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Not Yet, Rose
As Rose anxiously awaits the birth of the family’s new baby, she isn’t sure what to expect about her new role as big sister. She isn’t sure whether she wants a baby brother or a baby sister; actually she isn’t sure she wants a new baby at all! But when her new little brother actually arrives, suddenly everything seems just right. / Susanna Leonard Hill’s text perfectly captures the excitement and apprehension of children anticipating the arrival of a new baby, and Nicole Rutten’s sweet hamster characters make this an ideal story for siblings-to-be.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2009
28 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Leonard Hill
45 books104 followersSusanna is the New York Times Bestselling Author of MOON'S FIRST FRIENDS: ONE GIANT LEAP FOR FRIENDSHIP, and the award-winning author of over 25 more books for children, including PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS, CAN'T SLEEP WITHOUT SHEEP, and the popular WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH series. Her books have been translated into French, Dutch, German, Turkish, Japanese, and Chinese. Susanna lives in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley with her children and her two rescue dogs. She loves chocolate, animals, and being outdoors.Please visit her website at www.susannahill.com and "Like" Susanna Leonard Hill on Face Book!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 13, 2019
Every day Rose asks: "Is the baby here yet?", and every day her parents answer "Not yet, Rose." At first she thinks she'd like a little sister to dress-up, and then she imagines having a little brother with whom to go fishing. Finally, she begins to wonder if she wants a sibling at all, and to question her own fitness for the job of older sister. But when the big day finally arrives, and Rose holds the new baby in her arms, she knows that everything has turned out just the way it should...
Reassurance tales for young children about to become older siblings are not so uncommon, but Not Yet, Rose is a fine addition to the genre. Susanna Leonard Hill's narrative is a sensitive portrait of a young girl working through her conflicting feelings, of anticipation, anxiety and resentment. Nicole Rutten's violet-tinged illustrations, done in watercolor and pencil, complement the tale adorably!
Reassurance tales for young children about to become older siblings are not so uncommon, but Not Yet, Rose is a fine addition to the genre. Susanna Leonard Hill's narrative is a sensitive portrait of a young girl working through her conflicting feelings, of anticipation, anxiety and resentment. Nicole Rutten's violet-tinged illustrations, done in watercolor and pencil, complement the tale adorably!
September 21, 2016
NOT YET, ROSE
Whenever I'm mistaken for a bookseller at Barnes & Noble (yes, this happens regularly and I love to help people find books, so don't always mention that I'm not a bookseller lol), and am asked for a good book for a sibling expecting a "new baby," I'm typically at a loss, especially since none I've read have left much of an impression on me. They seem sort of blah--ordinary. Well---not anymore!
Not Yet, Rose is a delightful story with an irresistible voice. We get to appreciate Rose's experience clearly, through her perspective. Susanna Leonard Hill expertly conveys the perpetually changing thoughts and feelings of a child expecting the arrival of her first sibling in a heartwarming, humorous way. What would be better? A baby sister? A baby brother? No baby at all?
My smile held through every amusing page turn perfectly illustrated by Nicole Rutten. Rose is too cute for words. I mean, how can you help but love a teddy bear-clutching, bunny slipper-wearing mouse? Not I! And I'm so glad I finally have the BEST book to recommend the next time I'm asked that pressing question in the Children's Book Dept :)
Not Yet, Rose is a delightful story with an irresistible voice. We get to appreciate Rose's experience clearly, through her perspective. Susanna Leonard Hill expertly conveys the perpetually changing thoughts and feelings of a child expecting the arrival of her first sibling in a heartwarming, humorous way. What would be better? A baby sister? A baby brother? No baby at all?
My smile held through every amusing page turn perfectly illustrated by Nicole Rutten. Rose is too cute for words. I mean, how can you help but love a teddy bear-clutching, bunny slipper-wearing mouse? Not I! And I'm so glad I finally have the BEST book to recommend the next time I'm asked that pressing question in the Children's Book Dept :)
July 25, 2017
I'm not crying, YOU ARE CRYING.
And you might be, by the end of this lovely book.
This is a wonderful "new baby" book for a child preschool age and up. The main character, Rose, is a thoughtful little person. She has concerns about becoming a big sister but she talks openly with her parents about them and they are very reassuring. The ending is absolutely perfect.
This book deals with the anticipation of waiting for a baby to be born; it does not touch on the emotions that might arise after the new baby comes home. It would be wise to pair this one with another book that portrays this experience thoughtfully and honestly as well.
And you might be, by the end of this lovely book.
This is a wonderful "new baby" book for a child preschool age and up. The main character, Rose, is a thoughtful little person. She has concerns about becoming a big sister but she talks openly with her parents about them and they are very reassuring. The ending is absolutely perfect.
This book deals with the anticipation of waiting for a baby to be born; it does not touch on the emotions that might arise after the new baby comes home. It would be wise to pair this one with another book that portrays this experience thoughtfully and honestly as well.
August 8, 2018
This is such a cute new baby sibling book! It touches on so many topics (sibling jealousy, gender preference, staying with grandparents, older siblings still being valued, visiting the hospital), but the jealousy never gets really hateful and the ending was really charming. I also like that the mom and dad were positive about gender roles--saying that a younger sister would still like to go fishing, or a brother would still like to dress-up and sing.
October 10, 2023
As a big sister to be, Rose is worrying about her future.
Her parents respond to her worries with helpful ideas, consoling ideas, such as:
"If there's no baby," said her mother, "how can you be the big sister?"
Gee, Goodreaders, what do you think are the chances that this story will have a happy ending?
FIVE STARS for a sweet tale by Susanna Leonard Hill and for tender illustrations by Nicole Rutten.
Her parents respond to her worries with helpful ideas, consoling ideas, such as:
"If there's no baby," said her mother, "how can you be the big sister?"
Gee, Goodreaders, what do you think are the chances that this story will have a happy ending?
FIVE STARS for a sweet tale by Susanna Leonard Hill and for tender illustrations by Nicole Rutten.
March 30, 2018
Rose was impatient for the new baby to arrive. Did she want a sister, or would a brother be better? Maybe neither is a good idea. She might not be a good big sister, she worried. Rose just isn't sure - and then the baby is born.
June 18, 2025
Adorable book! So sweet and true. I read this to my daughter when we were expecting baby #2. She loved it. Still loves it and so does kiddo #2. :D
February 23, 2017
Story about becoming a big sister.
August 6, 2013
"Not Yet, Rose" is a heart-warming story of little Rose who is trying to come to grips with her parents expecting a second child. Susanna Hill captures perfectly the angst and the wavering feelings of excitement, anxiety and dread of young children who don't know what or how to think when they find out they will become older siblings. I think this book not only commiserates with and helps a child express his or her feelings, but it also provides reassurance that things will be okay when the new baby arrives. This would make a great gift for the older child of a family who is expecting another child. I just wish this book had been written back when I was expecting my second child in 1997. :)
July 28, 2011
The perfect story to share with a future big brother or sister With her rhythmic language, Susanna has perfectly captured Rose's conflicting emotions of excitement, anticipation, and jealousy as she realizes that she will have to share her parents with a new sibling. Adorable watercolors of a hamster family add to the appeal. Highly recommended for all families who are expecting a second, third, or fourth new baby!
March 2, 2015
This book was my daughter's favorite while we waited for her new sister to arrive. It addresses the questions a big sister or brother to be might have, in a utterly cute and adorable way! I bet we will keep reading it, even once our new baby arrives! Highly recommended!
December 1, 2009
While Rose is waiting for the new baby to be born, she can't decide if she would prefer a brother or a sister, or if she even wants to be a big sister at all--until the baby is born.
January 18, 2010
This is a great one for when expecting a sibling because it talks about either having a boy or a girl and what a big sister might think about the addition.
April 19, 2011
Winner of the Gold Mom's Choice Award, April 2011!
April 20, 2011
This is a terrific book for introducing young children to the idea that a new brother or sister is on the way (when mom is pregnant). Also the art is excellent.
October 29, 2014
Adorable book! So sweet and true. I read this to my daughter when we were expecting baby #2. She loved it. Still loves it and so does kiddo #2. :D
January 26, 2016
Rose anxiously awaits the birth of a sibling, yet she's unsure what to expect in her new role as a big sister. But everything turns out just right.
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March 7, 2019This is a lovely story. It is a cuddle-on-your-lap kind of read. Rose's feelings are universal and the story will work well with big-brothers-to-be and big-sisters-to-be alike. Click to get the rest of our review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews