Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Pasadena, CA

The new year's still happy and unscuffed by too much eventfulness, so in keeping with the theme, I thought I'd highlight some books that talk about new beginnings.

And what could be newer to a family with one child than adding a sleepy-yet-crying newborn in the house? Maybe you've got another child on the way in 2009.

Here are two books on becoming a big brother/sister that are good to help children prepare and enjoy the new addition:

• I'm a Big Brother/Sister, by Joanna Cole. This picture book explores what it means to be an older sibling and share mom and dad with the baby, as well explanations in preschool age-appropriate terms what a baby's development is like. For example, baby can't play ball yet, but can smile and recognize the older child. The "brother" and "sister" part of the books are a little gender-bound, with activities that seem "boyish" and "girlish," but given the tendency of many children to gravitate to convetional gender roles in spite of parents' attempts otherwise, perhaps this isn't the worst thing in the world.
• My New Baby and Me: A First Year Record Book for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, by Metropolitan Museum of Art. This book is intended for older children, perhaps 6-7 and up, who might enjoy helping to document the progress of their baby siblings.
  

Other new starts might involve moving to a new house or apartment.

• Eric Carle's delightful A House for a Hermit Crab follows a crab in need of a new shell who embraces change as a chance to grow as opposed to a scary experience.
• I'm Not Moving, Mama, by Nancy White Carlstrom, addresses the reluctant mover head-on, with a mouse afraid to move house. Mama mouse provides gentle reassurance and encourages the little one to value togetherness over familiarity.

And finally, here's peek ahead to a start at a new school (kindergarten or higher): Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, by Derrick Barnes. The youngest of her three older siblings, Ruby faces a new school when her family moves to a new house. A little nervous, but mostly intrepid, Ruby manages to get out from under her brothers' shadows and shines as the unique, fun-loving person she is.