BIG BROTHER MIKE

A familiar litany of complaints about an older sibling: Mike, who wanted Mom to take his new little brother back after he was born, hogs toys and ``when we play `rescue,' I'm always the victim.'' Still, there have been nicer times, such as ``the morning he helped me bury my hamster when it died''; he even stayed friendly and sympathetic all day. Unusual here are the vibrantly expressive illustrations, with emotion-indicative colors—especially complementary oranges and blues set off by intense greens—and simple, stylized forms (huge heads, sweeping hairstyles) that could be formed in Plasticine. Points of view, distorted perspectives, and innovative framing—there are as many as three amoeboid shapes on a spread—all contribute to the strong visual message. An interesting graphic variant on a familiar theme. (Picture book. 4-7)