New babies have a lot to learn; lucky for them, the older sibling in this delightful picture book is here to tell them everything they have to remember … and look forward to.
Whether it’s advice on turning regular people into parents, learning how to go — and stop — or figuring out the most important words (Mama! Dada! Up!), DOGS DON’T EAT JAM is filled with useful tips and lessons from an experienced older sibling that will help newborns navigate the uncertainties of their new world.
SMS Book Reviews (5 Stars) “This is the BEST book for older siblings about a new baby I have ever seen and I’ve read quite a few of them.”
Waking Brain Cells “Tsiang’s writing here is joyful, filled with the small moments that create a growing baby, the milestones and those smaller times that are too often ignored. She writes with a gentle tone that suits the subject beautifully, tying all of the moments together into one wise older sister’s encouragement for a new baby.”
Perogies & Gyoza “I love that this book shows the siblings working together, and that the older sibling doesn’t seem put off by a new addition at all. This is a message I want my kids to understand- but the most important thing they both learned from it was that no matter how mad their father and I get at them, we still love them…I loved this book enough that I nominated it for the Cybils in the Fiction Picture Book category. The first round short lists will be announced on Jan. 1, and I really hope this book is on that list!
Jen Robinson’s Book Page “The text is simple and direct, from one sibling to another, and (together with the illustrations) is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny…Dogs Don’t Eat Jam is a funny, disarmingly true look at the early life of a young child. It’s well worth a look. ”
CM Magazine “This delightful story serves as a growing-up-guide that each first-time older sibling should read when welcoming a newborn into the family…”
ForeWord Reviews (5 Stars) “As the older sister explains how her little brother will mature, she also demonstrates her own self-assurance and her parents’ unconditional love. The best lesson she teaches him is that despite accidents, tantrums, and occasional disobedience, “mad goes away but love stays.” Parents who want their children to focus on the special bond between siblings rather than the inconveniences of less lap time and shared toys will want to read this heartening story to both big and little siblings—together”
And if you don’t feel like just reading snippets, here’s a full review:Filed under: Book Reviews, Picture Books by TashaSeptember 22, 2011
Dogs Don’t Eat Jam and Other Things Big Kids Know by Sarah Tsiang, illustrated by Qin Leng
Here in this cheerful picture book, an older sister explains to her new baby brother that he has a lot to learn. She covers things like the potty, learning to walk, and that things fall down (a lot). She also covers other things that will delight, like the fact the baby has already done something amazing: made her a big sister. The book is filled with small encouragements and nothing negative towards the baby coming into the family and no jealousy. Instead it is a celebration of a new baby, the growth that he will see, and the warm adoration of an older sibling.
Tsiang’s writing here is joyful, filled with the small moments that create a growing baby, the milestones and those smaller times that are too often ignored. She writes with a gentle tone that suits the subject beautifully, tying all of the moments together into one wise older sister’s encouragement for a new baby.
Leng’s illustrations have a great sense of humor and whimsy. The lines are loose and flowing, filled with bright colors and plenty of white space as well.
There are so many books about new babies, but this one is definitely worth looking at. The text and illustrations combine into a noteworthy package that will delight. Appropriate for ages 3-5.