Welcoming a new baby is an exciting milestone for a family – but can also bring lots of questions and mixed emotions for older siblings as they anticipate this big change. It’s no secret we think books are the perfect way to start conversations about what your child might be feeling and give them a taste of what to expect when the new baby arrives. Here are some of our favorites for this special occasion!
The Blue Canoe – A beautiful picture book about an expecting mother and her daughter who love to canoe on the lake at their cabin. As they travel through the water, the little girl shares the relatable feelings of being excited for the baby to join them along with questions and worries about the big change. She is comforted by animal families they see on the lake and by her mother’s words. Perfect for nature loving families along with any children who might have mixed emotions about the new addition joining their family!
Here She Is! – Little Bear is so excited to welcome a new baby to his family, only to feel a little let down when she actually arrives. Having a new baby around isn’t what he expected and he’s having a hard time feeling as excited as he was before. This relatable book is perfect for a new sibling having a hard time adjusting to being a big brother or sister!
The New Girl: A Dog Meets Baby Story – This cute story about a dog who is not so thrilled to welcome a new baby to the family at first, but eventually comes around to the new family member, is relatable and perfect for siblings who really aren’t thrilled about the thought of a new brother or sister. With rhymes and vibrant pictures combined with the wonderful lessons about change, children and adults alike will love this story!
You Were The First – This touching book is not only a beautiful reminder for parents of all the milestones and “firsts” they experienced with their oldest child, but also a comforting reminder to children that although another baby will be entering the picture, it doesn’t take away from their special place in the family! It’s also a wonderful way for older siblings to see how a baby will grow and evolve in the first year!
What Brothers Do Best -This book celebrates all the fun, silly, and heartfelt reasons brothers are so special. Through playful examples and charming illustrations, the book highlights how brothers can be great helpers and built-in best friends. This book is a wonderful choice not only for a brand-new big brother, but also for a child who has already been a big brother for a while and can proudly see himself reflected in the pages. Have a big sister instead of a big brother in the house? Check out What Sisters Do Best!
Hello In There – An adorable book about a big sister who can’t wait to meet her new sibling. With interactive flaps revealing the baby growing inside mom’s belly, this book truly celebrates all there is to be excited about for an older sibling anxiously waiting for their brother or sister!
Franklin and Harriet – Franklin is a great big brother to his sister Harriet. However, one day he starts to feel frustrated with how little she is and faces the facts that being a big brother can be hard sometimes too. However, something reminds Franklin that even though being a big brother isn’t always easy, Harriet loves him and he loves Harriet! Another great book for a new sibling or an older sibling that had been an older sibling for a while and might get frustrated with their younger sibling from time to time.
A Celebration of Brothers – This book truly is a celebration of brothers! Brothers can come in many different shapes and sizes, with step brothers and half brothers, even friends can be like brothers! With its upbeat, rhyming text and happy illustrations, this book is perfect for any brother (or sister)!
Artifact Uprising Family Board Book – These personalized board books will be any child’s favorite! Add pictures of family, friends, vacations (the possibilities are endless) and simple text or names. Your baby, toddler and even big kids will want to flip through it time and time again to see the familiar faces and places they love! It can be such a special bonding book that an older sibling can read to a younger one or would make such a sweet baby shower or first birthday gift.
Green on Green – This is a beautifully illustrated, lyrical book following a young boy as he celebrates the seasons and changes happening around him. All the while, the reader notices another change happening in the illustrations, his mother growing a baby. With the addition of a family member as a much more subtle topic in this story, this is a great book for siblings to read who may be wondering about how long it will take for the new baby to arrive and one to read over and over again as baby grows sparking new conversations throughout the journey.
When I Became Your Sister – This book would make the perfect gift for a new big sister once baby arrives! With cute characters, sweet rhymes and a beautiful message about how special big sisters are, any big sister would love to get this book! The brother version, When I Became Your Brother, would be a wonderful gift got a new big brother as well!
What Does a Big Brother Do? – This beautifully illustrated book with simple but sweet text is the perfect gift for a new big brother. This will give your child the excitement and confidence they need to welcome their new sibling and help ease any nervous feelings they might be having.
Written by Kathleen Koester and Becca Thiemann
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