Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
While Danzig, an R.N. who has led sibling preparation classes for two decades, and Tilley (Growing Up: It's a Girl Thing) seek a spot on a very crowded bookshelf, their practical, straightforward approach merits a look. Focusing on day-to-day living with an infant, the text adopts an unfussy tone that subtly flatters readers as being sensible and mature (relatively speaking). "Babies are small and fragile and strong," writes Danzig. "Watch out for your ears and nose, and don't let your hair get too close." It's also notable that Danzig refers to the infant as "your baby," clearly signaling that the reader has a stake in all this, too. She reinforces the connection by referring readers frequently to their own babyhood: "Can you believe you had to learn to roll over?" Tilley's ink and watercolor cartoons are sunny and empathic in the Laura Cornell mode, and include plenty of visual jokes to encourage anxious kids-and their parents-to bond. Headings on most spreads make this volume eminently browsable-and therefore a handy family resource. Ages 3-5. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-A straightforward, reassuring book aimed at children awaiting the arrival of a new baby in the family. Organized into logical sections-from babies' development in the womb to the hospital to what infants look like-the accessible text offers sound, comforting detail. A wonderful spread of "Your Basic Baby" points out everything from "wacky hair" to hospital bracelets. Several pages cover how infants fit into a family's life, explaining what they eat and do and how older siblings can interact with them. There are many self-affirming phrases like, ".you can be a big sister or big brother. That's important. Stand up, take a bow! Hooray for you!" The final page gives expectant parents tips on how to deal with potential sibling rivalry. The charming watercolor illustrations show all kinds of families caring for and getting to know their newcomers. Though many quality books on this subject are available, Danzig's offering will bring comfort to expectant parents and siblings alike.-Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A new baby is a major event, not least of all for older siblings. Danzig's no-nonsense tone will reassure readers, as she explains everything from how babies grow to why they pull hair. Tilley's cartoons bring humor to the many unfamiliar aspects of life with a newborn. Appended tips for parents provide further assistance in preparing big kids for little ones. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Yet another title to add to the already oversaturated new baby brother/new baby sister market. The hook? A systematic examination of every possible fact a new sibling should know about the incoming little sib, all in a svelte 32 pages. By discussing everything from baby behavior to how a brother or sister can help parents out, the book hopes to prepare children as thoroughly as possible for the tiny newcomer on both a factual and emotional level. The author has taught "sibling preparation" classes for years and knows whereof she speaks. Yet one can't help but wonder if this is merely a more exacting version of the similarly named Babies Can't Eat Kimchee, by Nancy Patz, illustrated by Susan L. Roth (2006). There is undoubtedly a glut of new-baby books out there, and though it's perfectly nice, Danzig's prose and Tilley's serviceable illustrations just don't have enough pizazz to separate this one from the pack. Parenting tips on further sibling preparation appear at the end of the book. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
