Our New Special Baby

Abba explains to the children that Mommy has given birth and that the new baby is special; he has Down Syndrome and will need extra attention and a bit more love and care from his siblings. He assures them that the new baby will grow to be loving and affection­ate, though it may take him longer to learn new things. Abba assures the children that they will love their new brother very much and that this family has been chosen by Hashem for the task of raising him because they have so much warmth and caring to give. He patiently answers their questions and calms their concerns so they can welcome their new family member with joy. This softly illustrated book is a gentle introduction to a sensitive subject. It is accompanied by two extensive appendices with much information about Down Syndrome, one geared to children and the other to adults, as well as a glossary and an email address inviting further questions, support and a list of resources.

Recommended for ages 5 and up and adults who need information on how to explain Down Syndrome to young children.

Chaya Rosen, inspired by her brother Ezra who was born with Down syndrome, has written a tender and loving book about a family whose new baby has Down syndrome. Abba explains to the children that their new baby brother is different and Hashem has chosen their family to love and give him the special attention he will need. The children ask important probing questions about their new sibling, such as: Will he not be smart? Will he look funny? Will he be able to play with us? Will he be able to talk? Abba’s excellent answers are realistic yet reassuring. The pastel color illustrations are beautiful and soothing and the male characters wear kippot. Two appendixes are included: one geared toward older siblings, briefly answers questions about the syndrome in a more detailed and mature fashion; the other, for adults, provides an overview of common medical concerns associated with Down syndrome.

When I read Chaya Rosen's first book, "Chaverim Boys Choir Live!", I thought the choir and characters were real, living people! Now, in "Our New Special Baby", the author took a real and difficult situation and portrayed it so lovingly, giving me a whole new perspective on how to look at it - and other difficult situations. She teaches adults down to young children that events in our lives come from Hashem and WE were chosen by Him to deal with them. The indeces in the back are very informative and show much research behind them. Kudos to Rivkie Braverman for her sensitive and beautiful illustrations. She and Chaya make an outstanding team! I believe that every teacher of children should have this book in their classrooms. Their students will become sensitized to others who are somewhat "different".

This book is truly an amazing one. It is cute, sweet, and extremely
informative. It is a great way to help young children learn about a new
sibling in their life with Down syndrome, or even older siblings and
parents. With its heartwarming practical story, and practical Appendix at
the end- this book is truly a one of a kind.

This is the coolest book I have seen since my sister was born almost fifteen years ago. It has so much information that is not easily available to everyone. It is great for others to understand why my sister is a little different. You have 2 buy it. :)

I just wish someone had given this to our family when my special sibling was born!!! What I love so much about this book is that it is suited to everyone! There is such a nice and beautifully illustrated part for kids, which is PERFECT for my other siblings, as well as two appendixes which I found surprisingly easy to read! The first is for older sibs and does a great job of describing Down Syndrome. The second is for parents, I think, and it explains in such down-to-earth language about all the medical problems that can occur in kids like this! WOW! I totally recommend it!

I just bought a few copies of this book in Israel. As a father of a little boy with Down syndrome, I am certain that this book will be very helpful to every Jewish family who is blessed with having such a child. Indeed, the first few days and weeks are difficult - it's not something anyone asks for. But with time and understanding, it quickly becomes clear that, despite the extra effort and medical issues involved, these children are truly special and they add a lot of light and life-quality to their families. I hope that this book can find its way to every such family, whether via a friend, neighbor, teacher, doctor, etc. Never mind the wonderful and sensitive way in which the author conveys the most important messages to the young siblings of new babies with DS, the appendixes are a fantastic, well-written and important summary of the most important developmental and medical issues that older children and parents will want (need) to know about as soon as possible. Kol hakavod to the author, illustrator and Feldheim for making such an important book available to the many families who are starting out on their difficult but oh-so-rewarding journey of loving and raising a child with Down syndrome.