What Do Readers Say About Big Sister Now

Among the flood of titles about older siblings and new babies, this book, published under the auspices of the American Psychological Association, stands out for its appealing illustrations and direct story, which wraps a clear, comforting message. With minimal words, Sheldon zeroes in on an older child's feelings of displacement: "Always before, when Mommy and Daddy said, 'the baby,' they meant me…Now…they mean Daniel." Maizel's pencil-and-watercolor pictures show Kate, a preschooler whose confusion and resentment gradually transform. She learns to be patient during Daniel's crying jags and feedings, and she begins to relish the things older kids can do, such as baking with Grandma. Children will recognize the warmth and clutter in the cozy domestic scenes, and feel comforted as Kate's parents reassure, love, and gently guide her toward acceptance. An appended section offers parents solid ideas for helping a child adjust to a new baby. Though cataloged as nonfiction, the book will fit perfectly among fiction titles on the subject.
---Gillian Engberg, Booklist

Big People will find Big Sister Now as delightful a read as Big Sisters and Brothers. Author Annette Sheldon dared go where few have gone before-she successfully entered the mind of a 2 1/2 year old and stayed there throughout the entire book. Every one of Big Sister Kate's insecurities, fears, and exclamations regarding the new baby rings "toddler-true." And illustrator Karen Maizel nailed the toddler's persona, character, and expressions as they relate to the abruptly changed family dynamics. But, there's so much more-each illustration is a gem with many facets. Every time the book is opened, the reader will be surprised by a new aspect of an illustration that was missed the first or second reading through. Because both the author and illustrator sweated the "small stuff." Big Sister Now is a pure joy to read, again and again. Their careful attention to the tiniest detail, both in words and images, surely define Big Sister Now as unique amongst books in its category.
---on Amazon; Shelley Hussey, author

Big Sister Now is the perfect book for an older sibling adjusting to the new baby. Annette Sheldon does a terrific job at handling the positives and negatives of being a big sister, with the positives winning out.

Buy Good Night Moon for the baby and Big Sister Now for the older sib and you'll make everyone happy.
---David Richardson, Reading Today book reviewer

From the Publisher (Big Brother Now)

In this story, Jake—a new big brother—explains his feelings of being left out and forgotten when his baby sister Abby arrives. He experiences the typical confusion and mixed emotions that result in having to share his parents with a new and demanding sibling. But with wit and a resourceful nature, Jake explores his new role and achieves the confidence to embrace his little sister. Ultimately, the story demonstrates how kids can feel warm, safe, and loved in their family as they move from being a beloved only child to occupying a new and exciting role as the older sibling.