Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies

Darcy expresses the same emotions my daughter has been feeling since her newly adopted 12 month old brother arrived home. When my daughter seems overcome with feelings of jealously and displacement, we read this book and it calms her down by giving her a chance to talk freely about "Darcy's" feelings. As long as I can find copies of this book, I will be giving it to every 3-6 year old big sibling I know who has a new baby in the house.

You get the feeling that Darcy's exasperated parents called in Gran to help deal with Darcy's vocal dislike of the new baby. Gran's sympathy toward her older granddaughter is a lesson in how to influence unhappy people, not by telling them they're right or wrong, but just by spending time, listening, and sympathizing. Humor doesn't hurt either. Who doesn't want a grandma like Gran? (Grown-ups: if we didn't have a sympathetic Gran, we can still learn to be one!)

This book puts words and pictures to many of the feelings young children have about having a new sibling in the family. The "Gran" in the story helps children to manage their feelings, answers questions, and ultimately reintroduces Darcy (hence your own child) to the family. My favorite book to give to families with new siblings, thought not easy to find.