School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 4--Reagan and illustrator Lee Wildish's third installment of their bestselling, delightful "How to…" series, which highlights multigenerational relationships, features a family readying home and hearts for its newest member. The print version is necessary to realize the father and the grandma present as white, the mother and the grandpa as Black; the multiracial older child is depicted without an obviously assigned gender. Almarie Guerra's engaging energy is immediate as she opens with the child's "Dear Mom and Dad" letters about the impending addition. What follows is a primer on all things baby, from the older sibling's obviously experienced point of view: getting ready (a name, car seat), expecting "a little topsy-turvy" (extra hugs for pets, avoiding poopy diapers), helping (washing teeny-tiny toes, whisper-singing lullabies), and teaching (how to high-five, picnicking). VERDICT Guerra is an ideal guide to welcoming baby--and siblings and extended families, too--in another delectable read-and-listen experience.
Kirkus Review
The team behind How to Babysit a Grandpa (2012), How to Raise a Mom (2018), and other "How-to" titles surrounding domestic relationships turns to yet another family dynamic: the birth of a new baby. A brown-skinned mom, a White dad, and their biracial child (who could either be a boy or girl) first prepare for and then welcome a new baby (who could also be a boy or girl). A White grandmother and a brown-skinned grandfather devotedly assist. Reagan's upbeat, second-person narrative addresses young readers directly, conveying realistic expectations and advice for adapting to a newborn joining the clan. For example, the text offers tips on how to feel included in a shifting family paradigm: "If you need an extra hug, just ask." The real core of the story, however, is showing children their special role as an older sibling and giving them a sense of agency. For instance, Reagan assures readers that although friends and family will love to visit the new baby, "You're the expert." That means warning visitors that "the baby squeezes pinkies very tightly" and reminding them not to feed the infant party food. Caregivers with little ones will appreciate the verisimilitude of Wildish's cartoony digital illustrations, which show a messy but welcoming kitchen and disorderly but delightful playtime scenes. The illustrations also include fun details throughout, like the family cat and her new kittens, that complement the larger story arc. Background characters display some racial diversity. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A charming choice for transitioning families. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Featuring direct address, upbeat prose, and cheerful illustrations, this how-to title offers a peppy primer of sorts for soon-to-be older siblings. Here, a family's prepping for their baby's arrival, and a cute, curly-haired child's experiences showcase ways to be involved. For example, before the baby comes, you can suggest names. Then, once the baby's home, things may be hectic, so you can help parents with bathtime or reading bedtime stories. And, as the baby grows, there are "some things only you can teach"--like high-fiving or pointing out that ladybugs and leaves are intriguing (but not for eating). Ultimately, there may be changes and challenges when a baby arrives, but from playtime to shared affection, there are also joys, for big sibs and younger ones. The lively, full-color artwork depicts a cozy multiracial family together in many familiar situations, with plenty of humorous background detail adding character. Both supportive and encouraging, this is an entertaining approach to introducing some facets of having a new baby in the family, while highlighting both the responsibilities and the rewards of being and having a sibling.
