When I received the opportunity through Here Wee Read to review I'm A Big Sister by Crystal Swain-Bates, I immediately jumped on it. As a mom of two kids, I remember vividly the days of awaiting the birth of my son and looking for stories to share with my daughter about becoming a big sister. As we prepped for the new baby by decorating a nursery and buying new clothes, we also prepped our daughter for the changes she would experience. There is no better way to open up such a discussion with a child, than by allowing the gift of stories to lead the way. So when I saw the latest book by Crystal Swain-Bates, the nostalgia of those days came swinging back into my mind and I couldn't wait to read I'm A Big Sister.

This charming story is written in a simple rhyming style and told through the eyes of an adorable little girl whose Mom and Dad has just returned home with a brand new addition to the family tree, therefore making her a new big sister. As she settles into her new role, she discovers the fun, joy, and work of having a new baby in the home. With all the work that goes into caring for a baby, she becomes a great helper to her parents and quickly embraces her big sister title.

In addition to being a great story, I also enjoyed this book because it centers around an African American family. As the mom of African American children, I am constantly on the look out for books where my children can see positive representations of characters that look and feel like them. I'm A Big Sister is exactly the kind of literature I seek to give to my children to help promote positive esteem for themselves and their culture.

But as much as this is a book about an African American family, I must also say that it is about any typical American family. It is a universal story for any family that is going through the experience of expanding their brood. I can see various families with little girls awaiting their new baby siblings, having many happy bedtime readings with this book. I'm A Big Sister would make a great addition to the bookshelves of all big girls about to become big sisters.

You can purchase I'm A Big Sister by Crystal Swain-Bates on Amazon.com or BrownGirlsClub.com.