Culture lesson

This was a great book for anyone who is new to being a big brother or sister. I think this would be a great read in or out of the classroom and have children share about their family. This could be a great workshop lesson to have the kids share and write about their family. The author does a great job with the connections and the illustrations. ( )

Tommy’s mother is pregnant, and Tommy is begging to have a little sister with red ribbon in her hair. Tommy paints pictures for the baby’s room, feels the baby kicking, and can’t wait to have a baby sister or baby brother! Soon, Tommy’s mom goes to the hospital and his grandmother comes to stay with him and his brother. Tommy does not like the way his grandmother tells him what to do, and he is becoming unhappy. On the way to school one day, Tommy’s mom waves to him out of her hospital window. She tells him to listen to his grandma and that she will be home very soon. Tommy decides to be friends with his grandma, and they are getting along well. Then, Tommy’s mom comes home with his new baby sister – and a red ribbon in her hair.
I think this would be a very cute book to read to an elementary school class. Many children have siblings, so it would be an easy book to relate too. I also think it is a great book because it portrays a new sibling in a positive light, which could help a student who is nervous about a new baby in the family.
I absolutely loved the fact that this book was based on Tomie dePaola’s life. He was always very close to his sister growing up and that is what inspired him to write the book. ( )

The Baby Sister is a story about a young boy named Tommy anticipating the arrival of his baby sister. Surprisingly, Tommy is excited for his baby sister and prays she will be born with a red ribbon in her hair. He's sad when his mom has to stay in the hospital for a few days after giving birth. He gets excited when he hears the car pull into the driveway and see his mom get out the car with a bundle in her hands. Tommy is the happiest boy in the world. Some children are upset when their younger siblings are born but not Tommy. He couldn't wait for his sister to be born. This story can relate to students because most children have siblings and can experience this. The author Tomie related this story to when his younger sister Maureen was being born. They were always best friends. I know I was excited at first when my mom was pregnant with my two younger brothers. The illustrations in the story are done really well and I know students would love this book. ( )

This story was based on the arrival of Tomie dePaola's baby sister. He longed and begged for a baby sister with a red bow in her hair day in and day out. While his mother was pregnant he could not wait until she brought home their newest addition. This book is dedicated to Maureen dePaola, his sister. ( )