Good Books for… Preparing Catholic Kids for a New Baby

binzeo

9 years ago

A new baby on the way is an exciting time for a Catholic family, but sometimes the toddler or preschooler is a little less than enthusiastic. Or they may be excited, but still anxious. These books can help answer their questions, put a positive picture of big brother or sisterhood in their minds, and reassure them they are still special.

Regina Doman’s Angel in the Waters is a beautiful account of life in the womb and birth from the unborn baby’s perspective.
Themes: guardian angels, unborn babies

Before I Was Me is a great Catholic book that helps children recognize that babies are super important!

When the Teddy Bears Came is a sweet story about a little boy helping his baby brother with all the teddy bears friends give the baby, then realizing the couch is getting too crowded for him. It ends with a special message that there is always still room on mom’s lap for the older sibling!
Themes: helping, sharing, there’s enough love to go around

Spencer is a little boy with a lot of energy, but he learns to be gentle when his little sister comes home. One Special Day (A Story for Big Brothers and Sisters) has some of the cutest illustrations, and a great encouraging message for active little ones! We also love its sequel, One Busy Day: A Story for Big Brothers and Sisters, in which Spencer discovers it is much funner to play with his sister Mia than alone.
Themes: enjoying nature and activity, being gentle around babies, playing together

In Annie Rose Is My Little Sister, Alfie describes his little sister in a touching manner, matter of factly acknowledging her faults, but focusing on the fun of playing with her.

“And we’ll go on like this forever, even until we’re all grown up, because Annie Rose will always be my little sister.

Themes: little siblings are a gift, siblings will always be there

Big Brother, Little Brother is a celebration of the special bond between siblings. Big brother and little brother occasionally disagree, but overall take care of each other.
Themes: empathy, taking care of babies, sharing, including little siblings