by Kayleigh Bekisz, Children’s Librarian, Marilyn J. Praisner Branch of Montgomery County Public Libraries
A new baby is a big event! Check out these titles about pregnancy and new babies, perfect for sharing the experience of a new life with everyone in the family.
PICTURE BOOKS
“I Sang You Down From the Stars”
by Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Michaela Goade
A sweet story by an indigenous author and illustrator, this book shares the love and care that comes with anticipating a new baby and connecting them to their heritage.
“Hello Baby, It’s Me, Alfie”
by Maggie Hutchings, illustrated By Dawn Lo
This new picture book is written from the perspective of an excited soon-to-be big sibling who wants to know all there is to know about the growing baby.
“Babymoon”
by Hayley Barrett, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
New parents are in love with their brand new baby. As they get to know a tiny new person and create new routines, they share quiet, cherished time at home together.
“I Love You Baby Burrito”
Written and illustrated by Angela Dominguez
All about introducing a new baby to their family and home, this story is a bilingual introduction to the comforts of a soft place to rest.
“My Little Ogichidaa: An Indigenous Lullaby”
by Willie Poll, illustrated By Hawlii Pichette
A lullaby sung by an expectant Indigenous mother, this book combines striking illustrations with the dreams the mother has for her growing warrior, rooted in the heavy history of Indigenous people who came before.
EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS
“Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?”
by Chitra Soundar, illustrated By Jen Khatun
Sometimes older siblings need time to adjust to a new baby, and Sona is having a hard time with the idea of someone new in her home. When she learns about the Indian naming ceremony, her worries are tempered by eagerness to find the perfect name for the new baby.
“Mindy Kim, Big Sister”
by Lyla Lee
There are many new things that come with a baby, but even though Mindy Kim has never met a baby before, she wants to be a helpful big sister. When her tired parents get help from their community, Mindy learns that everyone needs support sometimes — even parents.
CHILDREN’S FICTION
Hazel’s Theory of Evolution”
by Lisa Jenn Bigelow
Hazel is dealing with difficult social dynamics at school, but mostly she’s anxious about her mom, who is pregnant again after two miscarriages. This story is an honest look at some of the hard feelings that can accompany the impending arrival of a baby.
“Ways To Grow Love”
by Renee Watson
In the summer before fifth grade, Ryan Hart continues to face changes and challenges, including waiting for a new baby sister to be born and a summer camp trip.
“Who Ordered This Baby? Definitely Not Me!”
by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Hank is worried about a new baby taking his place in his parents’ life, but after trying to prepare himself for a sibling, he discovers that he is uniquely loved and irreplaceable.
YOUNG ADULT
“16 & Pregnant”
by LaLa Thomas
Erykah didn’t plan to have a baby at 16, so when she finds out she’s pregnant, she’s faced with some huge choices to make. Her best friend Kelly is with her the whole time, helping her face the reality of her situation and figure out how to handle it.
“Belly Up”
by Eva Darrows
A look at a family coming together to handle an unexpected teen pregnancy, “Belly Up” is a lighthearted story that shows that having a baby doesn’t have to mean the end of the world.
“Unexpecting: A Novel”
by Jen Bailey
An unusual look at the fatherhood side of a teen pregnancy, this book is a bittersweet look at the hardships that some expectant parents must face. Ben learns to accept the things he cannot control and make hard choices for himself and his baby.
NONFICTION
“Nine Months: Before a Baby Is Born”
by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Jason Chin
A big sister waits with her parents as a new baby grows in the womb in this book complete with beautiful illustrations of the baby’s growth from embryo to birth. A child with questions about their new sibling will love to read this book with their family.
“Making a Baby”
by Rachel Greener, illustrated by Clare Owen
Families begin in lots of different ways, and this book shows some of the many ways that a baby might come to be. This guide is an inclusive representation of reproduction in scientific terms that kids can understand.
“Welcome to the Big Kids Club: What Every Older Sibling Needs To Know!”
by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Tania De Regil
Lots of kids have lots of questions about their new baby sibling, and this book tackles those questions at a level that young kids can understand. Kids will love being able to learn about babies through both words and pictures.
