A new baby does not arrive alone. It brings a new chair, a new noise, a new person on a parent’s lap, and a new job title nobody remembers asking the older child to accept. The most useful new-sibling books do not insist that becoming a big brother or sister is wonderful. They make room for the child who is thrilled, the child who is suspicious, and the child who plans to run away with the last piece of furniture that has not been reassigned.
Drawing from Bookroo’s collection of 52 books about getting a new sibling, our editors chose fifteen that help before the birth and after the baby comes home. The shortlist includes warm preparation books, very funny stories about jealousy, adoption and blended-family arrivals, and two chapter books for older children whose feelings are too complicated for a cheerful “big sibling” manual. Start with our favorites, then browse the board-book and picture-book shelves by age.
A boy defends his cherished chair from being painted for his baby sister.
A sister's disdain for her baby brother shifts when an outsider criticizes him.
An only child loses half his bedroom and all his jelly beans to the new small person nobody consulted him about.
A bunny fears her wolf brother might eat them. Can she save him when danger strikes?
Gia fears a new baby will disrupt her life with Mama.
A small girl in a very big world discovers that becoming a sister makes her somebody else’s guide.
Clap, cuddle, count toes, and practice the small things a new big sibling can do with a baby.
A sister eagerly awaits her new sibling, sharing songs and stories of the world outside.
A girl and her tree welcome a new sibling with love and understanding.
A little boy can fit a boat, a reindeer, and a puppy on his mother’s lap—but not, he thinks, the baby too.
During the long wait, a boy and his mother imagine all the unlikely jobs the new baby might grow up to do.
A book-loving girl embraces her new role as a big sister.
Brother Bear outgrows his little bed on the same day a new baby needs somewhere to sleep.
A pampered cat loses the center of the household to a baby and behaves about as well as an older sibling might.
Lulu is sent to Camp Sisterhood to prepare for the baby sister she has already decided to despise.
Sturdy first books for talking about the baby on the way, practicing gentle hands, and giving the newly promoted big kid a book of their own. Ages 0–4.
A baby takes charge, demanding attention and control in a household upheaval.
A child navigates life with a newborn sibling.
A girl teaches her brother life skills, but he surprises her with his own talent.
Read-alouds about waiting, bringing the baby home, sharing parents and possessions, and discovering that love and annoyance can occupy the same room. Ages 2–8.
A star sibling faces a new rival. Can she share the spotlight?
Is Stella's baby brother really a duck? Evidence suggests so, but more research is needed.
A young girl discovers the joys and challenges of becoming a big sister.
A boy must find joy in Saturdays again after losing his beloved grandma.
A new sibling arrives, and an older sister discovers the joys and challenges of her new role.
A puppy and a baby must navigate jealousy and change to become friends.
A young storyteller loses her muse. Can she find inspiration again?
A child's journey through seasons reveals nature's colors and a new sibling's arrival.
A pampered cat's life is upended by a new puppy. Can he adapt?
A ninja baby faces her toughest challenge: a new sibling.
A new baby dinosaur needs guidance. Can you teach it everything it needs to know?
Wren seeks peace but finds unexpected revelations in the countryside.
