Families who loved Hannah's Baby Sister by Marisabina Russo often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is fixated on a specific outcome regarding a new sibling, such as being convinced the baby will be a girl or a boy. It addresses the natural tendency of children to create detailed fantasies about the future and the subsequent need to manage those expectations when reality looks different than imagined. Hannah's story follows her through the seasons of her mother's pregnancy as she prepares for a sister, only to find herself holding a brother at the end. It is a gentle, realistic portrayal of a common childhood experience that helps normalize the shift from expectation to acceptance. Parents will find it particularly helpful for opening a dialogue about how we can love surprises, even when they aren't what we originally asked for. It is perfectly suited for children ages 3 to 6 who are about to become big siblings.