BEST 10 BOOKS FOR BIG BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Becoming an older sibling is a big adjustment for any child, especially when it’s their first time. As exciting as it can be to finally have a baby brother or sister in the family, there are also a lot of unknowns that come with this new role. That’s why it’s so important to help equip your children with the tools they need to become the best big brothers and sisters they can be. Books can be a great way to do this. With stories that explore topics like change and responsibility in a way that’s fun and accessible for kids, these books are perfect for helping your children adjust to life as an older sibling. In this article, we will explore the top 10 books for big brothers and sisters that you should add to your library right away!
1. The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The classic Berenstain Bears series has a book all about what happens when Mama Bear has a new baby. The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby is a great book for big brothers and sisters because it helps them learn how to deal with change. In the story, the Bear family gets a new baby, and Brother and Sister Bear have to learn how to share their parents' attention. This book is perfect for helping kids understand that change can be scary but ultimately it can be really exciting too.
2. I'm a Big Brother by Joanna Cole
This sweet book tells the story of a boy or girl who is becoming a big brother or sister and all of the things they'll be able to do to help care for the new baby. It's perfect for kids who are excited about their new role in the family. A version for girls I’m a Big Sister also exists.
3. What Brothers Do Best by Laura Numeroff
This book is all about what it means to be a big brother and how much fun it can be. After all, brothers can be the best at lots of things. For example, they can be the best at being silly and making you laugh. They can also be the best at being there for you when you need them. And, of course, they can be the best at giving big hugs! This is a lovely book to celebrate big brothers. A version of this book for sisters called What Sisters Do Best also exists.
4. How to Be a Baby… by Me, the Big Sister by Sally Lloyd-Jones
This is a hilarious take on what it means to be a big sister from the perspective of an older sibling. It’s perfect for kids who are looking for a funny take on the subject matter.
5. A Baby Sister for Frances by Russel Hoban
Frances is not sure she wants a baby sister at first, but eventually comes to love her little sister Gloria. This charming story follows Frances as she adjusts to having a new sister and helps teach kids that it's okay to have mixed feelings about change.
6. My Brother the Duck by Pat Zietlow Miller
Stella’s new baby brother might be a duck! It sure seems that way. This is a cute and silly book for new siblings and anyone who likes to laugh.
7. The New Baby by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter is getting a new baby brother in this classic picture book by Mercer Mayer. He has mixed feelings about it at first but soon learns that there's plenty of love to go around in his family for both him and the new baby.
8. How To Be A Good Big Brother by Ashley Moulton
This book is aimed at slightly older kids, aged 5-7. It’s a guide to being the best older sibling ever! It will help kids get ready and be a hero for the newest addition to the family.
9. I’m Going To Be A Big Sister! by Nicolette McFadyen
This happy and beautifully illustrated book is perfect for any family introducing a new baby. It uses the colors of the rainbow to explain all the emotions a child might feel when a new baby comes.
10. Georgie Becomes A Big Brother by Hooray Studios
If these generic books aren’t what you’re looking for, try a personalized book for kids where you can personalize your children. That means you can put their names and their avatars in the book. You can choose their hairstyles, skin tones, and the color of their eyes and hair.
Georgie Becomes A Big Brother is an upcoming book from Hooray Heroes’ Mini Heroes Collection, and it focuses on the sibling bond. It’s a fantastically illustrated and humorous personalized book for siblings in which the big brother or sister explores what vehicle brought the baby to them and learns about all the good things about having a baby brother or sister. It doesn’t shy away from some negative feelings either. In the collection, there’s also a beautiful and sentimental personalized book Lucy Is Born that makes for the best gift for a baby, too.