Big Sister and Brother Books of 2025

“You’re The Biggest” is a beautifully crafted keepsake book that celebrates the transition to being the oldest. The story follows two charming foxes, with the bigger one discovering the special role they play in the little one’s life.

The artwork is colorful without being chaotic, and the text is concise enough to hold a toddler’s attention. We love that it focuses on the bond between siblings rather than just the parents’ attention shifting.

A standout feature is the dedication space at the front. You can write a personal note to your firstborn, either from you or as a “gift” from the new baby. It makes the book feel like a special reward for their new status.

Joanna Cole’s “I’m a Big Sister” is a classic for a reason. Originally published in the late 90s, this updated version features sweet, timeless illustrations that clearly depict the differences between a big kid and a newborn.

The narrative helps tackle regression by highlighting all the cool things the older sibling can do (like eating pizza or running) that the baby cannot. It reinforces that the older child is still the apple of their parents’ eye, even with a new arrival.

Parents appreciate the positive reinforcement. It validates the child’s importance in the family structure. There is also a specific version available for big brothers. While it is technically suitable for ages 4 to 8 years, the simple sentence structure works wonderfully for toddlers too.

If you want to manage expectations without losing the fun, Mercer Mayer’s “The New Baby” is excellent. It moves away from the purely “magical” view of babies and shows the reality: they sleep a lot, they cry, and you can’t really play with them yet.

We follow Little Critter as he tries to entertain his new sister. He learns that his usual jokes and games do not work on a newborn, but he eventually finds quiet ways to help, like rocking the cradle or tickling her toes.

The illustrations are packed with the quirky details Little Critter books are known for. Our kids loved spotting the tiny spider and mouse hidden on the pages. It is a lighthearted way to explain that the baby won’t be a playmate immediately.

Boys sometimes need a little extra encouragement to embrace their softer side with a newborn. Caroline Jayne Church’s “I Am a Big Brother” provides exactly that, offering a gentle script for how to interact with a fragile new baby.

The story walks through the basics of life with a newborn, acknowledging that while the baby needs a lot of attention, the big brother is still loved. It covers the good (cuddles) and the bad (stinky diapers) in a rhythmic, soothing tone.

The illustrations are thick-lined and soft, making them visually appealing to very young toddlers. It is durable enough to withstand grabby hands and short enough to read before a nap without losing their focus.

If your toddler is already obsessed with Daniel Tiger, this book is an easy win. Based on the popular episode where Baby Margaret arrives, it uses familiar characters to teach a new life lesson.

The story validates the mixed bag of emotions Daniel feels. He is excited to be a “big helper,” but he also feels left out when Mom and Dad are busy with Margaret. It provides a script for parents to reassure their older kids that there is enough love for everyone.

Since it is a board book, it is sturdy and toddler-proof. The text is simple, and if you watch the show, you can even sing the “neighbor” songs referenced in the book to make it more engaging.

Many sibling books focus on the newborn stage, but “Just Me and My Little Brother” looks toward the future. It is great for kids who are disappointed that the baby can’t play yet.

Little Critter spends the book imagining all the fun stuff he will do with his brother once he gets bigger, like trick-or-treating or climbing trees. However, it also touches on conflict resolution, showing that siblings argue but eventually make up.

This book is a little rougher around the edges than the sugary-sweet options, which some parents prefer. It feels real. It helps preschoolers understand that the relationship is a marathon, not a sprint.

Pregnancy feels like an eternity to a child. “Hello in There!” creates a tangible connection between the sibling and the baby bump, making the wait feel a little more active and exciting.

The story features a young girl communicating with her unborn sibling. She sings songs, tells the baby about the world outside, and tracks the baby’s growth. It captures the anticipation beautifully.

What makes this book a winner is the interactive design. It features large lift-the-flaps that reveal the baby growing inside the belly. It is a fantastic tool to help visual learners understand that there really is a person in there.

If you are a religious family or expecting multiples, “God Gave Us Two” hits the right notes. It tackles the specific fear that parents will run out of love if they add more children to the mix.

The story follows a polar bear family. The little cub asks big, difficult questions like “Why do we need a new baby?” and “Will you forget me?” The parents answer with reassuring, faith-based explanations about how God expands your heart.

It features a twist ending involving twins, making it perfect for that specific scenario. The snowy setting creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for bedtime reading with your little cub.

From the author of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” this book focuses purely on the capabilities of the older child. It is all about empowerment and the cool skills big sisters possess.

“What Sisters Do Best” highlights activities like climbing trees, swimming, and starting games of tag. It frames the older sibling as a teacher and leader, rather than just a helper.

The text is sparse, making it ideal for toddlers with short attention spans. The sweet animal illustrations are engaging without being overstimulating. It is a simple, celebration of sisterhood that makes the older child feel like a superhero.

“My New Baby” by Rachel Fuller is a board book that focuses on sensory details and daily routines. It answers the practical questions toddlers have: What do they eat? Why do they sleep? What do they smell like?

The book doesn’t rely on a heavy plot. Instead, it offers snapshots of life with a newborn, showing siblings looking at the baby with a mix of curiosity and affection.

Because it is so simple, it is great for sparking conversation. You can point to the pictures and ask your child, “Does our baby do that?” It is suitable for toddlers and preschoolers aged 5 years and up who prefer visual learning over long stories.