New Big Sister

A mop-topped young girl describes the changes in her family that begin with her mother being sick in the morning. She soon finds out that a baby is on the way. A long time later-- after a birthday, new kittens, and Christmas--her grandmother comes to stay while her parents go to the hospital. Imagine the surprise when there's a new sister and a new brother. There's a wealth of detail packed into this book. The simple text covers the major milestones of the experience while conveying a delightful sense of anticipation. The illustrations are charming, humorous watercolors that utilize the changing seasons and decorations to show the passage of time. The cat echoes the mother's transitions, from nausea to bulging tummy to new arrivals. Aside from its excellent treatment of family additions, this is one of the few books that features twins.