Like most picture books about new babies, this one deals with the inevitable changes in family life, told from the perspective of the displaced older sibling, who is herself little more than a toddler. But Lucy Cousins breathes new life into a common theme with her droll, boldly colored illustrations. Za-Za and her family, for example, are zebras who behave as people. Midst the chaos of upset routines and endless waiting for parental attention, there are times when Za-Za's own stripes seem to offer the only measure of controlled predictability in her world. (Ages 2-4)

Told from an older sibling's point of view, this is the story of the effect a new baby has on a family: Mum has a big tummy and has to go to hospital with Dad, while Granny looks after Za-za. When Mum comes home with the baby she's very tired. The baby gets all the attention of visitors and Mum and Dad too. They always seem to be busy with baby things and there's no time for stories or to go to the toyshop. Za-za even has to wait until the baby's been fed before she gets her tea. Finally, she's had enough and demands a cuddle. Why don't you cuddle the baby? says Mum. And Za-za does. She plays with him too and actually has a good time. Then, when the baby's gone to bed, Za-za gets her own cuddle and a bedtime story.