
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the arrival of a younger sibling or when you are navigating the unique complexities of international adoption. It is a tender, autobiographical account that addresses the shift from being an only child to a big sister, specifically through the lens of a family adopting children from China. It validates the natural feelings of disappointment and jealousy that often follow the initial excitement of a new arrival. Through beautiful collage illustrations, Ed Young captures the emotional landscape of childhood, moving from the longing for a playmate to the frustration of a crying baby, and finally to the deep bond of sisterhood. It is an ideal choice for children ages 4 to 8 who are learning that love in a family is not a finite resource to be divided, but a growing connection that expands with every new member.
The book handles international adoption with a direct, secular, and deeply personal approach. It acknowledges the waiting process and the reality that adoptive siblings may not bond instantly. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on the time it takes to build a relationship.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewAn elementary schooler in an adoptive family who is feeling 'dethroned' by a new arrival, or any child who needs to see that sibling rivalry is a normal phase on the path to friendship.
Read this cold, but be prepared to discuss the passage of time. The book covers several years in 32 pages, so younger children may need help understanding that the sisters are getting older. A parent might reach for this after hearing their older child say, 'I wish we never got her,' or seeing the older child withdraw as the younger one demands more attention.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the 'baby' phase and the fun of having a sister. Older children (7-8) will resonate more with the complex feelings of jealousy and the specific cultural details of the adoption journey.
Unlike many 'new baby' books, this is a memoir-style piece with a specific focus on the Asian-American adoption experience, using Ed Young's signature expressive collage art to show internal emotions.
Based on the author's own daughters, the story follows Antonia, who was adopted from China. She eagerly anticipates the arrival of her new sister, also from China. However, when 'Mei Mei' arrives, she is a fussy baby rather than the playmate Antonia imagined. The story spans several years, showing their bickering and eventual bonding as they grow into a supportive duo.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.