ANNOTATION

A sister enumerates the joys of welcoming a new baby to the family and the advantages of already being "big."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Warm, loving pictures accompany this upbeat look at how a family grows when a new baby comes home. A companion volume to I'm a Big Brother.

Author Biography: Joanna Cole is a former elementary school teacher and librarian and a frequent contributor to Parents magazine. In Asking About Sex and Growing Up she provides a reassuring blend of scientific fact and practical guidance, written for the audience that needs it most. Joanna Cole lives in Connecticut.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

In a little book that has been developed to provide reassurance, the little girl talks about all of the things she can do and all of the thing the baby can't do (too little to walk, eat ice cream or pizza). She is then shown holding the baby, helping with the feeding, diaper changing, and looking at her baby pictures. The book concludes with the warm and important message that her parents love her, she is special to them and special because she is a big sister. The last page contains tip for parents to help an older sibling and parents adjust to a new family member. Also available is the companion book, I'm a Big Brother.

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

Joanna Cole, one of the biggest names in children's nonfiction, has written two new books for young brothers or sisters, entitled appropriately I'm a Big Sister and I'm a Big Brother. Short pages of text show a proud young sibling who notes what the baby can and can't do (eat pizza or ice cream, play with toys) and then talks about they can do together (gently hold, sing little baby songs, make baby warm and cozy. The book explains the need for crying and shows how the older sibling still feels special to her parents. The book ends with a helpful note to parents who are transitioning into a larger family.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2The texts in these two books are identical, with the exception of the gender terms. Cole has successfully captured the youngsters' voices, making it easy for readers to identify with them, whether the books are being read aloud or alone. Familiar situations, as well as positive reinforcement of individuality and importance as part of the family, are good reasons to put this book into the hands of children who will soon be older siblings. A concluding "Note to Parents" in each book offers suggestions on how to communicate with older children about the changes that are coming. Like the texts, the engaging illustrations are the same in both books. Aside from the obvious difference of a boy in one and a girl in the other, the scenes are set up the samethe family at the park, looking at pictures, the father and older sibling giving the baby a bottle, etc. Unfortunately, the artist differentiates between a big brother and a big sister by showing the boy playing with trucks and building blocks, while the girl entertains dolls at a tea party. Sadly, due to these pictures, boys are unlikely to read about the big sister, which makes a case for a library to purchase both titles. Even if only one is feasible, it is certainly a solid addition to any collection.Dina Sherman, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh