Spotlight on Siblings
Two Unique Books for New Siblings
If you have two or more kiddos, how did the older child react to the arrival of the younger? T is an only child, but I've heard from friends about the complexity of feelings experienced by siblings-to-be. From excitement to antagonism, young children's reactions run the gamut.
Here are two books that tackle the impending-sibling topic in unique ways.
The Magic Doll: A Children's Book Inspired by African Art
Written by Adrienne Yabouza
Translated from the French by Paul Kelly
Illustrated by Élodie Nouhen
Published by Prestel, September 2020
A daughter is telling the story of her parents' struggle to conceive herself, as she looks forward to the birth of a new sibling. The daughter focuses on her mother's traditional Ashanti practice of caring for a specially carved fertility doll leading up to her successful pregnancy and delivery. The little girl is clearly excited and pleased that another child is coming; all hearts in the family are full.
*Back matter explains fertility dolls in different regions, plus more about art in Africa.
What I like about The Magic Doll:
1. lovely art; the cover catches the eye
2. we learned about an unfamiliar tradition and art style
3. the emotions of the mother are relatable; we empathized with a character who wants to achieve something her peers have achieved (in this case, pregnancy)
4. a family's unconditional love is the final impression
The Big Sibling Getaway
By Korrie Leer
Published by Albert Whitman & Co., September 2020
A little girl is not thrilled about how she has been crowded out by boxes, baby gear, and ultimately a baby. She commandeers one of the empty boxes, imagining that it morphs into a variety of transports carrying her away from all the crying. She finds herself lonely and decides to take a now-older baby brother on her adventures. This little girl's mixed response is realistic, as is the love she demonstrates at the conclusion.
What I like about The Big Sibling Getaway:
1. it validates negative and positive emotions
2. the girl models a way to cope with her problems, accepting that they can return
3. the girl imagines and creates
4. the girl recognizes her own love for her sibling
Each of the stories tackles a different side of the expectant sibling's feelings. On the one hand, a sister-to-be joyfully awaits the arrival. On the other, a new sister begrudges that baby all the time, love, and attention. Each girl's reaction is validated, and her love for the new baby shines through despite hardships. Both books are great springboards for conversation; we talked a lot about the character's feelings in The Big Sibling Getaway. The Magic Doll is also ideal for inclusion in a study of traditional art, so not only did we discuss the mother's feelings, we touched on the tradition of the fertility doll.
Note: Review copies were provided in exchange for honest reviews.
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