FIRST THERE WAS ME, THEN THERE WAS YOU

A child introduces a younger sibling to the world.

When the older sibling sees the younger one for the first time, it’s “love at first sight.” The protagonist is totally charmed by everything from the baby’s “button nose” to the infant’s diminutive size, even though it seems like all the newcomer does is “sleep, cry, drink, repeat.” As the baby matures, the illustrations show the siblings checking out new toys, taking walks in the woods, and playing hide-and-seek. As time passes, the children watch clouds, “run around,” dance together, and make their parents laugh. Although they experience ups and downs such as “tantrums” and “squabbles,” the older sibling reassures the younger one that “no matter what happens, or where we both go, always remember that you can count on me.” After all, “there is no me without little you.” The book’s gentle, clear language and softly smudged illustrations combine for a tender tale about sibling love. While the text is more of a description than a story, the lyrical words and heartfelt sentiments compensate for the lack of plot. The child-friendly examples and hopeful conclusion make this the perfect tool for introducing children to their roles as older siblings or for celebrating family bonds. Both little ones are brown-skinned.

A sweet and affectionate window into the world of siblinghood.