
Reach for this book when your older child is struggling with the 'new baby' transition and expressing feelings of resentment, invisibility, or a desire to 'send the baby back.' It provides a safe, humorous space to acknowledge that being a big sibling isn't always a promotion. The story follows Oliver, a young boy who is so tired of the fuss made over his new sister, Bonnie, that he decides to give her away to the neighbors. When he realizes that Bonnie actually prefers him over everyone else, he finds a new sense of pride and belonging. It is a gentle, realistic look at sibling rivalry that validates a child's frustration without judgment. Parents will appreciate how it models a natural shift from jealousy to connection through the child's own realization of their importance in the baby's life.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepicts feelings of loneliness and being overlooked by parents.
The book deals with feelings of rejection and sibling displacement. The approach is realistic and secular. While Oliver's attempt to 'give away' a human being is a hyperbolic expression of his anger, the resolution is hopeful and grounded in emotional bonding.
A preschooler or early elementary student who has recently become an older sibling and is struggling with the 'loss' of their parents' undivided attention. It is perfect for a child who feels they were never consulted about the family's expansion.
The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared for the concept of 'giving the baby away' and use it as a springboard to talk about how it is okay to have 'mad' or 'sad' feelings about the new baby. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say 'I wish the baby wasn't here' or witnessing the child acting out for attention while the parent is busy with the infant.
Younger children (3 to 4) will focus on the humor of the baby's reactions and the literal 'giving away' of the sister. Older children (5 to 7) will better grasp the subtext of Oliver's need for validation and his eventual pride in his caretaking role.
Unlike many 'new baby' books that focus on how the older child can 'help' the parents, this book focuses entirely on the child's internal emotional experience and their direct relationship with the infant, acknowledging the child's agency and feelings of exclusion.
Oliver, feeling displaced by the arrival of baby Bonnie, puts her in a wagon and attempts to give her away to various neighbors. Each neighbor is initially interested, but the baby begins to cry or act out. Oliver discovers that he is the only one who can soothe her, leading to a shift in his perspective regarding his role as a big brother.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.