Our daily reading pile has changed slightly over the past few weeks. Since Busby announced that she didn’t want the baby I thought that I should do a little fire fighting on the situation, so I had a wee shop around and found some pregnancy-related story books, and (to my joy) also discovered a sticker book on the subject!
The first book I introduced was Waiting for Baby by Child’s Play and illustrated by Rachel Fuller. It’s a lovely, simple board book, with bright illustrations and is full of questions; from the size of baby, to how long Mummy and Daddy will be away. The book has helpfully assisted our baby chats. Busby especially likes the blood pressure page – as she often comes to my midwife appointments with me and pretends to pump my other hand while my pressure is being read.
The second book I introduced has been a huge hit! There’s a house inside my Mummy by Giles Andreae and Vanessa Cabban is written in verse, and is beautifully and brightly illustrated. Busby has enjoyed pointing out the various toys and activities on each page, and it has inspired her to talk to Bump more through my “tummy telephone”. She loves the last page where the baby appears, and enjoys telling us “how cute” the baby is. Unfortunately the “and see she gets some rest” page hasn’t quite hit home with Busby yet, but we’re working on it…!
The final book is the Usborne First Experiences The New Baby Sticker Book which is illustrated by Stephen Cartwright. It tells the story of the Bunn family, and how they’re welcoming the third member of their family into the world. The storyline is great, if a little old school, and once all the stickers are finished it remains a good tale that explains everything from getting ready for baby’s arrival to baby returning home. I like that the sticker book also shows Mrs Bunn breastfeeding, and this has been a good opener for conversations with Busby about where Baby’s food comes from. There’s also a duck to find on each page – in the classic Usborne style!
These books have been a fantastic way to spend some quiet time with Busby, and explain to her about why Mummy is so tired, why her tummy is growing lots, and what life will be like once her little brother has arrived.
Hannah
Oh dear I hope these help haha :). I love the bun family books, do they have a hidden duck on each page? Xx
Author
Oh yes - they should all do! That’s part of the fun!! xx
Oh wow! This is brilliant. What a great idea to combat her feelings. I remember the girls not wanting a brother so I took them shopping to choose some clothes for him. That worked well too. Lovely post. Thanks for linking up #justus2
Author
Bless them! That’s a great idea 🙂 xx
I’ve just bought ‘There’s a house inside my mummy’ too although Toby doesn’t really have any clue what is going on at the moment! He’ll have just turned two when the new baby arrives so I’m sure he’ll become more aware over the next few months, especially as my bump gets bigger. I hope the books help with Busby too.
Author
🙂 They’re just lovely stories if nothing else 🙂 Busby has started asking a few questions 🙂 xx
That’s great, such a good idea for books!!! I hope this eases little busby’s mind a little, I’m sure she will be all excited for baby again after these!
Arthur is 20 months old, do you reckon these might be a bit over his head to be of any use? X
Author
I think Arthur would love them - they’re lovely stories if nothing else, especially the house one - the verse is great, and introduces the concept very gently xx
Oh I love the idea of the sticker book, that would definitely have been a winner around our house. The others look fantastic too - especially the Vanessa Caban pictures - she wrote a blog (Do you mind if I knit) that I loved and she would often show snippets of the books she was working on! The other book to consider is How to Be a Baby by Me the Big Sister - it was recommended to me when Pip was due and my girls love it!
This is a really lovely idea, I’m pleased Busby has started to enjoy talking to your tummy and I hope she lets you get some rest soon xx