New babies bring so many changes to a family's life. Older children can feel left out, and some might even revert to acting like a baby themselves to try and reclaim their status as the baby. Many of the picture books reviewed below address this issue. Others discuss the physical development of the baby, so older siblings can have some idea of what is going on.
There's a house inside my mummy
Giles Andreae and Vanessa Cabban
A little boy is waiting for his little brother or sister to be born. He knows that the baby is growing inside the house in his mummy's tummy - but he can't wait for the baby to arrive. A delightful story told in rhyme which helps younger children to understand how a baby grows and what it might be like in the house in their mummy's tummy.
Great for children of all ages, but would work particularly well with 3 to 6 year olds.
Reviewed by Erika.
Sophie and the new baby
Laurence and Catherine Anholt
Sophie can't wait for the new baby - but she's not so sure about her baby brother when he arrives.
Reviewed by Annie.
I'm a big brother and I'm a big sister
Joanna Cole; illustrated by Maxie Chambliss
Nice, simple explanations about new babies, including notes for parents.
Reviewed by Annie.
 Back to top
The bump
Joy Cowley; illustrated by Linda McClelland
Anna's mum and dad help her prepare for the new baby. Lots of humour and love.
Reviewed by Annie.
Before you were born
Jennifer Davis; illustrated by Laura Cornell
A mum talks about her baby's development. Cool use of lift-the-flaps detail the physical development of the baby.
Reviewed by Annie.
Penguin Post
Debi Gliori
Milo's not sure about getting a sibling, so he offers to deliver the post instead of keeping the egg warm. Milo sees scenes of family happiness while delivering the post, and learns what his family needs.
Reviewed by Annie.
Back to top
Where did that baby come from?
Debi Gliori
If you have a new baby in the family then this laugh filled book is perfect to share with older siblings and other parents. The illustrations are funny and perfectly illustrate the thoughts of the older sibling as it tries to figure out where the new baby has come from.
While this book is appealing to older children, younger family members may be a little bored. This is a perfect story for sharing one on one with an older sibling - perhaps while the other parent is busy with the new baby.
Recommended for ages 3 +.
Reviewed by Erika.
Brand new baby
Bob Graham
Edward and Wendy are waiting for the new baby to be born. When their mother goes into the hospital to have the baby Edward and Wendy are excited, but then the baby comes home and it seems as though nothing is the same.
This is a wonderful story for teaching older siblings about the changes that will happen when the new baby comes - and shows that things will eventually get back to normal.
Reviewed by Erika.
Lisa's baby sister
Anne Gutman, and Georg Hallensleben
Lisa is not very impressed about her mother' pregnancy and the new baby. Her friends side with her and promise NEVER to speak to the baby but, eventually, Lisa is won over.
Reviewed by Annie.
Back to top
Hi new baby!
Robie H. Harris; illustrated by Michael Emberley
A little girl is unsure about her new baby brother - particularly the crying part. For a while she wants to be the only baby in the family, but soon comes to love the baby.
Reviewed by Annie.
The other dog
Madeleine L'Engle; illustrated by Christine Davenier
Touche is a wonderful, furry member of the family - but one day her family brings home another dog called a baby! The other dog is nowhere near as wonderful as Touche it doesn't have her charm and style. Over time Touche comes to like the other dog, but so many things happen in between.
A wonderfully funny story that takes a light hearted look at bringing home a new baby. This book will appeal to children of all ages.
Reviewed by Erika.
The night you were born
Wendy McCormick; illustrated by Sophy Williams
Jamie waits at home with his aunt for the phone call welcoming his new sister. While they wait, Aunt Isabel tells Jamie all about the night he was born.
Back to top
Hello baby
Jenni Overend; illustrated byJulie Vivas
A perfect book for a family planning a home birth. This is a wonderful celebration of a family enjoying the birth of their new addition.
Reviewed by Annie.
Now we have a baby
Lois Rock; illustrated by Jane Massey
This is a thoughtful and sweet book to introduce children to the idea of a new sibling in the family. While the story is a little bit preachy, and there is a great emphasis on being welcoming to the new baby, this is a great book.
This book can help start a conversation with an older toddler about what it is like to have a baby brother or sister. The illustrations are soft and light and will appeal to younger children for their simple representations of real life objects.
Recommended for ages 2 +.
Reviewed by Erika.
I want a sister
Tony Ross
When Little Princess finds out the Queen is pregnant - she wants a sister - boys are smelly and rough.
Reviewed by Annie.
Back to top
When the teddy bears came
Martin Waddell; illustrated by Penny Dale
When the new baby comes home to Tom's house, so do all the teddy bears. But the baby, Mom, Dad and all the bears take up so much room on the couch that there's no room for Tom. But Mom knows how to make things right.
Reviewed by Annie.
Are you there, Baby Bear?
Catherine Walters
Alfie is waiting for his new baby brother or sister to arrive - but it seems as though it is taking forever. One morning he decides to look for his brother or sister. From the lake to the trees he tries to find the new baby - but a surprise is waiting for him back at the family cave.
A good read aloud for younger pre-schoolers about a new baby.
Reviewed by Erika.
Will you mind the baby, Davy?
Brigitte Weninger; illustrated by Eve Tharlet
Davy is not best impressed when he finds out his mother is going to have another a baby. Davy's best friend Eddie has a baby brother and he cries a lot. So does Davy's baby sister when she arrives, but not while Davy's holding her. Eventually Davy begins to look forward to being a big brother.
Reviewed by Annie.
Back to top |
