I VERY REALLY MISS YOU

Despite its rather awkward title, Kemp and Walters follow the progression of emotions little brother Sam goes through as Ben leaves for a week at a school adventure camp. He imagines the joy he will feel without Ben to tease, boss, fight with or scare him. When the reality hits of how quiet and lonely his yard and house become when he is temporarily an only child, Sam pens a letter to his brother telling him, “I very really miss you.” And, in a sweet moment of fraternal love at the reunion, it turns out that Ben feels the very same way. Bright and simple watercolors and pencil illustrations set the right tone. Two notable double-page spreads, filled with the red-haired crew-cut–styled brothers with stick-out ears, are made of eight smaller panels showing the negatives and positives of having a brother. A tender just-right tale for a child who is missing a sibling. (Picture book. 3-6)