Zaza's Baby Brother

My 2 year old loved this book. It's a great book for young first time older siblings.

One of her best

A good book

I'm not sure what reviewers who feel the parents are rejecting Za-Za in this book are reading. The message that I read is that a new baby will mean more patience from a big sibling, BUT it also means someone new to play with and to love. Za-Za's mother does NOT tell her there isn't time for a hug - she suggests that Za-Za hug the baby instead, which leads to Za-Za making a connection and discovering that it's fun to have a sibling. Yes, the book shows Za-Za playing by herself while relatives coo over the new baby. Yes, her parents tell her she has to wait for them to read her a book while they change diapers and wash dishes... but these are the realities of having a new baby in the house.We have a number of new baby books for our 19-month-old, who will become a big brother any day now. The other books that are simple enough for him don't make it terribly clear what's going to happen as we transition from pregnancy to newborn. This book has helped him to understand that the baby is going to come out of Mommy's tummy and come to our house. We talk about how Za-Za is sad when everyone wants to play with the baby, but then how happy she is when she plays with the baby, too. I find this book much less negative than the ones written for preschoolers that chronicle every injustice and annoyance a new baby brings. Za-Za's Baby Brother is much more general, allowing you to talk about how your big kid might feel, and what he or she might do to feel happy, when the baby arrives. He also really likes the colorful illustrations! We've found the art in the majority of these new baby books to be pretty blah.

This book is by Lucy Cousins, who, if you did not know, is the creator of the ever-popular Maisy.I'm not sure what Ms. Cousins was going for here. The reality is, the book probably provides a realistic portrayal of how an older child can find their wants set aside because there is a new born in the house. Ms. Cousins resolution appears to be to have the older child realize that they can help with, and play with, their new sibling just like the adults do.But, while realistic, I'm not so sure it's a good message for young children. My oldest daughter does not particularly like this book. I'm not sure if it's because it sends a message that she should subsume who own ego, wants, and needs to those of her younger sister or if she just doesn't find it interesting. Of course, four year olds don't necessarily feel a need to provide commentary on why or shy not they don't want a book.The book is also troubling in that the parents seem so oblivious to Za-Za's needs. Not a good message to be sending to older siblings.As with all her books, Ms. Cousins's art is simple, but colorful and effective. I just believe a better message would be sent had she shown some signs throughout the book that the parents were not so oblivious to Za-Za.

As always with Lucy Cousins, the illustrations are adorable. As much as we'd like it not to be so, when a new baby enters the house, it DOES get most of the attention. This book addresses that issue, but also gently points out that the older sibling can share time with the baby -- "helping" with its care, and playing with it. And it promises that when the baby does finally go to sleep, mommy or daddy will have one-on-one time with that older sibling. We love this book (we have it in Norwegian!). And even though our new "baby brother" is now heading toward two years old, big sister still loves this book. Note to adoptive parents: as you can probably tell from the cover illustration, this book depicts a very pregnant mommy zebra that goes to the hospital to have the baby, so this one isn't for you; I would recommend intead "I'm a Big Sister" or "I'm a Big Brother" by Joanna Cole.

This book was given to my 22 month old daughter as a gift when her baby brother was born. It is now 9 months later, the binding is bent and we will probably have to buy a new copy soon because she reads this book EVERY day. This is the story she wants for bed every night. She knows it word for word and "reads" it to her baby brother and to mommy and daddy. I think there are two great lessons in this book: 1. that babies take alot of work and Zaza needs to be patient, and 2. Mom and dad, don't forget about Zaza now that there is a new baby. Zaza needs attention too. Taken into perspective, this is a book designed for a preschooler on a preschoolers comprehension level, not for an adult to analyze. If we take the time to analyze everything, then Little Miss Muffet is teaching our kids to be afraid of spiders, Hansel and Gretel are teaching them to break into strangers houses and worst of all, Snow White is teaching our children that step mothers are evil witches and to be very, very afraid to eat apples.

A beautifully illustrated book, Za-Za's Baby Brother's message is that when the new baby comes, Za-Za's needs and wants will be neglected and have to come second to the baby. I certainly didn't want my son to have a book read to him about feeling left out because the new baby arrives and that there would be no time to tend to his needs and wants. Newborn babies are certainly demanding and time consuming, but positive parenting includes celebrating the family, inclusion of all family members and balancing the needs and wants of all involved.This book was a gift to my son, which he wanted read right away. We changed the words and read the book so that it sent the message that there is "give and take" when a new family member arrives. This is a departure from the way the book actually reads, which is about the first child's needs and wants put aside. There is always time to give your child a hug!

I have a two year old and am expecting no 2. This book was recommended to us. I made the mistake of reading it to my son when it arrived (he was there when the package came). I really wish I'd read it first - I'd never have shown it to him. It's a horrible story of a little zebra being ignored by everyone after his baby brother arrives. His mum and dad don't even give him cuddles when he asks. However hard having a new baby is, I'm sure no parent would ever do that!! Ever since reading it he's been clingy and keeps asking for cuddles...It's good to help children have realistic expectations of life with a new sibling, but what happens to this zebra is horrible and I feel it's really upset my son thinking that this might be what having a baby brother is like.

Nice little book, if not a little depressing for the child to start with. It is also written with American spellings e.g. mom, but it ends nicely so all good.

Very realistic and helped my 20months child to understand what was going to hapoen.

Kids love this as much for the bright colours and pictures as the story. I thought it was a slightly dismal story but kids enjoyed it and in the end it was pretty accurate so good for expectation management.

Fun story, good balanced preparation for a new sibling, but could be a bit negative and off-putting as it portrays all the family ignoring the older sibling.