615.595.8321
pamela@mmpublicrelations.com
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE—A new baby in the home means
joy, surprises, middle-of-the-night feedings, sleep-deprived parents—and often
an older brother or sister who suddenly feels pushed aside. Four million babies
are born every year, and 60% of those babies have older siblings. Now these
older siblings have a fun, new way to welcome the new baby into their home: two
interactive children’s books, I’m the Big Brother and I’m the Big
Sister (Tommy Nelson, April 2002) created just for them.
Created by marketing professional and two-time mommy, Susan
Ligon, I’m the Big Brother
and I’m the Big Sister are
designed to help children ages 2 to 5 realize their important roles in
welcoming a new baby into the family. These brightly illustrated books allow
older siblings to interact via pencils (describing their feelings and
expectations), crayons (drawing themselves and/or their baby) and ideas
(dreaming what they can teach or do with a new sibling) as they consider the
change a new baby will bring. The books’ interactive pages include topics that
make perfect discussion starters for parent and child before baby arrives:
·
All About Me
·
Getting Ready for Baby
·
Getting to Know Baby
·
My Pets
·
Holidays and Special
Days
·
Bible stories
·
Photo sections
·
And much more
“When our
first son was born, I entered the mommy zone with eyes wide shut,” quips Ligon.
“And just when I thought I was so in love with Daniel that no other human being
could ever capture my attention, I became pregnant with number two. Top of mind
for me was how I could help Daniel make the transition.” Ligon had a relatively simple goal—she
wanted her children to be friends, not just siblings and rivals. “I wanted them
to enjoy the gift of cradle-to-grave friendship, a rare commodity in today’s
world.” Her desire fired the creative spark that gave birth to the I’m the
Big Brother and I’m the Big Sister line of products.
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I’m the Big Brother and I’m the Big Sister/page two
I’m the Big Brother and I’m the Big Sister are being launched by
Tommy Nelson as a major children’s brand with multiple licensing partners in
the works (apparel, gifts, etc.). The
interactive books are available in two bindings, a value-priced softcover
($9.99) and a quality padded hardcover edition ($17.99). To support the launch of the twin titles,
Tommy Nelson has created shelf-talkers and a pre-pack counter display to grab
consumer interest. Tommy Nelson is also developing a new website for siblings,
with a splash page that promotes books for big sisters and brothers and
features the books’ characters throughout.
In addition, the author will make a publicity blitz
of the Dallas/Fort Worth area (her home) and is available for interview across
the country this spring. Ligon looks
forward to offering encouragement and resources to frazzled parents of “sudden
siblings.” As one mother told her, “If these books had been available when my
three girls were young, I wouldn’t be coloring my hair today! I can’t wait to
give these to friends and grandkids.”
A large quantity of these books has already been
sold to maternity stores and hospital gift shops, and a strong bookstore and
specialty store presence is expected as well.
Many visitors bring gifts to both the newborn and the older sibling when
making that first visit to home or hospital.
Parents, grandparents, relatives and friends will find that I’m the
Big Brother and I’m the Big Sister are the perfect “sibling gift”
for the occasion.
Susan Ligon has been involved in Christian publishing for more than 12 years. A former vice president of marketing for Word Publishing, she is currently president of the Ligon Group, a publishing consulting firm. She and her husband, Greg, live in Dallas with their two boys.
Tommy Nelson, the kids division of Thomas Nelson
Inc., creates and distributes products designed to expand children’s
imaginations and nurture their faith. Named
one of the top fifteen children’s publishing companies in North America by Publishers
Weekly, Tommy Nelson publishes best-selling products by authors like Max
Lucado, Frank Peretti and Bruce Wilkinson.
Tommy Nelson is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
# # #
February 25, 2002
Published by Tommy Nelson, April 2002
48 pages, 8” x 10”, Ages 2-5
Brother Softcover: $9.99, ISBN 0-8499-7790-8
Brother Padded Hardcover: $17.99, ISBN 0-8499-7791-6
Sister Softcover: $9.99, ISBN 0-8499-7793-2
Sister Padded Hardcover: $17.99, ISBN 0-8499-7794-0