Today’s PPBF selection is from one of our April Author-Palooza authors and Perfect Picture Book Friday’s very own host – Susanna Hill!
Written by Susanna Leonard Hill, Illustrated by Nicole Rutton
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, September, 2009
Suitable for: Ages 3+
Themes/Topics: New Baby, Siblings, Family, Big Sister, Love
Opening/Synopsis: From School Library Journal: Every morning, a young hamster races into her parents’ bedroom and asks, “Is the baby here yet?” and each time they answer, “Not yet.” Rose can’t decide whether she wants a sister or a brother, and at one point she decides that she doesn’t want a baby at all, but her mother brings her around to the idea that she’ll probably like being a big sister. Dad describes the nurturing that babies require and reminds his daughter that she was once an infant who needed and received loving care, too… Hill presents adults who encourage their daughter to process her feelings and come to her own conclusions. The narrative’s pacing and structure are ideal, with the story and life lessons beginning on Monday and ending on Friday.
Activities: Susanna Hill has wonderful resources for Not Yet, Rose and all of her books on her website, including a teacher’s guide, coloring pages, a word search and a maze. This book is obviously also a great jumping-off point for preparing young children for a new sibling and opening discussion of their feelings. Another great way to further the discussion is showing children their own baby pictures and talking about what they were like as infants and asking questions about what kind of big sister or brother they want to be.
Why I Like This Book: I so love the ending of this book, but I don’t want to rob you of the joy of discovering it for yourself. I also love the fact that when my daughter read this book she sighed and said, “I love this book.” Then we shared lots of memories of what it was like when we brought her baby brother home. Of all the “new sibling” books I’ve read, this one is my very favorite.
For more fantastic picture books and resources please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.