There have been many books written about new babies for older siblings. Steven Layne has written Love the Baby about this problem.
Storyline
At first Bunny thinks it will be great to have a new rabbit sibling. But soon the new baby is getting all the attention. Bunny had thought it would still be fun because maybe the baby could play, but she soon discovers baby's are just noisy nuisances. She understands why Mother and Father Rabbit must pay special attention to the baby, but is upset when everyone who comes to the Rabbit house pays attention to the baby, and tells Bunny to Love the Baby. Everyone begins doing the special things they used to do with Bunny with the new baby. She pretends to like the new baby but secretly wishes it would just go away. That is until one night when everyone else is asleep and Bunny is the one who makes the new baby smile.
Illustrations
In a picture book the storyline is only half the book with the illustrations being a just as important second half. The illustrations for Love the Baby were drawn by Ard Hoyt. He fills each page with color and adds another level to the story. Hoyt masterfully captures the Rabbit family perfectly. Each family member's personality comes across. Each member of the family from the new baby to grandmother is drawn believeably and beautifully. The illustrations add to the story by giving a glimpse into not only emotions being felt by the characters but giving the reader a glimpse into the rabbit family's home.
Uses for This Book
This is a perfect book to give to any child becoming an older sibling. Toddlers will enjoy not only the words but also the illustrations. Preschoolers will enjoy the illustrations and story as well and may be able to relate to Bunny's emotions. Early readers will find the story enjoyable as they can "read" everyone's words to Bunny..."Love the Baby".
This book is also good for families. It gives them the opportunity to share a special event while enjoying a great story. It also reminds all of us that the older child in our lives may feel overlooked when the new baby comes home and everyone is oohing and aahing over them.
Love the Baby is the perfect present for any child who is about to become or has recently become an older sibling.
Love the Baby by Steven L. Layne, Illustrated by Ard Hoyt
Pelican Publishing Company, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-58980-392-3
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