Big Sister Now: A Story about Me and Our New Baby

by Annette Sheldon

iParenting Media Award Winner

Always before, when Mommy and Daddy said "the baby," they meant me. I liked being the baby. It felt warm and safe and lovey. Now everything is different. 

Kate—a new big sister—explains her feelings of being left out and forgotten when her baby brother Daniel arrives. She experiences the typical confusion and mixed emotions that result from having to share her parents with a new and demanding sibling. But with wit and a resourceful nature, Kate explores her new role and achieves the confidence to embrace her little brother. Ultimately, the story demonstrates how kids can feel warm, safe, and loved in their family as they move from being a beloved only child to occupying a new and exciting role as the older sibling. Includes a "Note to Parents" by psychologist and author Jane Annunziata, PsyD.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2005

Reviews

[Heydi Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are super sweet and so heartfelt. The story is gentle and discusses the first steps to becoming a big sister.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to I'm a New Big Sister, we got this for our five-year-old daughter when our son was born. Of the two books, this one is a bit stronger for an older child. It gives more context and the illustrations are more realistic which appeal more to our five-year-old.

[Chanae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book about a toddler who has a new baby brother. It talks about how she has to learn to wait for Mommy to help her with things as babies can't wait. It touches a little on how the attention is on the baby - but it also then shows how she still gets to spend one on one time with mommy. She also learns that because she is a big girl she can help with the baby and help grandma make cookies.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate struggles with her new role in the family, that of Big Sister. She begins to embrace it when she realizes the fun new responsibilities she gets to take part in and ends up being very helpful in caring for her new baby brother.

A note to parents about actions they can take before after the new baby is extra helpful to families making this transition. PreK-2.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story and especially the illustrations. Written by an author friend of mine and read
it to see what she had published. Like the tone and the structure of the story and the beginning
and the ending. Will buy a copy for gift giving.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate gets a baby brother named Daniel who cries a LOT and takes up much of Mom and Dad's time. Not a sugar-coated story about becoming a big sister...more of a coming-to-terms with it kind of story. :)

[Jeani · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter is becoming a big sister, so we picked up this book and a few others from the local library. This book is great because it highlights the real emotion of having a new baby in the house and the real hurdles that can be expected. Very relatable.

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for preparing older siblings for a new baby. Not all the options are this high quality.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight-forward look at an older sister's frustration about having a new baby taking up her mother's time. Doesn't sugarcoat or make light of the matter. Enjoyable and real.

[Kelly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl becomes a big sister and adjusts to it by being "big". Realistic pictures of family life.

[Mayra · Rating 4 out of 5]

about new siblings :)

[Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very cute and accompanied by adorable illustrations. Excellent facial expressions!