Preparing For a New Sibling

Welcoming a new baby to the family is something many preschool aged children will experience. There is a wealth of wonderful picture and nonfiction books written to help children prepare for the transition to being a big brother or sister. If you are expecting a new addition to your family, check out some of these titles or ask your librarian to help you find others. There are many great books on this topic!

What to Expect When Mommy's Having a Baby by Heidi Murkoff

Angus the Answer Dog answers children's questions about pregnancy and how the baby grows. One question is addressed on each double page spread, including "what does the baby eat?" and "how did the baby get in there?" (Angus tells his readers that mommy and daddy put the baby together like putting together the pieces of a puzzle). If you enjoy this title, follow it with What to Expect When the New Baby Comes Home.


Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson

This title is suitable for older preschool children and early elementary age. In it, Gia is worried about the changes that a new baby will bring to her world, but finally Gia and the reader realize that her special bond with her mother will endure the addition of a sibling.

What's Inside Your Tummy, Mommy? By Abby Corovini
This is an interesting non fiction book for almost any age. On each double spread of pages, it shows the fetus' growth in real size for one month and gives information about its development. The final page has a fold out picture of the baby!

 

There's Going to be a Baby by John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury

This is the fanciful story of a boy's imaginings about the future career of his baby brother or sister. It includes funny illustrations of the baby cooking, tending animals in the zoo, gardening and more. The little boy is curious and excited about the coming baby, but also not always sure he wants a new sibling.