While I was home for a friend's wedding, I went through some of the books that I loved as a child, and I ran across this gem. When my parents found out they were pregnant with my sister (I was 2 at the time), they bought me this book as a part of the "Little Golden Books" set. It is entitled The Bears' New Baby, and was written (and illustrated) by Joan Elizabeth Goodman. The story is written from a child's perspective as they wait for the baby to arrive, and then how they have to wait for the baby to grow old enough to play with. It was so perfect for a small child because time seemed to drag on much slower, and nothing ever seemed to happen fast enough. Waiting nine months is like an eternity to a child, and having to wait even longer after the baby is born is excruciating! I also remember being slightly disappointed with my baby sister when I found out I couldn't really play with her when she came home, so it was nice to see it written in a book for children.

I loved the book as a child because I felt like I could identify with Amanda (the big sister), and I felt like the author must have written it with me in mind. I will definitely be keeping this book for my children to read as their sibling(s) are born.