Books to Prep Siblings for a New Baby

As my belly keeps growing, so have the questions about baby. With only two months to go, the kids (2 and 4) are beginning to recognize that a shift is happening, and are understandably both curious and a little nervous. We have been reading quite a few books, both about pregnancy and having a new sibling, to give them both knowledge and comfort. Many of these have come from our library, but I’ve also purchased a few favorites.

Pregnancy

Mama’s Belly - This is my personal favorite. The words and pictures are lovely but also realistic. A little girl asks question after question about the baby growing in her mama’s belly. She feels excited to help and worried about sharing her special things. Sometimes her mama gets grumpy and tired, and loses a lap to read in. Yet they still share special moments and over time, she feels assured that her mother will have more than enough room in her heart for them both.

Nine Months - This is a really beautiful picture book for preschoolers (and older) who want to know more about the month-by-month development of the baby in utero. The pictures are detailed and accurate. The words are sing-songy and simple, but offer little hints at what the baby can do at each phase. Once D found out that our baby could hear her, she has been singing to him often.

Hello in There - This is a favorite interactive, lift-the-flap book for the kids, though the illustrations are more whimsical than realistic. The story is told from the perspective of an excited big sister-to-be, as she asks the baby what it’s like in mommy’s belly and offers reassurance and tales of all the fun they will have soon. “We’re all waiting for you - come out and play!”

Where do Babies Come From? - This is the simplest book I have found on the topic of “how did baby get in your belly?”, and provides just enough information about pregnancy for young children. I like that it’s already in a question and answer format, making it relatable for preschoolers who are full of questions! If you’re looking for a more in-depth explanation of where babies come from for older kids, check out It’s Not the Stork.

A New Baby

Lola Reads to Leo - We are big fans of all the Lola books, and this is no exception. This book is great for toddlers and preschoolers alike. In this story, big sister Lola finds lots of ways to help, especially by picking out her favorite books for each moment and reading to him. Though this doesn’t cover any of the real tricky moments of being a big sibling, it’s sweet and offers realistic ways a small big sibling can feel helpful.

My New Baby - This is one of four board books in a series, with simple and short text making it great for toddlers. In this book, a little big sibling comments on and asks lots of questions about the baby, such as “Is the baby still asleep?” and “Why does baby always have milk?” It captures a toddler’s point of view well, while offering little hints about what it might be like to have a baby sibling at home.

I’m a Big Sister Now / I’m a Big Brother Now - This is a new favorite for us, and is especiallly great for the preschool ages. In each version of this book, the new big sibling helps prepare for the baby’s arrival, greet the baby once home, and finds ways to play with the baby as it grows. I appreciate that this book does mention some of the tough stuff: waiting, being told to be quiet, and stinky diapers. Despite having a “big job”, being a big sibling is still pretty good after all.

Big Brother Time / Big Sister Time - More than the other books, this one really captures the challenges of being a big sibling. My kids enjoy the humor that comes with this one as the big sibling learns they get to teach baby the “rules”. Rules include not sleeping with their big-kid blankie, no building pillow forts at bedtime even if they’re cozy, and being on the same team when friends come over. As the big sibling makes the rules, they realize that there is more good than bad that comes with a new little sibling.

I’m Big Now - The new big sister in this story isn’t sure she wants to be “big” so she decides to try being a “big girl baby”. She tries on her old baby clothes and squeezing in her old crib. But she soon realizes she much prefers crunchy cereal to mushy food, the potty to wet diapers, and running freely to being strapped in a stroller. As she reassures her baby sibling that they too will be “big someday too”, her parents reassure her that she will always be special to them. The rhyming verses make this extra sweet to read.

Just Right Family - This has been a good read as we discuss the different ways families come to be. This story is about a little girl whose parents are about to adopt another baby. She loves hearing the story of how they became a family and isn’t sure she’s ready to let someone new in. But once she meets her new baby sister, she feels pride in telling her little sister the same story of how their family became complete.

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Thankful Children's Books

Thankful Books! In honor of Thanksgiving coming up, I’m sharing a few of our favorite children’s books, focusing on gratitude, family, and a sense of community. We have purchased some of these books and found others at our local library. You can find links to these and a few more on my Bookshop page!

Thank you, Omu - This has been a long time favorite as we are big fans of Oge Mora. This book tells the story of lovely Omu, who makes a big pot of stew, and shares with her neighbors and many community helpers, one by one. Just as she realizes she doesn’t have any left for herself, all of her neighbors show up with dishes to share. It is a lovely story of generosity and community. The illustrations are as wonderful as the prose.

Feast for Ten - This is a small board book that’s great for babies and still enjoyed by my 4-year-old! In this sweet counting and rhyming book, a mother and her 5 children go to the store to collect all the ingredients for their feast. Back at home, we count to ten again as they prepare the food and sit down to reap the rewards of their hard work. “Eight platters down, nine chairs around, ten hungry folks to share the meal!” I love that on each page, the family is working together, helping prepare this feast as a family.

Around the Table that Granddad Build - This story is cumulative, meaning that the story builds, repeating itself while adding on a new phrase each page. This repetition is great for young children as they enjoy reading along out loud and being able to predict what words come next. In this story, family and friends come together to share a meal, each contributing something they have made that represents their culture or personality. It all starts with the table that Grandad built.

Apple Cake - This is another simple, rhyming gratitute book that even the youngest toddlers will enjoy. In this short story, a little girl goes out for a walk to gather ingredients for apple cake. She thanks the flowers, bees, farmers, friends, and everything and everyone for all the gifts that they share. “Thank you for the food we make. Thank you all for apple cake!” At the end of the book is a delicious recipe for apple cake that is easy enough to do with little ones!

Thankful - Especially in these times, I appreciate how this book celebrates our every day thanks. “The chef for his plates licked clean, the dancer for the beat, the doctor for patients getting well”. The images portray one family and how they each play the role of chef, dancer, doctor, and everything else in their day to day life. It’s relatable and sweet.

We are Grateful - This tells the story of a Cherokee family and their community expressing thanks, "otsaliheliga", in big and small ways throughout each of the seasons. I love the connection to nature and incorporation of Cherokee traditions and language throughout. There is something new to notice in the illustrations each time we read it.

Fry Bread - This book is a beautiful depiction of a Native American family celebrating fry bread, but more than that, their history, traditions, culture, and community. We love the gorgeous and detailed illustrations and poetic verse. I appreciate the long authors notes at the end with a recipe and an in depth look at this story of fry bread and of indigenous commnities all across America.

The Table - This picture book is brand new and a wonderful addition to our Thanksgiving collection. In this relatable but story, a child remembers all the wonderful times and conversations her family shared at their dinner table. As her family members have become distracted and busy, their family table has grown smaller and smaller until it disappears. She has to figure out a way to create a new table for her family to make new memories and come together to connect once more.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Our Favorite Winter Books

Somehow another winter is upon us, which means lots of cozy afternoons reading books, drinking tea, and hoping for snow days! At the very least we can gear up for our trip up to the Methow Valley this winter, where we are guaranteed skiing and sledding galore. Whatever and wherever your winter is, I know you and your baby or toddler will love these stories to get in the winter spirit.

Over and Under - My sister gifted us this one last year, and it is still my favorite this year. Toddlers and children of all ages will enjoy discovering the secret animal world under the snow. As a cross-country skier, I especially love the dual story of the father-daughter on a ski adventure while the animals hibernate and explore below.

Snow Globe Wishes - This is a new hardcover that both D and I were excited to discover. It tells a sweet story of a family snuggling in and enjoying time together inside during a snow stormy night. It celebrates togetherness and peace, and the beauty of a snowy night.

The Snowy Day - Everyone probably knows this classic story, but it will always remain on our list. It is just a wonderful story of Peter’s snow day in the city.

Red Sled - D’s favorite books are often the ones with little to no words at all. They have slowly become mine too. This is a simple story of a bear who discovers a sled outside a cabin, and goes for a ride with his animal friends at night. Rather than words, this story is told through the sound effects: “scrinch scrunch”, “rooooeoeee” and "gadung gadung” are our favorites. Yesterday, I watched as she sat on the couch and read this one aloud to herself, just making the sound effects on each page.

Winter Dance - This is a wonderful one to pair with Over and Under because it tells the story of the animals living above the snow, and their preparation for the winter season. Fox isn’t sure what to do in the wintertime, but after watching all of the animals, he finally meets another fox, and finds his role too.

Winter Babies - Perfect for the littlest ones, this seasonal story features sweet faces and simple phrases, and winter delights. Though a bit young for D, she has it memorized and enjoys reading it to us now!

Winter is Here - Last but not least, this board book is a toddler and adult favorite, with beautiful illustrations and descriptive language. There are lovely details on each page, describing the sights, sounds, and feels of a snowy winter. Short enough for babies but engaging enough for toddlers.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Our Favorite Bedtime Books

After my post on our favorite Montessori-friendly books for toddlers, I’ve received requests to share our favorite bedtime stories as well. Although we read throughout the day, bedtime is my favorite, snuggliest time to read together. If I’m doing bedtime with both kids, I read to them together; otherwise, I’ll read to each before their kiss goodnight. It’s been a part of our bedtime ritual since birth for both, and I don’t like to think about the day that changes. There is something so sweet about bedtime books and the words or lullabies that begin to drift your little (and maybe you too!) on off to sleep. Each of these nine books are durable board books that have treated us well the past 2.3 years! :)

Sweet Dreams Lullaby - This has always been my favorite and hardly a night goes by it’s not in our rotation. I love the colorful imagery and the words flow poetically. It’s such a sweet bedtime lullaby. Although it’s on the longer side, D has always enjoyed this one all the way through, and now S too.

Time for Bed - This is another sweet rhyming lullaby, with lots of repetition which babies and toddlers love. Each page is a wish goodnight for a different little animal. I also love the tiny size of this board book - perfect for a baby!

Beditme - This is a great book as you establish a bedtime routine. It is a simple step by step story of how one family prepares for sleep. My favorite part is how it talks about the importance and joy of sleep and how it helps your little one grow and learn!

Bedtime

A Celebration of the Seasons - I stumbled upon this one at the bookstore and it’s become one of D’s favorites. It is full of poems which my husband and I have turned into songs as per D’s request. As the title suggests, each one is related to the four seasons, so sometimes we just read the ones for the appropriate time of year.

If Animals Kissed Goodnight - This is on the longer side for a board book but it’s so sweet! I love how it helps you imagine how each animal and their baby would kiss goodnight while teaching a bit about animals too. The best part is the sloth and her baby who just keep kissing soooooo slow. ;)

Sleepy Bee - This is the shortest and simplest of the books, but it was just always D’s favorite as a baby! We got it at the Sleepy Bee Cafe in Cincinnati visiting my husband’s family so it brings us fond memories as well. A short bedtime story of a bumbebee’s day.

Sweet Dreams Lullaby

Counting Kisses - This always bring a smile to both of my kids’ faces when we read it at night. And I love getting to kiss both my babies on repeat as I read this! A simple story of 1 to 10 kisses, from head to toe.

Where do I Sleep? - I already mentioned this one in my other Montessori books list, but I had to include it here, as it’s a longtime favorite bedtime story. I love the realistic, gorgeous illustrations, particularly because it features wild animals of the Pacific Northwest!

On the Night you were Born - We were gifted this book when D was born, and now I gift it to other new babies. It’s a beautiful story of the uniqueness of each child, and just how special they are to us, and to the world. The words are soothing and comforting for babies and toddlers alike.

And with that, goodnight and sleep tight!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Our Favorite Montessori-Friendly Books

One of the aspects of parenting I was most excited about was sharing the magic and power of books with my children. Not only do I enjoy getting lost in a really good book (when I find/make the time), but I especially love reading to my babes. There are countless benefits to reading to babies and young children, including strengthening language, attention span, memory, creativity, and emotional understanding. Not to mention it is wonderful bonding time! I’ve been reading to D since day 1 (if nothing else, there’s always bedtime!) and it makes my heart happy to see her love of books already.

Although I am not strict about it, there are a couple of qualities I look for in books for my children, following a few Montessori principles.

Realistic Nature:

Most of our books are based in reality, meaning you don’t find a lot of talking animals and princesses. The Montessori belief is that young children, especially toddlers, learn best through reality (concrete) rather than fantasy (abstract). This does NOT mean we discourage pretend play. It just means we let toddlers and young children take the lead in their own pretend play, which is typically acting out real-life scenarios such as playing house or doctor. When children begin to fully understand the difference between reality and fantasy, fairy tales and fantasy books become more appropriate. So for now, most of our books involve real-life content and ideally realistic or at least beautifully-illustrated pictures!

Age-appropriateness

This includes both the durability, length, and content. When D was younger, we only had board books, but now she understands how to be careful with some of our larger hardcover books. I try to choose books that aren’t too text-heavy, and if they are, involve catchy rhymes or exciting illustrations that keep her attention. Sometimes her attention span for books just depends on the time of day! Lastly, I try to find books on topics that I think she will enjoy (such as babies), as well as new ideas (such as our solar system).

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

10 of D’s Favorite Books

The Big Book of First Words - This is D’s favorite book right now, and honestly, mine too! It’s a little like “Where’s Waldo” but more toddler-friendly and less dizzying. ;) Each page features a different scene such a kitchen or zoo, and on the right side of the page has images of objects or animals to find within the scene. It’s a bit trickier than her other favorite, Let’s Find Momo. I think she especially loves how it’s a giant board book!

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth - This book offers hope for all of us who love and want to help take care of our planet. It celebrates all of the beauty of Earth and the people on it. “You’re never alone on Earth.” :) There are so many fun pictures and topics within this book to talk about with a toddler.

All the World - This is such a beautifully illustrated book. It is a simple but poetic story about a family’s day from morning to night, and all the beautiful things we see and do. It also emphasizes the importance of togetherness. Everywhere Babies is done by the same illustrator and is another of our longtime favorites.

Press Here - This is D’s favorite interactive book. Although it is simply a book of dots, each page has instructions on how to make the dots create different patterns, e.g. tipping the book on its side to make them “fall down”. D loves feeling like she has had an effect on the dots’ pattern page after page.

Where Do I Sleep? - This has been a longtime bedtime favorite. For those not wanting a Pacific Northwest specific book, I Would Tuck You In is also similar and sweet. A simple but really beautifully illustrated story of where animals and their babies sleep. I love how realistic the illustrations are too!

The Wonderful Things You Will Be - I love the message this book sends; that a child can grow up to be anything they choose and there is value in it all. D loves the beautiful illustrations of children, and the pop-out page at the end! This is a wonderful gift for new parents/babies.

You Were the First - We gave this to D before S came along and it’s still one of her favorites. It tells the story of all baby’s firsts, and how the parents get to experience it all with them. It ends with “there may be a second or a third, to sleep in the basket with the yellow ribbon wound round…but you will always be our first”. It makes me tear up each time!

Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You - Speaking of tearing up, this book always gets me! It is such a beautiful story of how a parent’s love is with their child wherever they go and whatever they feel. It’s a wonderful, comforting story for bedtime. This one’s story is a bit abstract, but as I said, I’m not super strict about every book being completely based in reality.

Eating the Alphabet - This is a colorful and classic book for teaching letters. I enjoy that it emphasizes the sound letters make rather than just the letter itself. Plus, D loves her food, so this one is extra fun for her! ;) I especially like that it introduces unusual fruits and veggies.

Seek and Count - As D becomes more interested in numbers, she’s really enjoyed this lift-a-flap number book. Each page features a surprise under the flap and counts up from one to ten. It’s simple but great for toddlers who are counting to 10. She loves to recall what is hidden on each page - great for memory!

You can find more of our other favorites listed in my interview with Kelsey Paff of Where The Board Books Are!