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smmorris said: 4 stars
Bringing a new baby into the home is a time of smiles and smells, hugs and kisses. Author Fran Manushkin celebrates this special milestone with a sweet story that shows that there is plenty of love for everyone, big sister and all.
This cute little story can help an older sibling understand her role when a new brother or sister arrives home. Narrated by Big Sister in short, straight to the point sentences, she tells us what life is like with her new baby sibling. We learn the baby’s needs, Big Sister’s responsibilities with the baby, and her parents’ role in both of their lives.
Big Sister also tells us the differences between herself and the baby. The baby sleeps in a crib, but she sleeps in a regular bed. The baby drinks from a bottle and she gets cupcakes. Big Sister knows there is enough love to go around and she will get her parent’s attention. Until it is her turn for that undivided attention, Big Sister shows us what she does to occupy her time.
The little narrator is a happy child who clearly understands her role and the baby’s needs. If I had this situation in my home, this would be a wonderful book to have. My daughter could learn the dos and don’ts of being the older child. The little narrator explains all of this with joy and big smiles. The illustrations are colorful and have a Charlie Brown feel to them with the large heads and small features.
This is a balanced view of the responsibilities and the joys of being a big sister. It also makes a point of telling us the love and attention from the parents has not changed. The only thing that has changed in this big sister’s life is her family love, which has increased by one. If you have a little girl about to become a big sister, this is a good book to introduce her to life with baby.
Note: received from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
Originally reviewed at kid-lit-reviews.com
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