Best picture books for a new baby sibling
A new baby is big news for a toddler. Some get jealous, some cry when you pick up the baby, and most just want to be included. These books help the big sister or big brother talk about it. None of our own books is about a new sibling, so none is on this list.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Our Amazon links go to Amazon UK (amazon.co.uk). This guide is run by Amor Picture Books (Nova Group), publisher of the Amor books. Our own books are marked Our book. How we choose.
How to use these books
- 1
Start before the birth
Read one of the books together with your child's own baby photos, and talk about what they were like as a baby.
- 2
Give a real job
"Can you choose the baby's socks today?" A small task says: you matter in this family too.
- 3
Keep a short special time
A few minutes a day with only the big sibling, and their choice of book, can mean a lot.
- 4
Say the hard part out loud
"Sometimes it's hard when the baby needs me. I still love you just as much."
- 5
Let the baby notice the big sibling
"Look, the baby is watching you build. You're showing her how."
The list
1. There's Going to Be a Baby
John Burningham
- Age 2 - 6 years
- 48 pages
- Hardcover
A boy and his mum talk through the months of waiting for the new baby. Honest about mixed feelings.
Pick this one if the baby has not arrived yet and the wait feels long.
View on Amazon UK2. I'm a Big Sister
Joanna Cole
- Age 5 - 6 years
- 32 pages
A simple, reassuring look at what a big sister can do, and that she is still loved.
Pick this one if a big sister needs to hear that she is still loved.
View on Amazon UK3. I'm a Big Brother
Joanna Cole
- Age 5 - 6 years
- 32 pages
- Board book
The same reassuring story for a big brother.
Pick this one if a big brother needs to hear that he is still loved.
View on Amazon UK4. Peter's Chair
Ezra Jack Keats
- Age 2 - 4 years
- Hardcover
Peter's old things are painted for his baby sister, so he takes his chair and leaves, then finds his own way to share.
Pick this one if your child is upset about passing old things on to the baby.
View on Amazon UK5. Julius, the Baby of the World
Kevin Henkes
- 32 pages
- Hardcover
Lilly is jealous of her new baby brother, until someone else criticises him. Funny and true about jealousy.
Pick this one if your child is openly jealous of the baby.
View on Amazon UK6. The New Baby
Mercer Mayer
- Age 2 - 6 years
- Hardcover
Little Critter finds out a new baby cannot play yet, and learns how he can help.
Pick this one if your child expects a playmate and is let down that the baby cannot play yet.
View on Amazon UK7. Za-Za's Baby Brother
Lucy Cousins
- Age 2 - 4 years
- 24 pages
- Board book
Everyone is busy with the baby and Za-Za feels left out. For the big kid who wants to be included.
Pick this one if your child feels left out while everyone is busy with the baby.
View on Amazon UK8. Hello in There!
Jo Witek
- Age Baby - 3 years
- 28 pages
- Hardcover
A big sister waits for the baby to arrive. Good for the months before the birth.
Pick this one if you want a book for the months before the birth.
View on Amazon UK9. Spot's Baby Sister
Eric Hill
- Age Baby - 2 years
- 22 pages
- Hardcover
Spot gets a baby sister, in a short lift-the-flap book for the youngest.
Pick this one if the big sibling is still very young and likes flaps.
View on Amazon UK
Books with a "Publisher" link: age, pages and format come from the publisher's own page. Other ages come from the Amazon UK page for the edition linked. Pages and format refer to the edition linked. If we could not verify a detail, we leave it out. Details checked 26 Oct 2026.
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Questions parents ask
When should I start reading new baby books?
Many families start a few months before the birth, so the big sibling has time to ask questions.
Do toddlers get jealous of a new baby?
Many do. Crying when you pick up the baby is very common. Most toddlers want to be included and to know they still matter.
How can I help my toddler feel included?
Give small jobs, like fetching a nappy, and keep a little one-on-one time with the big sibling.
Is there an Amor book about a new sibling?
Not yet. That is why this list has no book of our own.