new baby will sound and act like; sharing with and “playing” with a new baby; and even basic sibling rivalry.

Lola Reads to Leo: I’ve gushed about Lola several times in my different book posts — a girl who loves to read and go to the library? That’s a girl after my own heart, for sure! In this book, Lola’s mommy is about to have a baby, and Lola shares stories with him even before his arrival and can’t wait to read to him once he does make his entrance to the world. So simple and sweet.