New baby on the way? Making room for a new family member is not always pleasant for the kids who have to do the rearranging. As parents, it’s up to us to help our kids realize that change can lead to joy. My picks for four books that might ease the growing pains:
Snuggle the Baby by Sara Gillingham (Harry N. Abrams, 2014)
Toddlers and up
This book has been torn lovingly to shreds in our home, as the interactive format allows for snuggling of your own little cardboard baby. Kids can get ready for a newborn by feeding, changing, and rocking the baby with this modern board book.
Chloe by Peter McCarty (Balzer + Bray, 2012)
Toddlers and up
Chloe loves being the middle bunny, with 10 older brothers and sisters, and 10 younger brothers and sisters — but when her dad brings home a special surprise, Chloe’s happy routine has to change.
Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman and Zachariah OHora (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2015)
Preschool and up
When Dot’s parents adopt a wolf cub into their bunny family, she is insistent that they’ll be eaten! Her enamored parents brush her off, until a scary event causes Dot to change her tune. A fun, vibrant picture book for expecting or adopting families.
The Nest by Kenneth Oppel and Jon Klassen (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; reprint edition, 2016)
Age 10 and up
Not for the faint of heart! This is a creepy tale written for kids who love a good, scary story. Steve’s anxieties and fears are put to the test when a mysterious wasp visits him in his dreams and offers to “fix” his sick, newborn baby brother. What follows is an edge-of-your-seat story that will have readers embracing all of life’s flaws.
This was originally published on May 1, 2018.
More in Book Corner
Monthly picks from Emily Calkins in Seattle’s Child
