WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT BEING AN ONLY CHILD?

Rosemary, an only child, is the center of attention and object of affection. Waited on much like a queen, this little girl longs to do some things for herself, have siblings for playmates and generally enjoy the excitement of a large family’s chaotic household. “You need to have another kid right away, / And that’s that,” Rosemary angrily tells mother. Much to her chagrin, her parents are happy with their Rosemary, leaving her to dream about a sister or brother and to collect “only” things like a lost sock or button. When an “only” rock turns out to be a turtle, this little girl resourcefully solves her lack of companionship by adding pet siblings to her family including a cat, a rabbit, a dog, a couple of birds, one spider named Charlotte and finally, a pig named . . . you guessed it, Wilbur. Thinly lined, light and humorous mixed-media drawings in soft hues bring out Rosemary’s emotional growth from blissful satisfaction to annoyance, anger, disappointment and, finally, contented cheerfulness. A spunky, compassionate, though somewhat conventional response to the only-child syndrome. (Picture book. 4-7)