Jacob is expecting a new sibling. He prepares to be the best big brother, share his toys, sing lullabies, and love his little sister. But when he notices his mom always crying as she rubs her pregnant belly, Jacob wants to know why. His parents soon tell him that his baby sister is special. She will be born ill. Right from her birth, she is surrounded by nurses, tubes, and machines. With time, Jacob has to understand that his parents must spend lots of time caring for Pearl, but he also has a role to play. Welcome Home, Pearl by Tuula Pere brings disability into the limelight in children’s literature.

Welcome Home, Pearl; Pearl Books #1 by Tuula Pere discusses the strain of raising a special needs child and how the family and children can support the new baby. This book begins with a positive outlook and continues with silver linings. Jacob gives his sister a beautiful name amid the illness and sadness because he sees beauty in something tiny. The book teaches children about positivity. Jacob was optimistic even though the adults around him were gloomy and worried. He showed resilience and understood that his parents had to spend more time with Pearl and that he was not supposed to hold his little sister. He was not bitter; instead, he planned more ways to help care for baby Pearl. The illustrations by Catty Flores and the author's writing style make this book suitable for adults and children above the age of three.

Welcome Home, Pearl is a touching children's picture book written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Catty Flores. The story follows Jacob, a cheerful and curious boy, who eagerly awaits the arrival of his new baby sister. However, Jacob becomes concerned when he learns that his baby sister will face health challenges at birth. Despite his worries, Jacob does his best to ensure his sister is comfortable by singing to her and taking care of his mother. When his sister is born, Jacob visits the hospital, learns about her condition, and navigates his feelings with compassion, ultimately finding joy in naming her Pearl. Jacob patiently waits for his sister to come home and learns how to live with a new baby with health challenges. When Pearl finally arrives, he celebrates her arrival with warmth and hope.

Welcome Home, Pearl is a heartwarming story that beautifully highlights themes of family support, patience, and the unique bond between siblings. It encourages families to have open discussions about health issues, helping their children understand birth illnesses and disabilities. Through Jacob's innocent curiosity and loving determination, the story perfectly illustrates the emotional complexities that children face when expecting a new sibling with a disability. Jacob's journey emphasizes the importance of empathy and the unconditional love families should show one another in uncertain times, fostering a supportive environment where differences are celebrated and embraced. Tuula Pere skillfully presents these messages in a way that children will understand and find relatable. Additionally, the beautiful illustrations perfectly complement the story and bring it to life. Children will enjoy reading this book and learn to be supportive and kind to their parents and siblings during challenging times. Overall, this is great work!

Addressing topics such as the arrival of a new baby or the special care it might require can be complex. To approach this issue, Tuula Pere presents Welcome Home, Pearl. Jacob is an excited little boy because his mom is having a baby, and he wants her to be born healthy. However, his parents explain to him that the baby is ill and will need special care. When his little sister is born and must be connected to medical equipment, he sees how beautiful she is and suggests the name, Pearl. She must stay at the hospital under the supervision of her parents while Jacob's grandmother takes care of him and answers his questions. Through this experience, Jacob shows the strength of love and resilience in his family.

Welcome Home, Pearl covers a complex topic that Tuula Pere adapts perfectly for children. I liked how the author used clear language and short sentences. The story highlights values such as understanding and mutual support, creating a sense of family togetherness. It is an excellent option to help parents deal with sibling rivalry because it emphasizes that, although parental attention is divided, all children are loved equally. The illustrations are also charming. Catty Flores uses color and shadows well, creating atmospheres that reflect the characters' feelings. In addition, Jacob moved me with his empathy. He is a great example for young readers because, despite the difficulties, he maintains his enthusiasm and cares about the welfare of others. Although he feels somewhat distant from his parents, he understands that Pearl needs special care, and he loves her with all his heart.

Welcome Home, Pearl (Pearl Books #1) by Tuula Pere is an empathetic children’s story about a young boy who is anticipating a new baby sister. Jacob is overjoyed to become a big brother, and his anticipation becomes more pronounced as his parents prepare their home for the baby’s arrival. However, amid the excitement about their growing family is an undercurrent of concern. Jacob’s mother and father patiently explain to Jacob that his unborn sister is special and that she may require extra care after she is born. This thought worries Jacob greatly, but he promises to do everything that he can to help. The story accompanies Jacob on his journey to understand his sister’s condition and the impact that this has on his family. Nonetheless, Jacob’s love for Pearl is all-encompassing and does not diminish despite his anxiety.

Tuula Pere employs a simple yet engaging writing style in Welcome Home, Pearl that young readers will find accessible and enjoyable. The narrative will resonate with them emotionally, as it addresses sensitive themes, such as living with special needs children and adapting to changes in the family. The story addresses these issues with both sensitivity and straightforwardness, enabling children to understand the complexity of the situation without feeling overwhelmed. The narrative educates and equips children with the tools to navigate their feelings and experiences in similar cases. Catty Flores’ artwork is created with soft, warm colors, which convey a comforting and gentle overall experience of the story. This is a must-read for all young children.