Preparing for a New Sibling: A Conversation with Little Love Chapters

Welcoming a new baby into the family is one of the most special moments in motherhood — but for your little one, it can also be one of the biggest adjustments they’ll ever experience.

From shifting routines to sharing attention, becoming a big sibling is a transition that deserves just as much care and understanding as those early newborn days.

At Mae & Rae, we’re all about celebrating every chapter of childhood — and that includes the moments in between.

That’s why we’re so excited to be chatting with Little Love Chapters, the beautiful brand behind the “Big Brother” and "Big Sister" books — designed to help little ones feel seen, supported, and confident as they step into their new role.

We asked Donna Paul, owner and storyteller behind Little Love Chapters a few questions about the inspiration behind the book, navigating sibling transitions, and the importance of connection during these early years… here's what she had to say; 

• What first inspired you to create “Big Brother”? Was there a personal story behind it?

The idea to write Big Brother began while I was pregnant with my daughter. I couldn’t find a book that felt special enough to gift my son. I wanted something that honoured his new role in a really meaningful, emotional way.

As a teacher, I also saw how powerful language can be in helping children understand big changes and big emotions. So I started writing a story that would help him feel proud, included and deeply loved during that transition.

The whole book was written during those quiet overnight feeds with my baby girl, so that time is very close to my heart.

• Welcoming a new sibling is such a big transition. What do you think children need most during that time?

I think they need reassurance above everything else, to feel secure in their place within the family.

It’s a big emotional shift, and even the most excited toddlers can feel unsure underneath it all. They need to know they’re still just as important, just as loved, and that the new baby is joining their world, not replacing it.

Simple things like inclusion, special one on one moments and language that celebrates their new role can make such a difference.

I also think helping them understand exactly what to expect when the baby arrives is so important. Lots of role play around changing the baby’s nappy, being quieter around sleep time, putting the baby to bed, reading stories, singing and being gentle.

Big Brother and Big Sister are all about learning about babies, so they help children understand a little more about what’s coming. They also create opportunities for conversations, questions and processing those changes.

• Your illustrations are so soft and emotive. How important was it for you to create a calming visual experience for families?

That was incredibly important to me.

I wanted the entire experience of the book, not just the words, to feel calm, gentle and safe. Those early newborn days can be overwhelming, so I was very intentional about creating a soft, heirloom style aesthetic that families could return to again and again.

The muted tones, the simplicity and the space on each page are all designed to slow things down and let that emotional connection really come through.

• What role do you believe books play in shaping connection between parents and children?

Books create these quiet, uninterrupted moments of connection, which are so rare in busy family life.

When a parent reads to their child, it’s not just about the story. It’s about the closeness and the shared experience. Over time, those little moments build a really strong emotional bond.

I absolutely love reading with my babies, and it’s something I think about often when creating my books. I want them to feel like something a parent and child experience together, not just read.

I imagine the little laughs and conversations, and I like to think there’s a special place for their favourite books on their bookshelf.

• If you could give one piece of advice to parents preparing their toddler to become a big sibling, what would it be?

Let them feel like they matter just as much as the baby, even extra special in those early days.

It’s easy for everything to revolve around the newborn, but even small moments of special attention go a long way.

I think talking to the baby about the older sibling is such a lovely way to reinforce how loved they are. “You are so lucky to have such a wonderful big brother.” “Just wait a moment, I need to help your brother first.”

Of course, they need to understand that babies need a lot of attention and care, but they also need to hear that they are important and that their needs are prioritised too.

That’s why I included the page in Big Brother and Big Sister about parents growing extra arms like an octopus to look after everyone.  

My eldest daughter has her own Big Sister book from Little Love Chapters - it was such a beautiful aid in her transition to Big Sister as well as being a beautiful keepsake to treasure. 

At Mae & Rae, we believe every stage of childhood deserves to be celebrated — from those first newborn days to the moment your little one steps into their new role as big brother or sister.

Shop Mae & Rae pieces designed for every chapter.