Because I’m New

A new baby in the family means a lot of changes —from late-night diaper changes to learning new ways to play— but in this sweet offering from Brad Sneed, baby tells older sibling just what to expect. A heartfelt celebration of those first months with baby and the genesis of the sibling bond.

Kirkus (starred⭐️)- “The joys and difficulties of adding a baby to the family are detailed in this sweet tale.

The text unfolds from the point of view of a new baby, giving readers an inside perspective on the things a baby can’t do—like catch the ball an eager older sibling tosses—and the wide range of things a baby can do: watch, listen, and, of course, cry. A tender relationship between the siblings blooms from their first encounter, when the baby muses, “I’ve been waiting a long time to meet you.” The older sibling is warmly portrayed as a role model, teacher, and friend, the text never skipping over the loud and exhausting elements of life with a baby. The tiny protagonist reminds readers that while babies need a lot of help from their parents, they need it from their older siblings, too. One double-page spread depicts the exhausted parents, older sibling, and even dog collapsed on the couch, recovering from all that helping. Over the course of the story, the baby grows and changes and shows off the new skills gained once “I am…less new.” The baby, now a toddler, can now catch that ball and actively play with the older sib, the illustrations charmingly depicting the changing, still-affectionate relationship. The characters depicted in the story present White. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 11.9% of actual size.)

A giftable book that is both encouraging and honest. (Picture book. 3-7)”