PreS-Gr 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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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 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, what 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. --Carolyn Phelan

With virtually identical texts, these simple, small books are written from a child's point of view and illustrated with homey watercolors that focus on a preschooler's world. The characters are secure, happy older siblings who recognize the difficulties of their new identity in a positive way as they explain how they play with their baby siblings and help their parents. Includes a note to parents. From HORN BOOK 1997, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.