Book Review: The New Baby by Mercer Mayer
As a busy mom of two little ones, bedtime can often feel like a circus—there’s the chaos of bath time, kiddo negotiations over who gets the last chocolate chip cookie, and the never-ending quest for that elusive favorite stuffed animal. As I snuggled into bed one night with my five-year-old and my two-year-old, I thought of Mercer Mayer’s classic The New Baby. With imminent discussions about our own family’s transition to a new baby sister, I knew it was time to dive into this delightful story.
In The New Baby, we follow Little Critter as he eagerly embraces his new role as a big brother. From rocking the baby to helping with diaper changes (a task our little ones find both fascinating and horrifying!), this warm and funny story captures the essence of welcoming a new sibling. What I love about this book is how relatable it feels for both parents and kids. So many of the scenes had my children giggling, especially the part where Little Critter struggles to keep his little sister entertained.
The illustrations are wonderfully charming and vibrant—a signature of Mayer’s work. The large, colorful images kept my kids’ eyes glued to the pages and prompted lively discussions. My daughter squealed at the rattle and pointed out how “little” the baby looked, while my son grinned, announcing, “That’s how I will take care of her!” It’s heartwarming to witness their imaginations take flight—seeing them visualize their own experiences through the eyes of Little Critter made the book feel even more special.
There’s a delightful mixture of humor and honesty in the narrative. One of my favorite lines was when Little Critter reflects on how the baby will be busy with “eating, sleeping, and crying.” Oh, how true! It sparked a conversation about what’s to come—how we can help and support our new addition. My son, who is eagerly preparing to be a big brother, shared his thoughts on what he would like to do with the baby—“We can play peek-a-boo and sing songs!” His enthusiasm is contagious, and I can already see how this book is helping him process this big change in our lives.
Overall, The New Baby is a brilliant resource for families preparing for the arrival of a new sibling. Suitable for toddlers and preschoolers, this delightful book helps little ones understand the joys and responsibilities that come with a new baby, making it a superb gift for expecting families. Whether shared during sleepy nights or busy mornings, it has quickly earned a special place in our hearts—and our nightly reading routine.
If I had to recommend this book, I’d say it’s perfect for ages 2 to 5, especially for those with curious little minds who may be feeling uncertain about a new sibling arriving. It’s not just a one-time read; we’ll likely return to it over and over again as our family grows. For me, The New Baby is not just a lovely addition to our library but a heartwarming companion in our family’s journey. The laughter, love, and tiny glimpses into the chaos of family life reminded me that, despite the whirlwind, there’s so much joy that awaits!
Happy reading!
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