A child struggles to assimilate the idea that Mom’s going to have a baby in this low-key children’s debut. After being gently corrected each time she tells a friend that her mother’s going to have a baby mouse, puppy, monkey, or dolphin, Sophie eventually discovers that her new little brother is better than any of these—though he does indeed drool like a puppy, spit like a dolphin, wave his arms like a monkey, and squeak when he’s hungry. Alley takes to heart the almost imperceptible hint that Sophie isn’t just joking; in his soft textured watercolors (some of which are decorated with scribbly drawings by his son), her face reflects quiet but genuine upset. The passage of time is subtly suggested too, as Sophie goes from restaurant to nursery school, from backyard pool to autumn playground while seasons change around her. A comforting, good-humored alternative to the likes of Martha Alexander’s angry When the New Baby Comes, I’m Moving Out (1979). (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: June 1, 2003
ISBN: 0-8037-2662-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2003
A young boy engages in innocent competition with his baby brother, with rewarding results. Brendan’s family is enthralled with his baby brother James’s accomplishments—so Brendan naturally gets into the act. When his Mom calls attention to Baby James’s smile, Brendan calls attention to himself by proving he, too, can smile. When Dad praises Baby James for being smart enough to roll over, Brendan has to show that he can roll over and over and over. When Baby James’s first burp wins Grandma’s praise, Brendan produces his own big burp. By the time Baby James takes his first tottering steps, it is Brendan who alerts everyone and discovers he doesn’t need to compete to get the best possible attention. Chambliss’s charming watercolors showcase Baby James’s development and Brendan’s normal sibling rivalry with gentle humor and affection. Perfect for big brothers and sisters who might be a tad worried that the new baby will outshine them. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2007
ISBN: 1-59078-322-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Boyds Mills
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2006
When her elderly friend dies, a little girl struggles to understand. Otto may use a cane, but he’s Lisa’s special friend who knows everything about gardens and always has emergency cookies in his pocket. He teaches Lisa to count and tells her “numbers never end.” Together they count stars, spit out cherry pits and dance in celebration when Lisa hits her first bull’s eye with the slingshot Otto made for her. But one day Otto becomes ill and gradually weakens. Lisa stays with him until he dies. At Otto’s funeral, a grieving Lisa feels angry, sad and confused as she tries to understand why Otto has left her. After the funeral, Lisa realizes that just because she can’t see Otto any more, he remains in her memories, which, like numbers, never end. The heartfelt pastel illustrations that brim with joy and life when Otto is alive turn somber and subdued as he weakens and dies. This touching story celebrates intergenerational bonds and offers a comforting lesson in loss. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: March 1, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-933605-27-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kane Miller
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2007
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
