For those expecting an addition to the family, here's a little friendly advice: stock up now on reading selections, because you won't have time for shopping once the baby arrives. We've found several new books for parents and babies to share, and a special treat for siblings, who may need extra cuddles at this busy time.

Read-alouds for the new arrival

REVIEWS BY JULIE HALE

A baby's book of verse
Sharon Creech, acclaimed author of numerous children's books including Ruby Holler and The Wanderer, has collaborated with Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz to produce a distinctive gift for new mothers. Who's That Baby? New-Baby Songs is a heartwarming volume of poems that pays tribute to the bond between parents and children. This beautifully illustrated book contains 16 selections that can be recited or sung. In pieces about parents, grandparents and special family times, Creech succeeds in creating a baby's sense of wonder—the unique delight a child experiences as he or she first becomes aware of the world. Diaz's images—stars, flowers and rosy-cheeked children punctuated by whimsical swirls of line and color—provide a delightful balance to Creech's verse. A keepsake to be treasured for years to come, Who's That Baby? is the perfect pick for quiet time with the kids, and a wonderful way to send them off to sleep.


Family instincts
If You Were My Baby: A Wildlife Lullaby by Fran Hodgkins gives little ones a charming look at the wonders of the wild and the joys of family. In this breezy read-along, parents of every species imaginable—from skunks and beavers to bears and bats—share affectionate moments with their young, imparting important lessons and words of encouragement. The cute critters, depicted by Laura Bryant in their natural environments with wonderful detail, make this a terrific introduction to nature. An adorable addition to your child's collection, If You Were My Baby is sure to become a family favorite.


A little sister who's larger-than-life
Ross MacDonald, whose illustrations have appeared in the New Yorker, Newsweek and Vanity Fair, offers a bold romp through Babyland in Bad Baby. This colorful, eye-popping follow-up to MacDonald's beloved picture book Another Perfect Day continues the adventures of young Jack, the pint-sized protagonist who likes to fantasize about being a grown-up. Jack still has the ideal little-boy life—there's plenty of baseball and a mountain of candy!—but he is in need of a friend. When a new baby sister arrives, his problem is solved. Soon he and little sis are having tea parties, playing peek-a-boo and drawing pictures. But Jack's new playmate proves more than a handful, as she makes all kinds of mischief and lands him in big trouble. With its retro illustrations and 1950s feel, Bad Baby has all the makings of an old-fashioned kids' classic.


Sibling revelry
Sarah Sullivan's Dear Baby: Letters from Your Big Brother offers a boy's-eye view of life with a new sibling. Letters composed by a boy named Mike to his infant sister Erica reflect young Mike's confusion and excitement as he becomes accustomed to life with baby, learning to share toys, deal with smelly diapers and accept the fact that mom and dad can't spend as much time with him now. Mike's notes are filled with humor, inquisitiveness and, of course, important instructions for Erica: "This is to tell you NOT to play with my toys EVER again!!" The notes also reflect Mike's pride in the family's new addition: "Now I think having a little sister is the best thing that could ever happen to a boy like me." Paul Meisel's appealing illustrations make the story sparkle, and fun visuals like a real birth announcement, an actual sonogram and a fold-out birthday card add a wonderful authenticity. This ingenious little book about family and friendship would be an excellent way to introduce the topic of a new baby to older brothers—and sisters.


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