About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is acting out or withdrawing due to the news of a new baby. It is particularly effective for children who feel their status in the family is being threatened by the 'new arrival.' This story follows Andrew, a young bear who experiences a range of difficult emotions from sulking to anxiety as he contemplates sharing his life with a sibling. Unlike many books that focus only on the joy of a new baby, this one validates the child's sense of displacement and grumpiness. By the end, Andrew discovers his unique role as a big brother through his parents' reassurance that his help is indispensable. It is a gentle, realistic look at the transition from only child to older sibling for children aged 3 to 7.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with the fear of abandonment and loss of status within a family. The approach is metaphorical through the use of animal characters but the emotions are grounded in secular reality. The resolution is hopeful and empowering.
