Monkey: Not Ready for the Baby

PreS-Gr 2—Monkey is upset when he discovers that a new baby is on its way. Although his brother sings the praises of being an older sibling and the family helps to prepare him by visiting babies and reading books about them, Monkey has nightmares and even draws a picture in which the infant flies "far away into space." Unhappy about his attitude but undaunted, his parents show Monkey his baby pictures, take out his baby clothes, and let him listen to the baby's heartbeat and feel it kick. Monkey helps Mommy pack her suitcase for the hospital and assists Daddy in assembling the crib. The cartoon illustrations, executed in colored pencils and gouache and accompanied by hand-lettering, have a childlike feel. Most appear on backgrounds filled with lines and scribbles. The text presents a boy not easily convinced he should surrender his place as little brother. He would rather play with friends than accompany Mommy to the doctor, and he wants to hang on to his baby cup. But the final illustration assures readers that Monkey is finally ready to provide his baby sister with what "babies need most…love" as he cuddles her and offers her his own beloved sippy cup.