Za-Za's Baby Brother

Rating:
Summary: ZaZa's Baby Brother sends the wrong message
Review: A beautifully illustrated book, Za-Za's Baby Brother's message is that when the new baby comes, Za-Za's needs and wants will be neglected and have to come second to the baby. I certainly didn't want my son to have a book read to him about feeling left out because the new baby arrives and that there would be no time to tend to his needs and wants. Newborn babies are certainly demanding and time consuming, but positive parenting includes celebrating the family, inclusion of all family members and balancing the needs and wants of all involved.

This book was a gift to my son, which he wanted read right away. We changed the words and read the book so that it sent the message that there is "give and take" when a new family member arrives. This is a departure from the way the book actually reads, which is about the first child's needs and wants put aside. There is always time to give your child a hug!

Rating:
Summary: I agree with nononick
Review: As always with Lucy Cousins, the illustrations are adorable. As much as we'd like it not to be so, when a new baby enters the house, it DOES get most of the attention. This book addresses that issue, but also gently points out that the older sibling can share time with the baby -- "helping" with its care, and playing with it. And it promises that when the baby does finally go to sleep, mommy or daddy will have one-on-one time with that older sibling. We love this book (we have it in Norwegian!). And even though our new "baby brother" is now heading toward two years old, big sister still loves this book. Note to adoptive parents: as you can probably tell from the cover illustration, this book depicts a very pregnant mommy zebra that goes to the hospital to have the baby, so this one isn't for you; I would recommend intead "I'm a Big Sister" or "I'm a Big Brother" by Joanna Cole.

Rating:
Summary: My kids love this book
Review: I am only writing a review because I was surprised by the negative reviews for a book that my children love. I did not buy this book to prepare for a new sibling -- I bought it because we like the brightly illustrated books of Lucy Cousins. Maybe if we had bought it to prepare for a new sibling I would have different feelings. However, I have to say that my daughter, age 2, pulls this book out and brings it to me to read all the time, and my son, age 4, will still come running to listen to it when he hears us reading it, even though he has heard it hundreds of times since he was a baby. It's a fun book (especially if you narrate it with a silly voice for Za-Za and include crying baby sound effects). As for the new sibling issue, a newborn baby does get a lot of attention, and the older sibling probably will have a big adjustement, just like Za-Za. Maybe some reviewers think it's negative because the story is told from Za-Za's perspective and she is feeling the loss of some of her parent's attention. But you know what -- that is what really happens in real life! Children do have to learn to share some of the attention that has previously been only on them, and Za-Za learns this and also learns to appreciate her baby brother. Is that so bad? The negative reviews haven't changed my opinion, and they sure won't change my children's. At least check it out from the library before you dismiss this book entirely.

Rating:
Summary: I'm Not Real Sure What Ms. Cousins was Going for Here
Review: This book is by Lucy Cousins, who, if you did not know, is the creator of the ever-popular Maisy.

I'm not sure what Ms. Cousins was going for here. The reality is, the book probably provides a realistic portrayal of how an older child can find their wants set aside because there is a new born in the house. Ms. Cousins resolution appears to be to have the older child realize that they can help with, and play with, their new sibling just like the adults do.

But, while realistic, I'm not so sure it's a good message for young children. My oldest daughter does not particularly like this book. I'm not sure if it's because it sends a message that she should subsume who own ego, wants, and needs to those of her younger sister or if she just doesn't find it interesting. Of course, four year olds don't necessarily feel a need to provide commentary on why or shy not they don't want a book.

The book is also troubling in that the parents seem so oblivious to Za-Za's needs. Not a good message to be sending to older siblings.

As with all her books, Ms. Cousins's art is simple, but colorful and effective. I just believe a better message would be sent had she shown some signs throughout the book that the parents were not so oblivious to Za-Za.

Rating:
Summary: My kids love this book
Review: This was one of two "baby prep" books our son loved when we were expecting our second child. He was fixated with the colorful illustrations, and quoted the lines back to us often after his brother arrived.

I disagree that the message is negative. Rather, I feel the text realistically identifies common feelings in first/only children who have been the center of their parents' universe until a sibling arrives. Several gentle examples ("I want to go to the toy store!" "I'm hungry NOW!") of the older child not getting their way immediately are presented, but the message of love and inclusion is overwhelming.

Rating:
Summary: Beloved by our almost 3-yr-old
Review: This was one of two "baby prep" books our son loved when we were expecting our second child. He was fixated with the colorful illustrations, and quoted the lines back to us often after his brother arrived.

I disagree that the message is negative. Rather, I feel the text realistically identifies common feelings in first/only children who have been the center of their parents' universe until a sibling arrives. Several gentle examples ("I want to go to the toy store!" "I'm hungry NOW!") of the older child not getting their way immediately are presented, but the message of love and inclusion is overwhelming.