The arrival of a new sibling Ottawa Public Library
/Thank you to Doris Jordan, Children’s Programming and Public Service Assistant from the Ottawa Public Library – Beaverbrook Branch for this submission!
The arrival of a new sibling can have a big impact on a family.
Welcoming a new baby to the family is a wonderful and exciting experience but for some toddlers and preschoolers, it can also be a time of uncertainty, confusion and anxiety. Here are a few juvenile picture books from the Ottawa Public Library that can help prepare your child for the arrival of a new sibling.
New Baby and Me by Christine Kidney (Illustrated by Hoda Haddadi )
Awaiting the arrival of a new baby, five brothers imagine what their new sibling will be like. Will he be a scientist or a dreamer? An explorer or an artist? It is a beautiful picture book with collage illustrations that celebrates individuality and imagination. Additional ideas for art and collage activities included at the end of the book to help prepare for a new sibling.
It’s big brother Time! By Nandini Ahuja
Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
Beautifully illustrated featuring a multiethnic family, this book focuses on the possibilities for fun and companionship rather than the disruptions that a new member, especially a newborn, brings to the mix. A lovely heartwarming story focusing on the developing bond between big brother and his new sibling.
The Big Sibling Getaway by Korrie Lear
A new baby means a lot of crying. It becomes too much for big sister Cassie and she needs some space. An empty box is the perfect getaway vehicle to any place her imagination can take her. After a much-needed break, she realizes she misses her new baby brother and that it’s not always fun being alone.
Mama’s Belly by Kate Hosford (Illustrated by Abigail Halpin )
A beautifully illustrated book about a curious little girl awaiting the arrival of her baby sister. This charming picture book tells the story of a family’s journey through mama’s pregnancy. The story addresses both the joys and anxiety of becoming a big brother or sister and does it in such a heartfelt way. It not only describes the excitement the family feels as they approach the big day, but it also describes the realistic side of pregnancy. It tells us sometimes Mama is too tired to play and sometimes she is grumpy. It also shares some of the little sister’s concerns when she wonders if she will need to share her favorite blanket with her sister and when she asks her mama, “when my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?” However, with lovely comforting words and illustrations, the book shows the joys that the little girl feels as she anticipates becoming a big sister and sharing the world with her.
While We Wait by Judy Ann Sadler (Illustrated by Elodie Duhameau)
A lovely story of a little boy and his grandma as they knit a gift, dance, sing, talk and play with their dog while they wait for the arrival of a new baby. A sweet, endearing picture book showcasing the bond between generations, the value of patience and that some things are well worth the wait.
Shhh! The Baby is Sleeping by JaNay Brown-Wood (Illustrated by Ellisambura)
An adorable rhyming picture book. A story centering around the one issue parents and family members can all relate to ---- don’t wake the baby! Filled with humor, bright bold illustrations and bouncy rhyming text, big brother tries to keep his loud and expansive family from waking up his baby sister.
