• Pre-school

Froggy's baby sister by: London, Jonathan

Froggy hoped for a brother to play with so he is disappointed with his new baby sister, Pollywogilina, but only until she is old enough to start learning from her big brother.

Bittle by:MacLachlan, Patricia

Nigel the cat and Julia the dog think they will have no use for the new baby in their house, but after awhile they realize that they have come to love her.

Hi, new baby! by:Harris, Robie H.

A father recalls his young daughter's first reactions to her new baby brother.

Peter's Chair by:Keats, Ezra Jack,

When Peter discovers his blue furniture is being painted pink for a new baby sister, he rescues the last unpainted item, a chair, and runs away

Sophie and the new baby by:Anholt, Laurence

Sophie waits through the seasons of the year for her sibling to be born and then experiences mixed feelings about the new baby.

Truelove by:Cole, Babette.

When a new baby arrives, Truelove the dog must teach his family that there is enough love to go around.

We have a baby by:Falwell, Cathryn

The arrival of a new baby is a cause for celebration, presenting opportunities to love, watch, touch, and care for the new family member.

Baby songs : a collection of songs for the very young from the videos Baby songs and More baby songs by:Palmer, Hap

A collection of songs from Hap Palmer's first two videos for very young children: "Baby songs" and "More Baby songs." Both music and text are included.

Notes: For voice(s) and chordal instrument, with chord symbols and guitar chord diagrams.

The Helen Oxenbury nursery rhyme book by:Alderson, Brian., Oxenbury, Helen

An illustrated collection of approximately sixty nursery rhymes, including a mixture of popular and lesser known rhymes.

Row, row, row your boat by:Kubler, Annie

Board book

Music on CD or Tape:
Hap Palmer, "Babysong."
Hap Palmer, "More babysongs,"
formerly Ticky Toddle).
Note: Children's music Cd's and tapes are available through the H.C.P.L. library system for check out.

I have developed this theme for growing families. One of my most frequent questions from parents is, "How can I help my eldest child adjust to the new baby?" Reading with your children is one way to open communication and spend time with them. Many of the items I have chosen will allow siblings to express their feelings. The book, Peter's Chair, by Keats is an excellent example. In this book, big brother's personal possessions are given to the baby and he feels left out. However, in the end he realized that he too is a valued member of the family. Reading a book such as this gives families an opportunity to discuss how they feel. The other items that I have suggested are to encourage parents to spend time reading with both children. It is never too early to begin reading to your infant and by including the entire family it becomes a bonding experience.