Five best books for second (or third)-time parents

Angels
When that next baby arrives, what books will be most useful?

5. "Julius, the Baby of the World," by Kevin Henkes

5. Julius, the Baby of the World, by Kevin Henkes. This diabolically funny tale shows Lilly, a young girl mouse, reacting to the arrival of baby brother Julius. Highlights include Lilly singing her new brother a mixed-up version of the alphabet to thwart her parents' goal that he grow up “to be as clever as you,” and telling Julius a story that includes these lines: “Julius was like dust under your bed. If he were a number, it would be zero.” (This earns Lilly 10 minutes in the uncooperative chair.) The book is often recommended as a gift for siblings. I find it a bit harsh for younger kids – but parents need to read it to remind themselves how kid No. 1 may truly feel about their own new “baby of the world.”

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