Peter's Chair - Picture Book

Peter's Chair
Written and Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats
(Scholastic Inc., 1967)

I discovered Peter's Chair after I fell in love with The Snowy Day. Two of my young grands are expecting a new baby brother in June. It seemed appropriate to feature a book about the adjustment to new siblings.

Peter is a young boy who discovers life is not the same after a new baby comes to live in the house. All Peter wants to do is play. But he soon finds out that he must play quietly. His crib has been painted pink and his high chair is soon to follow the pink trend. When Peter sees his blue chair, he realizes he must do something!

Peter runs away with a few of his prized possessions. With his dog, he attempts to sit down in his chair. But Peter does not fit. He has outgrown it.

Peter comes on new-baby-sister board with his own decision to make the chair work for his baby sister.

Peter's Chair is perfect for families with new babies.

KID KANDY:

Time to dig out the baby doll and crib. Set up a homeliving area with baby bed, doll, baby toys (bottle, high chair, stroller, baby backpack, and so on), blankets, and doll clothes. Engage your child or children in play that involves taking care of the baby.

~ If your doll is waterproof, set up a baby bathtub and let your child bathe the baby.

~ Sing lullabies and chat with your child and the baby as you play.

~ Rock the baby, put the baby to bed, change the baby diaper, and feed the baby.

~ Reassure your child by offering plenty of love and cuddles. Talk about the baby coming and some of the changes that will take place. Let your child express his or her feelings about the new baby.

~ Prepare your child for the new sibling by listening, talking, and reassuring. A new baby is a big and wonderful deal!

Angie Quantrell loves her grands, children, books, and reading. She loves building connections between them all.