Personalised Big Brother & Big Sister Books: The Complete Gift Guide

A new baby changes everything, and the person who often feels that change most is the child who used to be the youngest. A personalised big brother book or big sister book is one of the gentlest ways to help your older child feel proud, included, and excited about their new role, instead of left out.

In this guide, we'll cover what a personalised sibling book is, why it works so well, what to look for, and how to create one starring your own child in a few minutes.

Why a Big Brother or Big Sister Book Makes Such a Good Gift

When a baby arrives, most of the gifts, visitors, and attention go to the newborn. Older siblings notice. A book made just for them sends a clear message: you have an important new job, and we're celebrating you too.

1. It gives your child a starring role. In a personalised book, your child isn't watching from the side. They're the hero who helps, protects, and teaches the new baby. Seeing themselves on every page builds pride in becoming a big brother or big sister.

2. It prepares them for what's coming. Stories are one of the easiest ways for young children to make sense of big changes. A book can gently introduce ideas like a crying baby, a busy parent, or sharing a room, before they happen in real life.

3. It turns mixed feelings into conversation. Jealousy, worry, and excitement often arrive together. Reading a story about a sibling who feels the same things makes it easier for your child to talk about their own feelings. (We go deeper into this in our guide on how stories help children adjust to a new sibling.)

4. It's a keepsake for both children. Years later, the book becomes a record of the moment your family grew, something both siblings can look back on together.

When to Give a Personalised Sibling Book

There's no wrong time, but these moments work especially well:

• During pregnancy: Read it together in the weeks before the due date to help your child imagine life with a baby.
• At the hospital or first meeting: Many families give the book as a "gift from the baby" when the older child first meets their new sibling.
• In the first weeks at home: When routines are upside down, a story that makes the older child feel special is a welcome bit of one-on-one time.
• At a baby shower or sip-and-see: A thoughtful present for the older sibling, so they're not left out while the baby receives gifts.

What to Look for in a Personalised Big Brother or Big Sister Book

Not every "personalised" book is truly personal. Before you choose, check for:

• More than a name swap. The best books let you create a character that actually looks like your child, ideally from a photo, rather than placing their name over generic artwork.
• Room for the new baby. Look for a story that includes the baby, and ideally lets you add the baby's name or other family members.
• The right tone for your child's age. Toddlers need short, simple stories; preschoolers enjoy small adventures; older children like a bit more plot and responsibility.
• A positive, reassuring message. The story should show the older child as loved, capable, and important, not only as a helper.
• Digital and printed options. A digital book is ready instantly if the baby arrives early. A printed hardcover makes a lasting keepsake.
• Language support. If your family speaks more than one language, choose a platform that can write the story in your home language.

Big Brother and Big Sister Book Ideas by Age

Toddlers (2–3 years)

Keep it short and concrete: "This is our baby. You can help with the blanket. You give the best hugs." Big, clear illustrations and repeated phrases work best.

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

Small adventures with a gentle lesson land well, such as finding the baby's lost teddy, singing the baby to sleep, or showing the baby around the house.

Early readers (5–8 years)

Older siblings enjoy more responsibility and imagination: protecting the baby on a magical journey, teaching the baby about their favourite dinosaurs, or becoming the "captain" of the family ship.

How to Create a Personalised Big Brother or Big Sister Book With LuluStories

With LuluStories, you can make an original illustrated story where your child is the hero, and the new baby is part of the adventure.

Step 1: Create your child's character. Upload a photo of your older child and add their name, age, and interests. LuluStories turns this into an illustrated character that looks like them.

Step 2: Add the new baby and family. Include the baby (and other siblings or parents if you like) so the whole family appears in the story.

Step 3: Describe the story. Try ideas like "Leo becomes a big brother and helps baby Mia find the moon" or "Ella shows her new baby brother the magic garden." Choose from more than 10 illustration styles.

Step 4: Read, download, or print. Read the story together on your phone or tablet, download it as a PDF, or order a premium hardcover as a keepsake.

You can create your first story for free, without needing an account.

Create a personalised big brother or big sister book

Tips for Reading the Book With Your Older Child

• Read it before the baby arrives and again after, so the story feels familiar when real life gets busy.
• Pause and ask questions: "What do you think the baby will like?" "How would you help?"
• Let your child "read" it to the baby. Even pre-readers love telling the story from the pictures, and it builds a special sibling ritual.
• Keep it as their book. Let the older child own it and decide when to read it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a personalised big brother or big sister book?

It's a children's book made around your older child, usually with their name and often their photo, so they appear as the illustrated hero of a story about becoming a big sibling.

What age is a big brother or big sister book best for?

They work well from around age 2 to 8. Younger children enjoy simple, picture-led stories, while older children like longer adventures where they take on responsibility for the baby.

Can I include the new baby in the story?

Yes. With LuluStories you can add the baby and other family members as characters, so the story reflects your real family.

Should the book be a gift from the baby?

Many parents like giving it as a "gift from the baby" at the first meeting. It helps the older child connect the new sibling with something positive right away.

How quickly can I get a personalised sibling book?

A digital story with LuluStories is ready in minutes. Printed hardcovers need extra time for production and shipping, so order ahead if you want one for the birth.

Can I make the book in another language?

Yes. LuluStories supports stories in more than 100 languages, which makes it a good fit for bilingual and multilingual families.

Make Your Older Child the Hero of Your Family's Next Chapter

Becoming a big brother or big sister is a huge moment. A personalised story tells your older child, in a way they can see and hold, that they are loved, important, and ready for their new role.

Start your free big brother or big sister story with LuluStories