When a new sibling comes on the scene, joy overflows, but sometimes so do some other emotions. Every child reacts differently to new additions to their home and books can be a great way to help them make sense of their feelings while still feeling a little removed from the situation. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best books about new siblings coming home to help you out—we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Combines lighthearted illustrations and interactive flaps in a whimsical tale about a soon-to-be older sibling’s happy anticipation of a new baby that compels her to sing loudly to her mother’s tummy and describe everything that is waiting in the outside world.
Phoebe was the shining star of her family. Then someone came along to take her place.
For as long as Phoebe can remember, she’s known the clickety click click of a photographer snapping her picture. Thanks to the camera-carrying “paparazzi” (aka Mom and Dad), she’s always been the star of the show . . . until the day a tiny newcomer arrives on set.
Will Phoebe learn to share the spotlight and assume the role she was born to play: big sister? This sweet tale of sibling rivalry resolved is perfect for every older brother and sister.
Feeling jealous when a new sibling arrives, little Elmore Green becomes frustrated when the “small person” knocks over his things and licks his jelly-bean collection until a special night when their relationship changes. By the award-winning author of the Charlie and Lola series.
The big news is this—Little Miss becomes a big sis! In the perfect follow-up to Plant a Kiss, Little Miss learns the wonders of becoming a big sister as she and her family celebrate the momentous arrival of a new baby. New York Times bestselling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and award-winning illustrator Peter H. Reynolds have teamed up once again to create a charming story about Little Miss. Little Miss, Big Sis is the perfect gift for any child becoming a big brother or sister and any expecting families!
Lola reads story books to her new baby brother Leo, and even though Mommy and Daddy are busy, they still have time to read to Lola at bedtime.
Wolfie the Bunny - Lemony Snickers -
Once Upon a Baby Brother - When he goes away on a trip, Lizzie, who loves to tell and write stories, is surprised to discover that much of her storytelling inspiration comes from her messy baby brother Marvin.
Maple - Lori Nichols’ enchanting debut features an irresistible, free-spirited, nature-loving little girl who greets the changing seasons and a new sibling with arms wide open. When Maple is tiny, her parents plant a maple tree in her honor. She and her tree grow up together, and even though a tree doesn’t always make an ideal playmate, it doesn’t mind when Maple is in the mood to be loud—which is often. Then Maple becomes a big sister, and finds that babies have their loud days, too. Fortunately, Maple and her beloved tree know just what the baby needs.
Ninja Baby - B is for Bookworm -
Preferring to speak in nonsense languages to tell her parents how she feels, little Sophie is challenged to use her words but prefers to communicate with a baby sister who understands her better. By the award-winning creator of the Max & Ruby series.
Lilly is convinced that the arrival of her new baby brother is the worst thing that has happened in their house, until Cousin Garland comes to visit.
Alfie is crazy about space. His favourite things are: 1. aliens, 2. rockets, 3. the moon - in that exact order. He doesn’t really think much about anything else, until his new baby sister comes along. Then he notices that she looks a bit funny, she talks funny and sometimes she smells funny and he realizes . . . she MUST BE AN ALIEN! Alfie knows he needs to be brave and take her back to the moon where she belongs - after all, she often cries for home - and that’s when the adventure really starts. . . A positive, funny and charming take on the joys of a new sibling with gorgeous etched illustrations from a rising picture book star.
There’s a little newcomer at Benny’s house, and everyone who visits sayshow beautiful she is. Only Benny seems to notice that she cries too much and she takes away from his time with Mom and Dad. What’s the big fuss about? Then one night Baby Delilah really won’t stop crying, and her big brother Benny comes up with a silly, perfect way to make her smile.
Little Frog lives with his mommy and daddy. It’s just the three of them, and Little Frog likes it that way. But one day, his parents tell him he is going to be a big brother—to NINE tadpoles!
Little Frog is not impressed with his baby siblings. They can’t jump. They can’t play drums. They can’t do anything! All they do is keep Mommy and Daddy busy—too busy for Little Frog.
But with a little time, big brother realizes that tadpoles grow into little frogs, just like him. And having nine new playmates makes his family better than ever.
The New Baby - The new baby takes some getting used to, but she’s worth it.
You Were the First - You will always be the first… A touching tribute to baby’s early milestones – those unforgettable moments that will always be cherished. From first smiles to first cuddles and even to that first kiss, here’s a loving ode to every child’s – and parent’s – momentous “firsts.”
Big Sisters Are the Best - The story follows a young girl as she helps to care for the new baby in her family.
Olive Marshmallow - A sweet, humorous picture book for all new brothers and sisters who are anticipating the arrival of a new sibling. When Archie notices his Mommy’s tummy growing, he knows something strange is happening. Not only that: Mommy’s office is suddenly completely pink! Mommy shows Archie a picture of his sister growing in her tummy, but Archie things it looks like an alien. Archie isn’t sure that he wants a baby sister. He likes cars and trains and playing cowboys. He knows for sure that he doesn’t like fluffy, frilly, and very pink things! But soon, a fluffy, frilly, and very pink bundle arrives at home. It’s his new baby sister, Olive! Big brother Archie thinks she looks like a marshmallow, and he wonders if life will ever be the same again.
From the moment he arrives, it is obvious that the new baby is boss and he gets whatever he wants, from drinks made-to-order around the clock to his executive gym.
The award-winning, classic stories about Peter and his neighborhood friends from the Caledcott Medal-winning author, Ezra Jack Keats. Peter has a new baby sister. First his father paints Peter’s old cradle pink, then his crib. Then his parents want to paint Peter’s chair! “Let’s run away, Willie,” he says to his dog. And they do. This is a gentle and reassuring story about sibling rivalry.
Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary charms readers with yet another lovable character—Socks, a jealous cat who must learn to share his owners with their new baby.
It’s natural for children to be concerned about the arrival of a new baby at their house. Most big brothers and sisters feel loving and tender one minute, angry or jealous the next. With over forty vivid full-color photographs and a clear, supportive text by award-winning author Joanna Cole, this revised edition of a much-loved classic will prepare children for the ups and downs of having a new baby in the house. “Should help small children sort out and deal with the turbulent mixed feelings that assail them when a new baby comes home.” –Benjamin Spock, MD., author of Baby and Child Care
A young boy looks forward to the day when a new sister, who will be adopted from China, joins his family.
Lulu Is Getting A Sister - Lulu is getting the sister she never asked for in this oh-so-funny illustrated chapter book filled with hilarious hijinks and fiesty twists from Judith Viorst. Lulu has received the worst. News. EVER. She’s getting…a baby sister. No one ever asked HER opinion on this debacle. But she’ll tell you anyway, because she no how, no way, no thank you wants a sibling. Undeterred, and to prepare Lulu for big sisterhood, her parents bribe—AHEM, ask—Lulu to attend Camp Sisterhood, a.k.a. big sister training camp. As a Sister-in-Training (SIT), Lulu is assigned a variety of temporary little “siblings” who are supposed to be so much fun Lulu will become excited to have a permanent sibling of her own. Well, no one ever said Camp Sisterhood was supposed to teach Lulu how to be a good big sister, so Lulu resolves to be a bad big sister. She insults her little siblings. She taunts them with secrets. She even tricks one of them into carrying both of their backpacks up a mountain! Then some BITs (brothers-in-training) from the neighboring Camp Brotherhood start picking on Lulu’s siblings, and Lulu responds by doing her red-faced, steam-coming-out-of-her-ears thing and showing those BITs who’s boss! After all, Lulu’s siblings may be duds, but they’re her duds, and sisters have to stick together.
My Brother the Duck - A new sibling book with humor, heart, and a dash of the scientific process sure to delight young readers. Is Stella’s new baby brother a duck? All the evidence seems to be pointing in that direction, but Stella knows that scientists can’t just wing it. Further research is definitely required. This sweet and silly book is just ducky for new siblings, fledgling scientists and anyone who loves a good laugh. • Read-aloud books for children and siblings • New baby gift for siblings • Pat Zietlow Miller has published numerous children’s books, including the critically acclaimed Be Kind. Picture-book-reading new siblings who enjoyed The New Small Person, Little Miss Big Sis, and Julius Baby of the World will love the sweet and silly humor of My Brother the Duck.
Saturdays Are For Stella - George loves Saturdays. That’s because Saturdays mean time with Grandma Stella. The two of them love going on adventures downtown to visit the dinosaur museum and ride on the carousel! Even when they stay in, George and Stella have fun together, making cinnamon rolls without popping open a tube and sharing the biggest, best hugs. Then one day Stella is gone, and George is ready to cancel Saturdays. But when a new addition to the family arrives, George finds a way to celebrate the priceless memories he made with his grandma―while making new ones too.
Green on Green - Discover the joys of nature, seasons, family—and the vibrant colors of them all—in this lyrical picture book from the author of the acclaimed Blue on Blue. A child is on a colorful journey through the seasons, filled with yellow flowers and blue coral in spring and summer and orange pumpkins and green pine forests in fall and winter. All the while, there is another colorful change on the horizon—the birth of a new sibling. With gentle, rhyming text and vivid artwork, this book is a heartfelt celebration of family, nature, seasons, colors, and the wonder and magic of them all.
A little monkey looks for the perfect cuddle while his parents are busy with his new baby brother in this insanely adorable picture book about learning to be an older sibling.
Lewis loves to cuddle. But ever since his baby brother Owen was born, cuddle time with his mom and dad has been in short supply. Lewis, however, remains undaunted! He wants his cuddles! So:
He cuddles his favorite book. He cuddles his stuffed animals, Hedwig, Lamby, and Monster Dude. He even cuddles a puddle, just because it rhymes!
But cuddling the bus driver turns out to be a little dangerous. Cuddling at dinner is too messy. And cuddling Owen is wiggly and squiggly. Then Lewis finds that a cuddle doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be just the cuddle you need.
Older sisters describe what they can do compared to their baby sisters.
Birdie is learning to fly! Soon, he is flapping his wings high above the forest. He’s not a baby anymore… and when Birdie returns to the nest, he discovers a surprise - Mama has laid an egg. Birdie is going to be a big brother! Join our little feathered friend as he explores the delightful expectations and bashful apprehensions of adding a sibling to the family.
A small Eskimo boy discovers that Mother’s lap is a very special place with room for everyone.
My New Baby - A child adjusts to the arrival of a new sibling and to how life is different with a newborn baby around. On board pages.
I'm a Big Brother - “Someone new is at our house,” begins this loving, reassuring celebration of brotherhood from trusted author Joanna Cole.
Fuddles and Puddles - The perfectly pampered world of Fuddles comes screeching to a halt when Puddles, a new puppy, joins the family, and Fuddles schemes of ways to get rid of him and return to his charmed life.
With kid-friendly honesty and humor, Babies Don’t Eat Pizza informs and reassures children experiencing babies joining their families. Debbie Tilley’s fun, whimsical illustrations highlight the book’s lighthearted, yet sensitive, tone. To encourage family discussions, Babies Don’t Eat Pizza is best read over time.
A young boy imagines what life will be like when his new sibling arrives.
When her mother brings new baby Leo home, Ruby feels left out until she realizes that she has the important job of being a big sister.
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