by Shikha

Created on: May 27, 2008

I was three years and a few months old when my sister was born. In the hospital someone held me over her crib and when I looked down, I saw a scornful face staring back at me (I have an elephant's memory). I don't believe a one day old baby is capable of a scowl but my three year old brain had no problem deciphering the baby's expression and wasted no time in declaring war.

What would you do if you have a kid and a new baby is on the way? It is important to prepare the child for the new sibling. Saying surprise' with a bundle in your arms is highly inadvisable! These books would be of great help in this important job as a parent.

JULIUS, THE BABY OF THE WORLD Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
A story about Lilly, a jealous first born who goes to all means to show her new born brother that he is not welcome. Kids with a new sibling will feel comforted by realizing that their feelings are normal and at the same time they would not go as extreme as Lilly. Lilly insults her baby brother in every way but when a visiting cousin decides to join the fun, Lilly changes sides. Suitable for ages 4-8.

WHAT BABY NEEDS by Dr. William Sears and illustrated by Renee Andriani
Most kids get irked when they are ordered to stay away and not to get too close to the baby. This book tells the child how she can help when the new baby is here; the things the baby cannot do which she can do for the baby. It also says about the changes the mother may go through when she is pregnant. Suitable for ages 5-8.

WE HAVE A BABY by Cathryn Falwell
This book is for the age group 2-5. The book tells the young older sibling that babies can be fun as well as a lot of responsibility which she can be a part of too. The illustrations use soft nursery room hues and describe a happy family in its daily routines. It is not specified whether the older sibling is a boy or a girl so this book is suitable for any child.

WILL THERE BE A LAP FOR ME? by Dorothy Corey and illustrated by Nancy Poydar
It can get difficult to convince a toddler that he cannot use his mother's lap as a trampoline when she is pregnant and he feels neglected and sad about losing his special place. This book is the story about Kyle who asks if there will be a lap for him when the baby is born. The story ends with Kyle sitting on his mother's lap reassuring children that their mothers have enough lap and love for all her kids. For ages 2-5.

FROG FACE: MY LITTLE SISTER AND ME by John Schindel and photographs by Janet Delaney
Now this is a book older siblings can completely relate to. The evolving relation between two sisters is shown through a series of hilarious photos. Frog face is just one of the nicknames given to the baby by the older sis, Johanna who says at one point that the baby "spent too much time with mom" and then later on "being sisters is special." Absolutely delightful. For ages 2-7.

If you were wondering how I got along with my scowl-face baby sister, I stopped complaining when she grew old enough for me to experiment make up on her. And like frog-face's older sister Johanna would say "Even though we don't get along all the time and sometimes I want to sit on her, I'm lucky she's mine."

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