I'm ready for the new baby by Jedda Robaard

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Puffin Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781760891626. board book.
(Age: 2-5) This new title in the I'm Ready series (those already published include I'm Ready for Preschool and I'm Ready for Christmas) is a fun, bright board book dealing with a common occurrence for children within the target age group. Beautiful illustrations by Jedda Robaard are accompanied by simple text written from the perspective of a young Tasmanian devil about to become a big sister. 'I'm getting ready to meet someone new, someone very special. My new baby brother! Am I ready to be a big sister?' She tells the reader about all the things she is looking forward to (playing with him, teaching him) as well as how the family is preparing (talking to Mum's baby bump and decorating the baby's room. When the day finally arrives, Grandma and Grandpa take her to the hospital to meet her new baby brother. 'He's tiny and soft. I give him a cuddle and a kiss on the head . . . I guess I am ready to be a big sister after all!'
This is a warm, comforting way to introduce the idea that a new baby is on the way. It shows the whole family being a part of the preparations and arrival and encourages little ones to think about all the exciting elements of having a younger sibling, also allaying any of those fears around being forgotten or replaced. Themes; New Sibling, Families.
Nicole Nelson

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