Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies

by Jane Cutler, Susannah Ryan (Illustrator)

A wonderful portrayal of a girlâ s relationship with her grandmother

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Fiction

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Karley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Culter's picture book Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies is a humorous tale about the troubles that an older sibling has to deal with when a new baby is born. Darcy is sure to tell everyone that she does not like the new baby, and is surprised to find that Gran does not like babies either. She explains that they smell, look funny, and take way to much attention. Darcy and Gran then go to the park, and are surprised to find it is swarmed with babies! Luckily, none of the babies are able to do any of the things that they want to do on the playground. In the end Darcy is convinced that maybe the baby is not as terrible as she thought that he was, and that she use to be a lot like him. As a teacher I will be able to use this text when we discuss families. I feel that students will be able to relate to Darcy and Gran because they probably do not like when their younger siblings are born, and take so much attention. Students may find the illustrations comical and engaging. Cutler and Ryan show the realities of having a new baby brother or sister, and the difficulties that come along with it. As a mother of three; I am sure that Cutler knows where Darcy is coming from. The story shows another type of family, and the issues that could be involved.

[Ashley Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this book tackles a topic that is taboo-not liking babies. I liked how Gran left room for Darcy’s feelings and validated them without encouraging any negative feelings for the little brother himself. Babies are hard and this book acknowledges that.

[Livvie Esslinger]

This book is a portrayal of a young child's negative reaction to his new baby sibling. He is very open about his dislike towards the baby, and everyone he tells has an opinion about that. No one agrees with him, except his grandmother, Gran. She eases his feelings and mood by being on his side and spending the day giving him all her attention. By the end, with the help and opinions of Gran, he is open to the idea of liking his baby sibling.

This book paints a perfect picture of the feeling of jealousy and anger that I see so often from a child with a new baby brother or sister; especially when they are used to being an only child. It is humorous and relatable.

I think this book would be absolutely PERFECT for a student who is going through some of these same emotions at home. It would give them a happier perspective on the situation. even if this didn't apply to a student at all, it is a truly enjoyable story.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darcy doesn't like the new baby. He smells. He's messy. He gets all the attention. When Darcy tells Gran that she doesn't like the baby, she's surprised to hear Gran say that she doesn't like the babies, either. After all, they smell, they're messy, and they hog the attention. What a wise grandmother, to let Darcy have her jealousy, knowing she will grow out of it in time.

Terrific book to read to a new big sister or big brother.

[Megan MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many young children have to deal with a new brother or sister and this is a good read to make that transition a little easier. I think that fact taht Gran agrees with Darcy was a different twist and showed Darcy that even though she may not like her baby brother, she still loves him deep down. I liked this story and think it is very relatable.

[Jenifer Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so sweet and reminded me of my mother in some of the ways she supports the feelings and ideas of children. Had to order it from amazon (was a library book). It would make a good book for an older sibling who is feeling some jealousy towards a new baby.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

We borrowed this from the library.
I thought it was very well written and does a nice
job of exploring the different feelings that come when
a new baby comes into a family.

[Liuba · Rating 3 out of 5]

That is not a book of children's poems, but it looks like a funny girlie's chant to me. I find it one out many very nice stories written and illustrated for kids and their parents.

[Jodi Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book could help students transition into accepting their younger sibling. it could also be a good independent read.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy is extremely pleased that her Gran doesn't like the new baby either. But when she she think about it, perhaps the baby might not be so bad.

[Danielle Mootz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I mean who doesn't love babies? Siblings of course! But is it possible that even grans don't sometimes??