I Want a Brother or Sister facts for kids

I Want a Brother or Sister, also known as That's My Baby, is a popular children's book. It was written by the famous Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. The original title in Swedish is Jag vill också ha ett syskon. This story is all about a boy named Peter and his journey to becoming a big brother. Peter and his sister Lena also appear in another book called I Want to Go to School Too.

Peter's Big Brother Journey

This heartwarming story begins with Peter, a little boy who is the apple of his parents' eye. Even when he was a baby and cried a lot, his parents thought he was the cutest. As Peter grows, he loves playing with his friend Jan.

Wanting a Sibling

One day, Jan shows Peter his own little brother. Seeing this makes Peter wish he had a sibling too! He quickly goes to his mom and shares his wish. His mom smiles and tells him that he will soon have a brother or sister.

A New Baby Arrives

When Peter's baby sister, Lena, is born, things change for Peter. Lena cries a lot and seems to get all of his parents' attention. Suddenly, Peter isn't so sure he wants a sister anymore! To get his mom's attention back, Peter starts doing silly things whenever she is busy with Lena. He wants his mom to notice him!

Learning to Love Lena

Peter feels sad and thinks his parents like Lena more than him. His mom sees he is upset and takes him into her lap. She tells him how much she loves him. She explains that babies are a lot of work, and he was the same way when he was little. His mom also tells Peter that Lena was a gift for him, and he should help take care of her.

Peter decides to try. He feels very proud when he manages to make Lena stop crying. He even proudly introduces his new sister to the other kids at the playground!

Growing Up with Siblings

Later, when Peter and Lena are older, their family grows again! Their mom has a third child, a baby boy named Nils. Peter and Lena love Nils very much, even though he also cries a lot and needs a lot of attention. By now, Peter is really glad he has Lena. They have so much fun together, like having pillow fights. He realizes how much he enjoys having a sister.

About the Book

I Want a Brother or Sister was first published in Sweden in 1951. The first edition had illustrations by Birgitta Nordenskjöld. Later, in 1978, a new Swedish edition was released with new pictures drawn by Ilon Wikland. The book was translated into English in 1979. It has been translated into at least 20 different languages around the world!

Astrid Lindgren wrote two books about Peter and Lena. I Want a Brother or Sister is the first story. The second book is called I Want to Go to School Too. In that book, Peter helps Lena go to school. Nils, the youngest brother, does not appear in the second book.