A Big Sister’s Journey: Discovering “I Am a Big Sister! / ¡Soy una hermana mayor!”
As a mom, I can still remember the whirlwind of emotions that came with my first daughter’s arrival. I was overjoyed, but I also knew that our firstborn would soon have to navigate the confusing feelings of becoming a big sister. So, when I stumbled across I Am a Big Sister! / ¡Soy una hermana mayor! by Caroline Jayne Church, I felt an immediate sense of partnership. The title alone whispered to my heart, “You’re not alone in this.”
A Heartwarming Journey
This enchanting bilingual story captures the delightful yet turbulent emotions that accompany the arrival of a new sibling. It follows a proud little girl, brimming with excitement as she prepares for her newborn sister. The illustrations by Church are simply adorable—soft colors and wide-eyed characters that radiate warmth and curiosity. My toddler would reach out to touch the pages, her giggles whenever the big sister character displayed a huge grin resonating within our own family excitement.
The book beautifully celebrates the joys of becoming a big sister while also acknowledging that there may be some challenges alongside it. We got to revisit our own experiences as parents—like when my daughter first held her little brother, a mixture of awe and protectiveness. This took us down the memory lane of bumping heads in the early days of siblinghood, and the conversations turned into laughter over how “Mommy’s little helper” often became more of a playful mischief-maker.
Captivating Illustrations & Engaging Read-Aloud
Church’s illustrations are an absolute delight. They command attention without overwhelming, featuring sweet depictions of the toddler being a role model. My daughter loved pointing out the little moments—the big sister cuddling the baby, reading books to her, and even the occasional “oops” moment when things didn’t go as planned. The imagery resonated with her—she’d exclaim, “Look, Mommy! Just like me!” and I could see in her bright eyes that she was imagining her own big sister adventures.
The writing flows effortlessly, with just the right rhythm to keep little ones engaged during our nightly reading ritual. I loved how bilingual it felt; it subtly introduced some Spanish phrases into our English bedtime routine, making it feel like we were opening doors to a world of love and acceptance.
One moment that became our ultimate favorite was when the big sister shares, “I can help make her laugh!”—it sparked a deep conversation about how she could interact with her brother in ways that didn’t feel too daunting to her. Laughter mixed with reassurance!
Who Should Dive In
I highly recommend I Am a Big Sister! / ¡Soy una hermana mayor! to parents of toddlers to preschoolers, especially those who are about to welcome a new little one. This book is more than just a story; it serves as a wonderful tool for guiding conversations around sibling relationships. It caters to imaginative kiddos who are excited yet anxious—and for parents like me, who want to prepare their little ones for those emotional adjustments with a sprinkle of joy.
In our home, this book has become a cherished addition to our collection. It not only helped my daughter navigate her big-sister role but also gave us tender moments that brought us closer. Now, whenever it appears at bedtime, I know we’re settling in for a cozy heart-to-heart with giggles, stories, and cuddles.
So if you’re looking for a delightful and heartfelt way to explore sibling love, add this sweet gem to your bookshelf. You won’t regret it!
Discover the joy of being a big sister with this delightful bilingual book! >>
