Room for two (or more)
Filed Under Stuff | September 19, 2007
When you already have a tot (or two), welcoming a new baby into the family requires skillful negotiations, cunning and planning. Reading books about youngsters and their new siblings is a great springboard for discussing feelings and thoughts about becoming a big brother or sister.
There are a plethora of sibling books. We’ve read about breastfed babes, bottlefed babes, hospital settings, home settings, jealous siblings, jealous pets, and everything in between. But since we’d rather not introduce ideas about jealousy until it becomes an issue, we’ve chosen more general books that were popular with many mums we know.
My New Baby illustrated by Annie Kubler
A wordless book, My New Baby allows you to name the characters after your own family, and tailor the story to your situation. Featuring an older brother who is an eager helper and full participant in welcoming his younger sibling into the nest, it ends with the boy sharing some special reading time with his parents while the new baby sleeps. (We also know parents who’ve made the main character a girl.)
I’m a Big Sister (Brother) by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Maxie Chambliss
Chambliss’s cheerful pictures and Cole’s simple text appeal to soon-to-be older siblings. I’m a Big Sister/Brother focuses on the special role each member of the family plays and the perks of being an older child (“I can eat pizza and ice-cream!”).
The New Baby at Your House by Joanna Cole, photographs by Margaret Miller
This classic speaks to both the positive and negative emotions older siblings might feel towards the “new kid on the block”. The newest edition includes an ethnically diverse cast of families, and a helpful introductory note for parents.
Welcome With Love, by Jennie Overend, illustrated by Julie Vivas
If you’re planning a homebirth, Welcome With Love is a good choice to help prepare your child. The birthing tale is told from the perspective of a small boy who witnesses the birthing process with his family and imagines what it must be like to be the baby inside mummy’s tummy.
Helen Moore is yoyomama’s kiddie lit correspondent. Helen is a local children’s librarian who is currently using her maternity leave to nurture the reading skills of her two sons, ages one and three.
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
