The topic of siblings and new babies is a familiar one in the realm of children’s picture books. This emotional terrain is delicately and humorously traversed in a story offering great appeal to young readers (especially if their “only child” status is about to change) and a few details deliberately intended for an adult audience. At first overjoyed with the idea of being a big brother, Little Rabbit’s expectations shift when he visits Mama in the rabbit hospital (an extremely productive unit, as evidenced by the wall-to-wall beds). “But there wasn’t just one baby. There were three babies! Papa had to sit down. The nurse gave him a cup of tea. Three babies!” There are other surprises in store for the new big brother—his baby siblings aren’t ready to play or keep company the way Little Rabbit anticipates. With time, everyone grows into their new roles in this well-paced, delightfully illustrated picture book. (Ages 3–6)

It's time for irrepressible Little Rabbit to become a big brother and discover the opportunities and challenges of independence.

Mama is expecting a baby and Little Rabbit is excited to be a big brother. He's full of plans; he will teach the baby to play all sorts of games and be the best big brother ever. But having babies around might not be as much fun as Little Rabbit thought. They take up all of Mama's and Papa's time. "It's not fair!" cries Little Rabbit.

Then one night when a tired Mama and Papa are at their wit's end, Little Rabbit comes to the rescue and begins to understand what an important job it is to be a big brother.

Harry Horse hits all the right notes in this gently humorous, reassuring story that depicts how children cope with a big transition. Readers will identify with the Little Rabbit's conflicting desires for independence and reassurance.