The New Baby at Your House is better than ever. The book still presents an evenhanded discussion of the positive and negative feelings an older child may have toward a new sibling. It shows the infant's needs and abilities and briefly touches on changes that will occur as the baby grows. While the textual differences are slight, this new edition flows more smoothly and is more immediate, as in the opening pages where the text is written in the present tense rather than in the past. The biggest change is in the photographs. Full-color pictures are used throughout; some of them take over an entire page, or even a full double-page spread. Coupled with a tighter, less blocky typeface, the overall design and presentation are more accessible and generate a greater ability for children to respond emotionally to the book. Miller captures many intimate and touching moments with her pictures and shows a wide range of feelings as demanded by the text. There is a good balance of families from varied ethnic backgrounds. As in the previous edition, this book opens with a clear and precise note to parents that gives honest, practical advice on helping youngsters prepare for and cope with a new arrival.

Miller provides appealing new photographs for this revision of a book that parents and children have shared for more than a decade. Because Cole's explanation of what happens when a new baby arrives and her portrayal of older siblings' feelings are written on a child's level and without condescension, her book remains an enduring guide for families. Her casual, reassuring tone adds to the appeal, as do the photographs, which show an ethnically diverse roundup of siblings and parents in true-to-life positive and negative interactions. The introductory note for parents is thoughtfully conceived, offering sound advice on preparing older children before the new baby's arrival and helping them adjust after the baby comes home. An excellent choice for libraries that don't have the first book as well as those ready for a second copy. 

PreSchool-Grade 3. Ages 4-8.