ESPERANDO AL BEBE / WAITING FOR BABY

A new baby in the family can be a stressful time for an older sibling. This charming bilingual (English/Spanish) title and its series companions address such moments.

Simple conversational text and warm, colorful illustrations outlined in black represent situations young children will easily relate to. In this book, a pregnant mother and child in an interracial family get ready for the baby’s arrival by reading books, sorting through clothes, visiting the doctor, and decorating the room. In My New Baby / Mi Nuevo bebé, a child interacts with the newborn, eagerly asking questions as the family goes through the daily routine. Familiar situations include the baby nursing, getting dressed, and going for a walk. This family is an all-white one. In You and Me / Tú y yo, an older sibling contends with a baby now old enough to be giggle-inducing yet also a nuisance. Baby cries, pulls hair, and knocks over toys—but also quietly snuggles up for a book to be read. This family has light-brown skin and may be headed by a single mom. In Look at Me! / ¡Mírame!, a child in an all-black family discovers the joys of maturity by using a potty, going down a slide unaided, and making baby smile by playing peekaboo (here the British term “Peep-o!” is used).

Given the dearth of such titles, Spanish-speaking families especially will find the series helpful.