
Reach for this book when your older child is struggling with the messy, loud reality of a new baby and needs to know that their feelings of annoyance and displacement are totally normal. It is a humorous and honest look at Jonathan James, a boy who feels his 'perfect' life has been upended by a smelly, attention-grabbing younger brother he nicknamed Barfburger. Paula Danziger captures the 'gross' side of siblinghood with wit, making it an excellent choice for children aged 4 to 8 who are navigating the transition from only child to big sibling. Parents will appreciate how the story validates a child's frustration without judgment, eventually showing a sweet path toward finding a new role in the family. It is an ideal tool for opening a dialogue about the complicated mix of love and resentment that often accompanies a new arrival.
The book deals with sibling rivalry and feelings of neglect in a secular, direct, and highly realistic manner. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that babies are still a lot of work.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA 5 or 6-year-old who has recently expressed that they 'want to send the baby back' or who is acting out to get the attention they feel they've lost.
Read this cold. The humor is accessible, though parents should be prepared for the 'gross-out' humor (spit-up, smells) which is the hook for most kids. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say something negative about the baby or after witnessing a 'big kid' acting like a baby to get attention.
Younger children (4-5) will giggle at the funny names and relate to the physical comedy of a messy baby. Older children (7-8) will more deeply resonate with the theme of identity and 'being here first.'
Unlike many 'new baby' books that are overly sentimental, Danziger uses her signature wit and 'gross' humor to validate the darker, grumpier feelings of a sibling, making the child feel seen rather than lectured.
Jonathan James is adjusting to life with his new baby brother, whom he affectionately (and gross-ly) dubs Barfburger. The story follows Jonathan's internal and external monologue as he deals with the loss of his 'only child' status, the physical messiness of an infant, and the feeling that his parents are constantly distracted. Eventually, a moment of shared connection helps Jonathan realize his value as a big brother.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.