10 Best Books About Becoming a Big Sibling
Preparing to welcome a new baby into the family is such a special journey…and if this isn’t your first go-round, that journey now extends to your soon-to-be oldest child! Toddlers and young children likely have lots of questions about the new baby on the way, but they might not always be able to express their concerns (or insecurities)—and that’s okay!
One great way to help your “big” kid process any doubts, fears, and yes, excitement, over a new sibling's arrival is through books. Some books answer their big questions in age-appropriate ways. Others focus on the special bond siblings share. Still more are designed to remind Big Bro or Big Sis just how important and loved they are. No matter what big sibling book you’re looking for, your new favorite is sure to be on our list!
I’m a Big Sister / I’m a Big Brother
Written by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Rosalind Kitely
There are lots of books with similar titles…and so many of them are adorable. But this one in particular has spirit and flair that soon-to-be older siblings really take a shine to. These bright and fun books detail all the special new things that your oldest will be doing in their brand-new role as big sister or big brother. At the same time, they remind your kiddo what’s special about not being a baby anymore—like getting to eat pizza!
You Were the First
Written by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
Grab the tissues, because this one is going to take you on a wildly nostalgic ride! You Were the First revisits the days when it was just you and your oldest, reaching each milestone together. With simple words and gorgeous illustrations, this big-sibling book truly focuses on your firstborn as a person, not their transition to becoming an older sibling. Bonus: Since this book doesn’t focus on pregnancy, it’s perfect for all families.
The New Baby
Written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer
An oldie but a goodie! Mercer Mayer’s beloved Little Critter is here…and so is his brand-new baby sister. Throughout the pages, you and your tot can watch—and giggle—as Big Bro tries out many different activities he can do with his little sister. Sure, Little Critter gets bummed that his new sis can’t do everything he wants, but it’ll warm your heart to learn what the pair can do together.
Hello In There! (A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting)
Written by Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey
Got an antsy big sister or big brother on your hands who just can’t wait to meet their sibling? They will love this fun and whimsical flip-the-flap book with its charming and scraggly, child-like illustrations. Here, the eager main character details all the fun things she looks forward to sharing with the new baby. This joyous and interactive tale will surely spark excitement in your household!
There’s Going to Be a Baby
Written by John Burningham, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Despite being only a decade old, There’s Going to be a Baby has a wonderfully vintage vibe that’s easy to swoon over. (Those mod illustrations!) But the wonder of this book goes beyond the lovely pictures. It’s the spirited tale of an inquisitive little boy who has lots and lots of questions about the baby-to-be—and about becoming an older sibling. There’s excitement, curiosity, and a dash of apprehension in this gem of book that's just perfect for an older sibling-to-be.
Babies Don’t Eat Pizza: A Big Kids’ Book About Baby Brothers and Baby Sisters
Written by Dianne Danzig, illustrated by Debbie Tilley
Straightforward and reassuring, this fabulous book is written by a mom and nurse who has taught sibling prep classes. In short: She knows what she’s doing! Babies Don’t Eat Pizza isn’t a quick picture book read. Instead, it’s something to be returned to time and again, as it’s an honest and funny look at how babies are born, how they grow, and how they behave. The best part: Topics like adoption, special needs babies, breast and bottle feeding are covered in a kid-friendly way, which encourages lots of important family discussions.
It’s Big Brother Time! / It’s Big Sister Time!
Written by Nandini Ahuja, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
Sweet and relatable, Nandini Ahuja’s charming picture book features the multiethnic and multigenerational family of a brand-new big brother. Through his eyes, readers enjoy a classic and heartwarming story of an older sibling learning to love the newest member of the family…by showing them the ropes, of course.
God Gave Us Two
Written by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
If you and your firstborn read and loved the best-selling God Gave Us You, you will equally cherish the sequel, God Gave Us Two. Here, Mama and Papa Bear are back to remind your (big) baby cub that they’re still special and still adored, even with a new sibling on the way. Spoiler alert: Mama Bear is actually having twins, making this a great book for those expecting multiples!
Little Big Girl
Written and illustrated by Claire Keane
A lot of so-you're-going-to-be-a-sibling books explore the worries and fears of big kids, but this delightful read is all about the wonder of it all. Matisse is a little girl who feels small in her big, exciting world…that is, until she meets her baby brother. Compared to the new guy, she’s positively grown up! An adorable book with retro-inspired illustrations, Little Big Girl does a beautiful job highlighting all the Big Kid things a newly minted older sibling can teach the newbie.
A New Sibling for You
By Wonderbly
If these off-the-shelf children’s books aren’t quite hitting the spot, consider a customizable read for your older kiddo. With A New Sibling for You, you get more than a simple and sweet rhyming story about becoming a brother or sister. Here, you choose one of six characters that most looks like your big kid, plus their name appears on the cover, throughout the story, and in the illustrations. You can customize the new baby and add a personal dedication, too, making this a super-special book to treasure!
More sibling stories for you!
How Can I Prepare My Toddler for a New Baby?
Help Your Toddler Thrive With Special Time
15 Memorable Sibling Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
10 Smart and Stylish Ideas for Shared Kids’ Rooms
Get Ready: A Primer on Sibling Rivalry!
Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Submit your questions here.