Product Description

Arthur isn't sure he is happy about the new baby in the family, but when his sister asks for his help in handling the baby, Arthur feels much better.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #476053 in Books
• Published on: 1990-04-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780316110075
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
The irrepressible Arthur takes on the weighty responsibilities of big-brotherhood in grand fashion as he welcomes Kate, his new baby sister. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3 In this newest addition to the popular series about the amiable young aardvark, young listeners soon discover that Arthur's anxiety over his mother's pregnancy is matched only by his crafty sister D. W.'s enthusiasm. While Arthur frets over the many changes a baby will bring to his life, D. W. happily diapers every doll and stuffed toy in the house. When Baby Kate arrives home from the hospital, Doctor D. W. takes charge. But it is Arthur who comes to the rescue when, in his mother's momentary absence, neither his sister nor his friends (familiar to fans of the series) can stop Kate's tears. Arthur does (burping is the remedy). His fears about his new situation are calmed, and he emerges a small hero. Like its predecessors, Arthur's Baby deals reassuringly with a developmental issue. And like those earlier books, the humor lies in the colorful, sunny illustrations (pen, crayon, and wash), as well as the witty banter between siblings. Combined with a simple, direct style, this has sure-fire appeal for the primary grade set, as well as Arthur addicts of all ages. It should also be of special interest to families expecting a new arrival. Julie Corsaro, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Marc Brown is the creator of the bestselling Arthur Adventure book series and co-developer of the children's PBS television series, Arthur. He has also created a second book series, featuring D.W., Arthur's little sister, as well as numerous other books for children.

Customer Reviews

A great book for expecting a third child
This was such a great book for an older sibling expecting a baby brother or sister as well as for expecting a third child in the family. It really touched on what children might be wonderring or worrying about, helping both the child and the parent to open up and discuss these fears and concerns. My kids loved this and all the Arthur books.

Arthur's Baby
This book begins with Arthur's parents telling him and his siter D.W. that they are expecting a new baby in about six months. D.W. is terribly excited. She can't wait for the baby to come but Arthur isn't so sure of the whole thing.
The next day at school he talks to his friends about it, and they don't reassure him of anything. In fact they make him even more doubtful than before. Binky tells him that he should get some earplugs,or he'll never sleep because the baby will always be crying in the middle of the night.
Buster tells him that he can forget about playing afterschool because he'll have to go home and babysit everyday.
Muffy tells him that he'll have to change all the dirty diapers that the baby makes.
Francine tells him that he will probably start talking like the baby does.
For the next few months all Arthur sees are babies everywhere they are all he thinks about and not in a good way.
One day after school Arthur comes home and Arthur's mom shows him their baby photo album. He sees different pictures of him and D.W. when they were babies.
The next Saturday morning Arthur sees his mom packing a suitcase and he asks her where she is going. She tells him that she isn't going anywhere they just have to be ready if the baby decides to come.
Sunday morning Arthur goes down to the kitchen to get some breakfast, but instead of his mom standing at the stove, his Grandma Thora was there. She told Arthur and D.W. that they had a new baby sister and that after they had eaten breakfast they would go to the hospital to see her.
And so they did. They met their dad at the hospital and he took them to the nursery part of the hospital and he shows them Kate, their new baby sister.
On Tuesday Arthur's mom and dad brought Kate home. The doorbell was constantly rinnging and it was always more presents for the baby.
That night they were in Kate's nursery and Arthur's mom asked him if he would like to hold Kate, but he said "I'd rather look." D.W. said that it was for the better because Arthur didn't know beans about babies.
A few days later Arthur's mom needed help and she asked Arthur to watch Kate while she went upstairs. D.W. said that she would take care of everything. The doorbell rang and D.W. opened the door and some of Arthur's friends were there. D.W. told them that Arhtur coulnd't play, but they could come see her baby.
D.W. was very defensive and she told everyone not to get too close to her baby and to be quiet because her baby was sleeping. Then Kate woke up and D.W. said that Kate wanted her bottle. Kate drank her bottle very fast and when she was done she began to cry. D.W. told everyone that she had it under control. She kissed Kate on the head, but that didn't stop the crying, she bounced Kate up and down but Kate wailed louder,then Arthur picked up Kate and patted her on the back. Kate let out a big burp and Arthur told everyone that everything was all right now.
I thought this was a great book especially for a family that is expecting and already has one or more children. It tells kids that there is no reason to exclude yourself and not be a part of the new baby and it tells them that even if you think you can't you can help with the new baby. I recommend this to any family that is expectin and would urge them to read it to their kids and fully explain what they can do to help when the baby arrives.

"Arthur's Baby" -- Not the Best of Arthur
I don't know which came first, the TV script or the book. But this is one of those situations in which the PBS video is better than the book.

While `Arthur's Baby' is a good story, in book form it fails to *bring home the message* the way that the video does. In the video, considerable time is spent showing that the baby is comfortable with Arthur's holding her, and that Arthur has some `basic' baby knowledge that D.W. just can't have because she is so much younger.

The book text just doesn't get this across. The baby begins to cry and in 8 lines after Arthur picks up Kate, the story comes to a conclusion with an unceremonious burp.

Three Stars. Okay book, but if you will have to explain the message to all but the most adroit kids.