I'm a Big Brother [Hardcover]

Joanna Cole (Author), Rosalinda Kightley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2010 | Age Level: 2 and up

My Big Boy Potty

My Big Girl Potty

When You Were Inside Mommy

Sharing is Fun

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. The texts in these two books are identical, with the exception of the gender terms. Cole has successfully captured the youngsters' voices, making it easy for readers to identify with them, whether the books are being read aloud or alone. Familiar situations, as well as positive reinforcement of individuality and importance as part of the family, are good reasons to put this book into the hands of children who will soon be older siblings. A concluding "Note to Parents" in each book offers suggestions on how to communicate with older children about the changes that are coming. Like the texts, the engaging illustrations are the same in both books. Aside from the obvious difference of a boy in one and a girl in the other, the scenes are set up the same?the family at the park, looking at pictures, the father and older sibling giving the baby a bottle, etc. Unfortunately, the artist differentiates between a big brother and a big sister by showing the boy playing with trucks and building blocks, while the girl entertains dolls at a tea party. Sadly, due to these pictures, boys are unlikely to read about the big sister, which makes a case for a library to purchase both titles. Even if only one is feasible, it is certainly a solid addition to any collection.?Dina Sherman, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Review

Ages 2-6. Morrow could have published one book called "I'm a Big Sibling," but what a good thing they didn't! In an age of "gender neutrality," it's refreshing to find the child's identity so clearly spelled out. Actually, the texts of the two books ["I'm a Big Sister" and "I'm a Big Brother"] are identical, except for the words sister and brother, but those words mean so much to young children in defining their identities after a baby joins the family. Each simple, first-person text tells what babies like, why they cry, what they're too little to do yet, which the big brother or sister can do now--and how much parents love their older children. On the last page of each book, Cole offers sound, cogent advice to parents on guiding and reassuring children with a new baby in the family. Fresh and clear, the line-and-watercolor illustrations glow with playfulness and warmth, celebrating family life from a young child's point of view. Consider multiple copies of these useful and appealing books. -- Booklist, 3/1/97 --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperFestival; Revised edition (January 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061900656
• ISBN-13: 978-0061900655
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 6.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( C ) > Cole, Joanna
  • #2 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > New Baby
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > New Baby

More About the Author

Joanna Cole s a former elementary school teacher and librarian and a frequent contributor to Parents magazine. Joanna Cole lives in Connecticut.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Updated version better than original, March 6, 2011

By 

Lara - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm a Big Brother (Hardcover)

This updated version, illustrated by Rosalinda Kightley, is better than the original. The original never showed the mother holding the baby whereas the new version does, a couple of times. Neither version shows breastfeeding but the new version cuts back on the bottle feeding at least. My son loves this book and we have tried many. He is 28 months old and most books are too old for him or too detailed to capture his attention. We first borrowed this book from the library, along with all of the others we've tried, and had to buy it after renewing it 3 times. I also like the fact that the book does not address negative feelings the older sibling may have. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it; why give him any ideas? Another great choice on this subject is On Mother's Lap by Ann Herbert Scott. My son also loves the Sesame Street video Three Bears and a New Baby. If you are looking for a parenting book for yourself on this subject, try Welcoming Your Second Baby, by Vicky Lansky or Keys to Preparing and Caring for Your Second Child, by Meg Zweiback. Avoid the book From One Child to Two, by Judy Dunn. Dunn's book was so indecisive and negative, we might not be having another child after reading it if I hadn't already been pregnant.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction for small children..., January 29, 2011

By 

Cubiclewarrior (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I'm a Big Brother (Hardcover)

Our 2 1/2 year old has really taken to this book--it's perfectly age appropriate. It is NOT wordy, like one negative review said. 2-3 simple, short sentences per two page spreads is not wordy for a two year old. The pictures are simple and it addresses how a baby cannot do the same things as a big boy--walk, talk, eat pizza, etc. It has a very positive tone and talks about all the nice things a big brother can do for a new (genderless, so it works for everyone) baby; i.e. sing a song, hold gently after asking Mommy, helping Daddy with diaper, keeping the baby warm and cozy.

One negative review complained that the mother doesn't hold the baby at all--that's just not true. It shows her holding the baby on two separate pages to be exact...same as Dad and the Big Brother. It does show the baby in a stroller, so if you think strollers are terrible, I guess you'll dislike that.

I do agree with the complaints that it doesn't address nursing at all. Not many books do--I wish it had one page showing Mom nursing the baby with a simple "Sometimes babies drink milk from Mommy too." along with the bottle. But it only shows a bottle in passing in any case.

If you have an 18 month-3 year old about to be a big brother, this book is a perfect introduction for them. Well worth it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, February 22, 2011

By 

HB - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I'm a Big Brother (Hardcover)

I got this book for my 2 year old (26 months) and he really enjoys it! I don't think he really understands that there's a baby in my belly that will be coming home soon but he likes to read about the baby and point out the baby items on the pages. He asks for it to be read again and again. I really like how positive the book is and I think it really gets my son used to hearing the term BIg Brother in a positive way. I think it's also great that it talks about how special he is and that he'll be special in a new way once he's a big brother.