The World’s Best BRUFFer: A Guide to Becoming a New Big Brother
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
The baby's gender is not specified in this exciting and memorable story that is so fun to read out loud. It shows an older brother the proper way to treat a new edition to the family, and the humor is fun for kids and parents as well.
Age
4-9
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways you can help take care of a new baby brother or sister?
How do you think being a big brother will change your daily routines?
What are you most excited about in becoming a big brother?
Can you think of any challenges you might face as a big brother? How could you handle them?
What qualities make someone a great big brother?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express both excitement and any fears they might have about becoming a big brother.
Discuss your own experiences or feelings about siblings, which can help personalize the conversation and deepen the connection.
Prompt your child to think about how they can be involved with the new baby, such as suggesting ways they can help with baby care tasks.
Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings, whether they are positive or negative, to foster a supportive environment.
Use examples from the book to illustrate positive sibling relationships and discuss how those scenarios could be applied in your own family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book shows the protagonist learning how to take care of his little sibling, highlighting the duties and responsibilities of being an older sibling.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping their parents with small tasks related to the care of their younger siblings, such as fetching diapers or soothing them.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the big brother adjusts to his new role, the book portrays his journey towards understanding and empathizing with his younger sibling's needs and emotions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of others around them and respond with kindness and understanding, helping to develop their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The new big brother experiences challenges that require him to be patient, both with himself and his sibling, as they both adapt to their new roles in the family.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of patience in daily interactions with friends and family, teaching them to manage frustrations and develop stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The book highlights how the main character learns to adapt to changes in his family dynamics and routines upon the arrival of his new sibling.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the skills to adjust to changes in their own lives, whether it’s moving to a new school, meeting new friends, or other family changes.
Example Lesson: Pride in Helping
Explanation: The protagonist feels a sense of accomplishment and pride as he successfully learns to care for his sibling.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to taking pride in their own achievements and contributions within their family and community, enhancing their self-esteem and sense of belonging.