📖 Overview
A young boy struggles to accept his new baby brother Harry, who has disrupted his once-peaceful life. He suggests increasingly outlandish ways to get rid of the crying, attention-stealing infant.
The story follows the protagonist's journey from intense sibling rivalry to an emotional turning point. The illustrations by Michael Emberley capture both the humor and underlying feelings through expressive character drawings.
Through a mix of fantasy and reality, this picture book addresses common feelings of displacement and jealousy that occur when a new sibling arrives. The narrative demonstrates how initial resentment can transform into protective instincts and familial bonds.
👀 Reviews
Parents and young children find this book resonates with the common experience of sibling jealousy. Readers note it helps toddlers process feelings about new babies in the family through humor rather than lecture.
Likes:
- Captures authentic child emotions and language
- Illustrations convey the older sibling's frustration
- Uses fantasy/imagination to address real feelings
- Makes both children and parents laugh
- Short enough for bedtime reading
Dislikes:
- Some parents concerned about the hostile thoughts toward baby
- A few readers found the resolution too quick
- Price high for length of book
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (309 ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (71 ratings)
"Perfect for helping my 3-year-old adjust to his new sister," wrote one Amazon reviewer. "The exaggerated suggestions made my son giggle while validating his feelings."
"Simple but effective way to open discussions about sibling rivalry," noted a Goodreads review.
📚 Similar books
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
An older sister's jealousy toward her new baby brother transforms into acceptance and love.
I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole A young girl learns to navigate her role as a new sibling when her baby brother arrives.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child A firstborn child adjusts to sharing space, toys, and parental attention with a new sibling.
Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats A boy comes to terms with his sister's arrival when his parents repaint his old furniture pink for her.
The Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume A brother and sister share their perspectives about living with each other in alternating stories.
I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole A young girl learns to navigate her role as a new sibling when her baby brother arrives.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child A firstborn child adjusts to sharing space, toys, and parental attention with a new sibling.
Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats A boy comes to terms with his sister's arrival when his parents repaint his old furniture pink for her.
The Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume A brother and sister share their perspectives about living with each other in alternating stories.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌙 Author Robie H. Harris has written over 35 books for children, many focusing on helping kids understand their emotions and family dynamics
📚 The book tackles the common issue of sibling rivalry, specifically the feelings many children experience when a new baby joins the family
🎨 Illustrator Michael Emberley, who created the artwork for Mail Harry to the Moon, has collaborated with Harris on multiple successful children's books
✨ The phrase "mail him/her to the moon" was a popular saying in the 1950s, made famous by Jackie Gleason in "The Honeymooners" TV show
👶 The story helps validate older siblings' negative feelings while ultimately showing how those feelings can transform into love and protectiveness