First There Was Me, Then There Was You by Aurore McLeod, Yvonne Sewankambo
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536239003
Genres: Family, Family Life, Nature, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

First There Was Me, Then There Was You is a heartwarming story about the special bond between an older sibling, and the arrival of a new sibling in the family. Yvonne Sewankambo and her illustrator, Aurore McLeod’s combined talents show all the different stages. These include: a parent experiencing pregnancy, an infant sibling arriving, watching his sister grow, and finding things in common. The older brother rolls up his sleeves and embraces the responsibility and joy of sharing a childhood together.

However, there are growing pains in the household. This includes the monotony of a baby’s routine, (crying, sleeping, eating, changing), tantrums, and squabbling between siblings. But overall, the tone is very sweet and loving with the intention of fostering connection in a family’s household. The main characters both have dark skin, for picture book collections adding diversity to their shelves. Ages 2-6.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath