Becoming a big sister is a big deal!

It can sometimes be difficult for children to adapt to the idea of life with another sibling but stories like ‘Sona Sharma’ will help reassure them that they will be just as loved and important even after the new baby has arrived.

Sona is very used to being the only child in a big bustling house full of family with people constantly dropping in unannounced. But when her beloved Amma shares the exciting news that she’s to become a big sister, Sona isn’t sure what to make of it.

After some frank conversations with her best friend, Elephant, and after learning there’ll be a naming ceremony for the new baby, Sona decides that she’s going to help find the perfect name – despite her worries about having to share everything (including her Amma.)

Sona soon discovers that although it can be difficult to share, she wants to be the very best big sister she can.

This wonderful story perfectly captures the conflicted emotions experienced by so many children when a new baby is expected. It should reassure those who are anxious that the new arrival will not take their place and will not mean that their parents love them any less.

I found discovering some of the traditions from Sona’s culture surrounding the birth and naming of a baby fascinating. Every family and community have their own ways of gathering together and celebrating the special event a birth. Some are similar from culture to culture – like choosing a name or an auspicious date, others are more unique and all the more interesting for it.

It’s so refreshing to see the emergence of more titles in the British book market which celebrate and reflect the great wealth of ethnic diversity in our country. More children can see their lives reflected in what they read and others can have their eyes opened to the world outside their own experiences.

A warm, reassuring read for anyone aged 6+ who is a little unsure about welcoming a new baby into their hearts.

Library Girl.

Visit Bear Hunt Books to purchase your copy HERE.

*Many thanks to Walker Books for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour*