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
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
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)
Themes: enjoying nature and activity, being gentle around babies, playing together
In Annie Rose Is My Little Sister
“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
Themes: empathy, taking care of babies, sharing, including little siblings
is possibly my favorite book for two year olds. Little Sal and little bear learn that they should stay close to their mommies, even if yummy berries are tempting!
is a simple but beloved story in which Alfie gets new boots and solves the mystery of why they feel funny.
, is a cautionary tale warning children against locking doors. But don’t worry it has a happy ending!
is a nature-focused variation on the traditional rhyme, and is the version we sing in our house.
is one for the daddies and sons! A little boy and his father play at a pond, using their imaginations to make an enjoyable day even funner.
is by the great Margaret Wise Brown. Animals around the world settle down for bed in their own ways as their mothers urge them to close their eyes.
is another favorite by Margaret Wise Brown with lovely illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney. This book describes the coming of winter and how various farm animals prepare for the cold and wind.
, a high-quality hard back with lovely detailed illustrations, is the story of a little lamb helping an even littler bird.
, the spider works despite all distracions to build a beautiful web. Lift the flaps on each page are fun for little ones. We also love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Lonely Firefly, and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you Hear?
is a wonderful story about all the different meanings of “giving.” Described by a little girl and illustrated by the ever-charming Shirley Hughes.
is a luminous bedtime story we love describing a dream voyage on a moon-boat.
is a toddler favorite about the farm animals trying to wake up the sleepy farmer.
is a charming recounting by a loving mother of her day with her little girl. This sweet book is a must read to your little girl!
is a delectable, gentle story about a little mouse trying to get a huge cupcake home, with some help from his hungry friends.
, Jesse Bear, a very active little bear, learns about all the times one shouldn’t get wet, and finally when one should!
is a modern tale with illustrations to delight little princesses and a fanciful story of a little girl going on a magic carpet ride to find the perfect gift for her mother.
is a good old story of a little girl caring for her dolls. It’s sure to delight any little mommy!
details the adventure of a very curious little kitten! It is a good cautionary tale to show the dangers of too much curiosity.
is a hilarious little book about Pamela’s lengthy preparations to take her non-existent dog for a walk.
is a beautifully illustrated little board book talking about Jesus’ childhood.
is a sweet board book which shows the barn animals preparing for baby Jesus’ arrival.
and 
are part of a new series of board books from Katie Warner aimed at exposing the littlest Catholics to religious artwork and Catholic teaching! These are quality books that would make great gifts for a Baptism or baby shower.
is a short rhyming board book about a very hungry bear.
, always a favorite with my children, is a fanciful story of some animal friends’ trip.
helps teach little ones about their senses as baby experiences the sounds around him. Lots of onomatopoeic words keep the youngest readers engaged.
, with its beautiful illustrations of farm life, is a simple story of a father soothing his son to sleep.
is a story about a little boy searching for the perfect gift for his mother with some help from his animal friends. More text in this one for the more advanced listener. 
and 
stories are somewhat repetitive but so loved by my children that I had to include them!
‘s gentle rhymes and clever illustrations make it another much loved and well worn toddler favorite around here. It is a rollicking little tale of a boy and bear searching for berries.
is a classic Margaret Wise Brown story, less well known than 
but equally enjoyable. Big Red Barn describes barnyard life, while Goodnight, Moon focuses on a room at bedtime.
is a great early book because it provides sensory stimulation which can engage a reluctant listener. Siblings Paul and Judy explore their house along with your child.