Children's Bookshelf - March 2010
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Welcoming Home a New Sibling
by Ellen Phillips

Change can be difficult for the best of us, but for the naturally ego-centric little people known as toddlers — Queens of their Castles and Rulers of their Roosts — the thought of another tiny human being interrupting their daily routine and stealing all of the admiring stares is about as appealing as diaper rash in July.

Fear not, expectant parents! The library can help you prepare your child for the adventure of becoming an older sibling. These new releases from 2009 use tenderness, honesty and humor to let older siblings know that they will indeed survive the strange smells, the crying and, yes, the jealousy.

One new sibling story that received rave reviews is Sophie Peterman Tells the Truth by Sarah Weeks. As you might imagine, Sophie, the older sister, does not believe that babies are cute or precious at all. In fact, she thinks they are monsters. She dispenses various warnings including, “If you have to sit next to a monster all the way to your aunt and uncle’s house in Syracuse, New York, do not breathe in through your nose.” Worse yet, she can’t understand why grown-ups fawn all over these leaky, smelly little creatures. Inevitably, Sophie begins to warn of how babies will make their way into their siblings’ hearts. Just don’t let the parents find out, she cautions, or they might want to bring home another baby.

In Baby Baby Blah Blah Blah! by Jonathan Shipton, young Emily is experiencing baby overload before the new bundle of joy even arrives. “When the baby comes it will be baby this and baby that and baby goo goo and baby blah blah blah. Everything will be upside down and inside out.” Emily is finally assured that there will be enough time and attention for her once the babies arrive, revealing her next surprise. Babies?

The tone is a little sweeter in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Not Yet, Rose. The illustrations perfectly capture Rose’s feelings as she vacillates between anticipation and worry. “What if she wasn’t a good big sister? What if she didn’t like her new brother? What if he didn’t like her?” As one might predict, a visit to the hospital eases Rose’s fears as she immediately connects with the newborn.

In Here Comes Gosling! by Sandy Asher, Froggie is excited about throwing a celebration for Goose and Gander’s new baby. He can’t wait to meet Gosling, but when the family arrives, Froggie’s enthusiasm is dashed. The little Gosling will not stop crying and cannot be consoled. Froggie is frustrated and a little shaken up, but he is the one who comes up with a song and dance routine that finally soothes the screaming youngster. Children ages 3-6 will enjoy this humorous tale.

What a Good Big Brother, by Diane Wright Landolf, is not the usual tale of jealousy and sibling rivalry, but the story of a big brother who is always ready to help. Again, it is the youngster who figures out how to soothe the colicky baby when the adults have run out of ideas, and he is rewarded by both the parents and the baby.

Juanita Havill’s new book seems to target new parents more than siblings. Just Like a Baby show aunts, uncles and grandparents oohing and ahhing over baby Ellen’s crib, deciding her future. Obviously, each wants the baby to turn out just like him or her — a dancer, a scholar, a pilot, a truck driver. Luckily, Ellen’s mother points out that Ellen will do just what Ellen wants, which for now includes merely being a baby. Ages 4-8 will enjoy this heartwarming story.

Preparing, adapting, and looking at things in a positive light are common threads to succeeding through changes, as we know at the Enfield Public Library. After 21 years at the library, Coordinator of Children’s Services Sue Lott retired on February 5. As we congratulate Sue, we also look forward to the changes that the new coordinator, Lisa Ellis, has in store.

The Children’s Department remains committed to wonderful programming such as its monthly Chess Club at the Pearl Street Branch; Rhyme Time programs at the Central Library for ages birth to 2, Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; and our new LEGO building program. But some new ideas will creep in too, as Lisa brings her creativity and enthusiasm to the Children’s Department.

Registration for Miss Lisa’s story times begins on Monday, March 8, and the spring calendar will soon appear online on our web site. It will include events for April vacation as well as the date for the big summer reading kickoff at the end of June. We hope to see you at the library soon and very often!

The Enfield Public Library is located at 104 Middle Road. For more information about the library, call 860-763-7510 or visit online at www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Ellen Phillips is the Head of Children/Teen Services Librarian at The Enfield Library in Enfield.