I'm a Big Brother [Hardcover]

Joanna Cole (Author), Maxie Chambliss (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

The author/artist creators of How I Was Adopted present this child's-eye view of family life, deftly describing the joy of welcoming a new sibling into the family. A companion volume to I'm a Big Sister.

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.

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

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (April 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688145078
• ISBN-13: 978-0688145071
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Issues > New Sibling
  • #50 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > New Baby
  • #71 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > New Experiences

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

96 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book to prepare the older sibling, November 2, 1999

By A Customer

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

After reading about 8 big brother/big sister books, this is one of my top three favorites. The mood of the book is very positive, unlike many others on the subject. Our son enjoys it very much.

75 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book., April 16, 2000

By 

"a_mom" - See all my reviews

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

This is one of several books I bought for my almost-two-year-old. It's one of his favorites. The book deals with the addition of a baby very matter-of-factly, but positively. Both Mommy & Daddy take care of the baby. Daddy even changes a diaper. It gives a very positive account of the new baby in respect to the big brother, too. The advantages of being a big boy and big brother are highlighted. I've given this book as a gift for friends having their second child.

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book Ever!!!!!, February 11, 2002

By A Customer

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

I have been looking some time now for a book for my son that tells him about having a new baby. I really like how this book tells what all a new baby can't do yet (ex. new babies can't talk, walk, play with toys yet, and can't eat pizza or ice cream). Then the book goes on to tell what babies can do (ex. Babies like to drink milk, stay warm and cozy, and best of all the baby loves to look at me because I'm the big brother!). The book makes the brother of the baby feel special because the book explains to them that they are a big boy and a new brother. It lets them know that they can help mommy and daddy with the baby! My son is only 2 1/2 but loves this book more than I thought he would. He now talks about can't waiting for his new baby to get here. Now He tells everyone that he is a big brother, my little guy is just so proud of this! This is a very well writen book, easy to understand even for a 2 year old. As a new mom to be I also love this book, it helps explain things that I wasn't sure how to.