About This Book
Reach for this book when your oldest child is struggling to embrace the reality of a new sibling and is feeling protective of their space. Cornelius P. Mud is a pig who is definitely not ready to share his room, his toys, or his favorite spots with the new arrival. Barney Saltzberg uses humor and relatable pig-centric logic to validate the messy, resistant feelings that come with being a big brother. It is a perfect choice for preschoolers and early elementary children who need to see that their reluctance is normal and that they do not have to be a perfect big sibling right away. The book offers a gentle path from 'no' to 'maybe' without being overly sentimental.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with sibling displacement in a secular, metaphorical way through animal characters. The resolution is realistic rather than magical: Cornelius doesn't suddenly become the perfect brother, but he moves toward acceptance.
