9 Books to Help Prepare Your Child for a Sibling

Growing up an only child, the special relationship between my friends and their siblings was always fascinating to me. Older siblings always seemed effortlessly cool and mysterious, while younger siblings were always trying to crash the party.

I never experienced sibling rivalry, never had to share a bedroom and all of my toys were solely my own. So it’s fair to say that when it came time to prepare my son for life with a new baby brother, I was a little out of my depth.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of fabulous children’s books that tackle the tricky subject of welcoming a new member of the family, from sweet tales of older siblings’ anticipation, to lighthearted messages about learning to share the spotlight. While many of these books focus specifically on welcoming a new baby through pregnancy, some will also be helpful for families that are growing through adoption.

You’re Getting a Baby Brother (By Sheila Sweeny Higginson, Illustrated by Sam Williams)

With adorable illustrations by Sam Williams, this book takes wee ones through the emotional highs and lows of life with a new sibling. Baby brothers may be small and cute, but they also cry, and spit, and poop — so be prepared to take the good with the bad! (There’s a similar version for kiddos expecting a new baby sister, too.) Recommended for ages 2-5.

Bella’s New Baby (By Sue Fliess, Illustrated by Violet Lemay)

Bella can’t wait to have a new baby sister, and dreams of all the fun things they’ll do together. There’s just one problem — Bella’s new sibling turns out to be a baby brother. This Little Golden Book tackles the issue of “gender disappointment” (as it’s known) in a gentle way, by acknowledging Bella’s initial negative feelings while still ending the story with a positive message. If your child is struggling with some big feelings after finding out the baby brother they requested is in fact a baby sister, or vice versa, this book is the one for you. Recommended for ages 2-5.

Hello In There!: A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting (By Jo Witek, Illustrated by Christine Roussey)

You won’t find any grumbling or conflicted feelings about siblings in this interactive book from Jo Witek — it is 100 per cent excitement. Witek’s story focuses on a big sister who’s so excited to meet her new sibling that she begins the bonding process before the baby has even arrived. With a fun lift-the-flap format and whimsical illustrations by Christine Roussey, wee ones will love seeing what’s happening in Mama’s belly as Baby and Big Sister wait patiently to meet each other. It just doesn’t get any cuter than this. Recommended for ages 2-5.

The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby (By Stan & Jan Berenstain)

Follow the Berenstain Bears as they prepare to welcome a new baby to their home deep in Bear Country. Small Bear has outgrown his little bed and wonders what will become of it as he works with Papa Bear to build a bigger one. When the bears return home, Small Bear finds that he’s moved out of his old bed just in time — his new baby sister is here, and she needs a cozy place to sleep! If you’re feeling nostalgic for the stories of your childhood, Mercer Mayer’s The New Baby is also an excellent choice. Recommended for ages 3-7.

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Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: The Baby Is Here (By Angela C. Santomero, Illustrated by Jason Fruchter)

Little fans of Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood will love this bright and cheerful book based on the very special episode of the same name. Kids can follow along as Daniel helps Mom and Dad Tiger prepare for the arrival of the new baby, from decorating the nursery to choosing a special gift. Then it’s off to the hospital with Grandpere to meet his baby sister for the first time! Can’t get enough Daniel Tiger? Reach for Big Brother Daniel next. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Julius, The Baby of the World (By Kevin Henkes)

“Before Julius was born, Lilly was the best big sister in the world,” begins this sweet and funny tale of sibling rivalry by Kevin Henkes. Once Julius arrives, Lilly soon decides that her baby brother is entirely overrated and she can’t wait for him to go away. But when Cousin Garland makes unkind remarks about Julius at a family gathering, Lilly is quick to jump to his defense. If your little one is struggling to embrace their role as an older sibling, this one is a must-read. Recommended for ages 4-8.

The Baby Tree (By Sophie Blackall)

Depending on the age of your child, the news that they’re going to become a big sibling may be met with one very practical question: where do babies come from? Take a deep breath and reach for The Baby Tree by Sophie Blackall, which aims to provide an answer in a gentle and age-appropriate way. When a little boy learns that he’s going to be a big brother, he spends the day asking everyone he encounters if they know where babies come from. With each answer, we see his imagination at work through Blackall’s colourful illustrations of babies growing on trees like flowers, or hatching from eggs like baby birds, before he finally learns the truth. Recommended for ages 5-8.

The New Small Person (By Lauren Child)

Elmore Green is living his best life as a happy only child — he has his own room, his own toys and all the orange jellybeans he could possibly want. But one day, everything changes. Who is this new small person who wants to share Elmore’s toys and follow him everywhere? Elmore is definitely not a fan. Until one night, everything changes again, and Elmore realizes that having a small person around might not be so bad after all. Recommended for ages 5-8.

You Were the First (By Patricia MacLachlan, Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin)

Whether you’re welcoming baby number two, three, four or more, this sweet book with beautiful illustrations by Stephanie Graegin is the perfect way to celebrate your firstborn and reassure them of their special place in your world. Bonus points if you can get through it without crying — but you may want to keep some tissues nearby, just in case. Recommended for ages 3-6.