Za-Za's Baby Brother [Paperback]

Lucy Cousins (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 4, 1997 | Age Level: 2 and up

A bright and irresistible picture book about the effect of a new arrival on family life, from the creator of Maisy. When Za-za gets a baby brother, all is not well in the zebra household. When Mum returns from hospital, she's tired, and Za-za is looked after by Granny. When the new baby arrives, it gets all the attention from visitors and Mum and Dad. They're so busy that there's no time for toys or stories. Za-za, feeling neglected, demands a cuddle from Mum. "Why don't you cuddle the baby?" says Mum. And Za-za does, and enjoys it! When the baby goes to bed, Za-za finally gets the attention she wants and is read a bedtime story. This book was famously used by Tommy's The Baby Charity, for their publicity campaign.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cousins's (Maisy Goes to School) childlike gouache figures and hand-lettered text set against bold fields of color give this oversized book a decidedly cheerful look. Za-Za, a young zebra, candidly narrates the story: "My mom is going to have a baby. She has a big fat tummy. There's not much room for a hug." A familiar scenario unfolds after Mom brings the newborn home from the hospital. Visitors arrive to coo at the baby, and Mom and Dad shower the interloper with attention, too. When Za-Za demands a hug "now!" Mom responds: "Why don't you hug the baby?" So the older sibling does just that-and, after spending some time playing with the little one, concludes, "He was nice. It was fun." Finally, Mom puts the baby to sleep, and Za-Za gets a hug and a story. If not the most clever or insightful book available on this well-worn subject, Cousins's simple story delivers a useful message to preschoolers in Za-Za's situation. Ages 2-up.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1?Cousins uses her bold cartoon artwork this time to feature an appealing zebra and her growing family. Unfortunately, the simple story reinforces too many of the stereotypes associated with new siblings and offers little comfort to youngsters confronted with a new household member. For instance, when the relatives come to visit, they completely ignore Za-Za, who is shown playing alone in the corner. Mom and Dad are both too preoccupied to deal with their daughter. In fact, when Za-Za announces, "Mom! I want my hug now!," her mother replies, "Why don't you hug the baby?" Obviously, Za-Za needs to quell her feelings of displacement, a fact her mother just does not seem to grasp. The child is finally rewarded with her parents' attention only after she hugs and plays with the baby. The message here is certainly not a reassuring one.?Lisa Marie Gangemi, Farmingdale Public Library, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763603376
• ISBN-13: 978-0763603373
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #759,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lucy Cousins is the creator of many wonderful picture books for children, including Yummy: My Favourite Nursery Stories and Hooray for Fish! , as well as her bestselling books about Maisy the mouse. About I'm the Best, she says, "I had the idea for this book after winning a tennis competition. I loved telling all my friends and family about it, but then I realized that I was probably showing off, like Dog!" Lucy Cousins lives in Hampshire with her partner, four children and very fluffy dog.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for a big sister/brother to be!!, July 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Za-Za's Baby Brother (Paperback)

My daughter was 18 months old when her baby brother was born. She loved looking at the bright illustrations and the simple text was perfect for her age. This is a realistic portrayal of family life when a new baby arrives.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lighten up, it's a children's book!, November 14, 2005

By 

Beckahbrady's mom (MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Za-Za's Baby Brother (Hardcover)

This book was given to my 22 month old daughter as a gift when her baby brother was born. It is now 9 months later, the binding is bent and we will probably have to buy a new copy soon because she reads this book EVERY day. This is the story she wants for bed every night. She knows it word for word and "reads" it to her baby brother and to mommy and daddy. I think there are two great lessons in this book: 1. that babies take alot of work and Zaza needs to be patient, and 2. Mom and dad, don't forget about Zaza now that there is a new baby. Zaza needs attention too. Taken into perspective, this is a book designed for a preschooler on a preschoolers comprehension level, not for an adult to analyze. If we take the time to analyze everything, then Little Miss Muffet is teaching our kids to be afraid of spiders, Hansel and Gretel are teaching them to break into strangers houses and worst of all, Snow White is teaching our children that step mothers are evil witches and to be very, very afraid to eat apples.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars ZaZa's Baby Brother sends the wrong message, December 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Za-Za's Baby Brother (Hardcover)

A beautifully illustrated book, Za-Za's Baby Brother's message is that when the new baby comes, Za-Za's needs and wants will be neglected and have to come second to the baby. I certainly didn't want my son to have a book read to him about feeling left out because the new baby arrives and that there would be no time to tend to his needs and wants. Newborn babies are certainly demanding and time consuming, but positive parenting includes celebrating the family, inclusion of all family members and balancing the needs and wants of all involved.

This book was a gift to my son, which he wanted read right away. We changed the words and read the book so that it sent the message that there is "give and take" when a new family member arrives. This is a departure from the way the book actually reads, which is about the first child's needs and wants put aside. There is always time to give your child a hug!