📖 Overview
Davy is an only child sheep who enjoys having his parents' full attention and love. His life changes when his mother brings home a new baby brother.
Over time, more and more brothers arrive at Davy's house, creating an ever-growing family. Each new brother wants to copy everything Davy does, from his hobbies to his daily routines.
This picture book tackles themes of sibling relationships, change, and learning to adapt to new family dynamics. Through simple illustrations and minimal text, it captures a child's perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with no longer being an only child.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this book as relatable for children with new siblings, appreciating how it captures an older sibling's frustration and adjustment period. Parents note it helps validate their children's feelings about family changes.
Liked:
- Humor in the sheep's copycat behavior
- Expressions and body language of characters
- Message about accepting change
- Simple text that works for toddlers
Disliked:
- Some found the ending rushed
- A few parents mentioned it made their children cry
- Occasional comments that the story feels too repetitive
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings)
Common reader comment: "My 3-year-old requests this daily before the new baby arrives."
One teacher wrote: "Perfect for preschool classrooms discussing families - the illustrations tell as much of the story as the words."
Several parents noted their children point out new details in the drawings with each reading.
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Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes A mouse named Lily learns to accept her new baby brother after initial resistance.
Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats A young boy comes to terms with his new baby sister through the symbolic gesture of giving up his outgrown chair.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child An older brother adjusts to sharing his space and parents' attention with a new sibling.
Big Brother Daniel by Angela C. Santomero and Jason Fruchter Daniel Tiger experiences the transition from only child to big brother through everyday moments and family routines.
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes A mouse named Lily learns to accept her new baby brother after initial resistance.
Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats A young boy comes to terms with his new baby sister through the symbolic gesture of giving up his outgrown chair.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child An older brother adjusts to sharing his space and parents' attention with a new sibling.
Big Brother Daniel by Angela C. Santomero and Jason Fruchter Daniel Tiger experiences the transition from only child to big brother through everyday moments and family routines.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎨 Author Matthew Cordell has illustrated over 100 books for children, but "Another Brother" was one of his first books as both writer and illustrator.
🐑 The story was inspired by Cordell's own experience of becoming a big brother, though he transformed the human experience into a tale about sheep.
🌟 The book uses repetition as a key storytelling device, mirroring how young children often seek comfort in predictable patterns and routines.
🎨 The illustrations were created using pen and ink with watercolor, giving the sheep their distinctive woolly texture and expressive personalities.
👶 The book tackles the universal theme of adjusting to new siblings - a topic that resonates with approximately 80% of American children who have at least one sibling.