A Sweet Embrace of Sisterhood: A Review of I Am a Big Sister by Caroline Jayne Church
There’s something magical about bedtime stories, isn’t there? It’s that special time when the chaos of the day quiets down, and in the dim light, we find ourselves wrapped in a blanket of cuddles and whispers. With two little ones at home, my nights often turn into a juggling act. Recently, while the toddler was busy channeling her inner astronaut with a stuffed rocket, I reached for I Am a Big Sister by Caroline Jayne Church, hoping to capture both my daughter’s attention and our shared love for sweet stories.
This charming book feels like a warm hug wrapped in the joys and adjustments that come with welcoming a new baby into the family. It perfectly captures the heart of what it means to be a big sister, showing how this new role can be both exciting and a little bit overwhelming. The pages are filled with illustrations that my kids adore—soft, pastel colors depicting a toddler girl who is eager to embrace her new responsibilities. From helping to choose baby clothes to showing off her sibling to friends, every page teemed with grace and humor.
Both my children engaged with the easy, rhythmic text that even my toddler found amusing. I can’t tell you how delightful it was to hear her giggle at the illustrations of the big sister proudly showing her little brother how to play, only to find herself in silly situations. One moment she’s demonstrating how to play nicely, and the next, she’s eyeing the baby monitor anxiously—classic sibling humor that rings so true to life!
What sparked the most joy, though, was their reactions. My little one, barely three, chimed in after the line about helping with various tasks: "I can help too, Mommy!" My heart melted. It opened up a sweet conversation about how she could be involved when her new baby brother arrives. Watching her feel empowered and special in this role was truly touching and reminded me of how important it is to validate and honor our older kids during such transitions.
Caroline Jayne Church masterfully balances concern and joy, and her delightful illustrations amplify the text beautifully. The pages are thick enough for little hands, though some of our reading sessions turned into playful tornadoes as they flipped through the pages to revisit their favorite illustrations—especially the baby and big sister cuddled up together, which we all agreed was the epitome of love.
As a mom, I cherish moments like these—where we can turn a simple read into a whole exploration of emotions and responsibilities. If your child is stepping into the big sister role (or just loves stories about family dynamics), I highly recommend I Am a Big Sister. It’s not just a one-time read; it becomes a household favorite that you’ll revisit again and again.
Whether your little one is curious about what it means to be an older sibling or needs that extra love and reassurance, this book beautifully captures the adventure that lies ahead. It’s a must-have in every family library, especially for those moments when you just want to curl up and share the smiles and excitement that comes with growing families. For us, it was more than a story; it was a moment of connection, perfect in our wild, beautiful life.
Celebrate the adventure of sisterhood with I Am a Big Sister by Caroline Jayne Church! >>
