Za-Za's Baby Brother (Story Book & DVD) (ISBN 1406314501)

I agree with nononick:
I would just like to second the feelings expressed by nononick in her review of this book. I found it unnecessarily negative and, even as an adult with some understanding of how these things work, thought Za Za really got the short end of the stick. Not exactly the message I wanted to send my first child.

My kids love this book:
I am only writing a review because I was surprised by the negative reviews for a book that my children love. I did not buy this book to prepare for a new sibling -- I bought it because we like the brightly illustrated books of Lucy Cousins. Maybe if we had bought it to prepare for a new sibling I would have different feelings. However, I have to say that my daughter, age 2, pulls this book out and brings it to me to read all the time, and my son, age 4, will still come running to listen to it when he hears us reading it, even though he has heard it hundreds of times since he was a baby. It's a fun book (especially if you narrate it with a silly voice for Za-Za and include crying baby sound effects). As for the new sibling issue, a newborn baby does get a lot of attention, and the older sibling probably will have a big adjustement, just like Za-Za. Maybe some reviewers think it's negative because the story is told from Za-Za's perspective and she is feeling the loss of some of her parent's attention. But you know what -- that is what really happens in real life! Children do have to learn to share some of the attention that has previously been only on them, and Za-Za learns this and also learns to appreciate her baby brother. Is that so bad? The negative reviews haven't changed my opinion, and they sure won't change my children's. At least check it out from the library before you dismiss this book entirely.

Lighten up, it's a children's book!:
This book was given to my 22 month old daughter as a gift when her baby brother was born. It is now 9 months later, the binding is bent and we will probably have to buy a new copy soon because she reads this book EVERY day. This is the story she wants for bed every night. She knows it word for word and "reads" it to her baby brother and to mommy and daddy. I think there are two great lessons in this book: 1. that babies take alot of work and Zaza needs to be patient, and 2. Mom and dad, don't forget about Zaza now that there is a new baby. Zaza needs attention too. Taken into perspective, this is a book designed for a preschooler on a preschoolers comprehension level, not for an adult to analyze. If we take the time to analyze everything, then Little Miss Muffet is teaching our kids to be afraid of spiders, Hansel and Gretel are teaching them to break into strangers houses and worst of all, Snow White is teaching our children that step mothers are evil witches and to be very, very afraid to eat apples.

I'm Not Real Sure What Ms. Cousins was Going for Here:
This book is by Lucy Cousins, who, if you did not know, is the creator of the ever-popular Maisy. I'm not sure what Ms. Cousins was going for here. The reality is, the book probably provides a realistic portrayal of how an older child can find their wants set aside because there is a new born in the house. Ms. Cousins resolution appears to be to have the older child realize that they can help with, and play with, their new sibling just like the adults do. But, while realistic, I'm not so sure it's a good message for young children. My oldest daughter does not particularly like this book. I'm not sure if it's because it sends a message that she should subsume who own ego, wants, and needs to those of her younger sister or if she just doesn't find it interesting. Of course, four year olds don't necessarily feel a need to provide commentary on why or shy not they don't want a book. The book is also troubling in that the parents seem so oblivious to Za-Za's needs. Not a good message to be sending to older siblings. As with all her books, Ms. Cousins's art is simple, but colorful and effective. I just believe a better message would be sent had she shown some signs throughout the book that the parents were not so oblivious to Za-Za.

Great book, very helpful in preparing the gib brother-to-be:
To add my two cents to the discussion here, it is important to allow the big brothers and sisters to express how they feel- and they feel left out when a new baby comes along! The book is great, as it articulates for these little Za-zas their fears and allows them to prepare for the big day. Unlike other books on the topic, the older siblings are not expected to be "happy" and "good" all the time, which is much more realistic. In our family, it took Za Za a long time to get used to his little brother :) I got it from my sister in law, and now I am buying one for a friend who is expecting.