Sibling love, equal parts sweet and silly.
A list of silly “don’t”s culminates in loving “do”s for one big sister in McAllister and Sterling’s collaboration.
An opening illustration depicts an interracial family basking in the joy of welcoming a new baby into the family. The dad has brown skin and tightly curled, dark hair, and the mom’s pink complexion is offset by her blonde hair; their little daughter looks more like her dad, as does the new baby, though their hair is less tightly curled. Once this family constellation has been established, readers never see the parents again. Instead, ensuing pages depict the big sister with her baby brother in a series of silly scenarios telling her (and readers) what not to do with a baby. Some interactions are more plausible than others. For example, “Don’t…play the trumpet when the baby’s trying to sleep,” appears across the gutter from the admonition “don’t send him to play with an elephant.” Apart from indicating race, cartoonish art rendered in watercolor, pencil and printed textures opts simply to reflect the text, and all of the spreads depicting “don’t”s lead up to closing spreads showing the big sister lovingly engaged with her baby brother. “Do…cuddle your baby, give him a kiss, sing to him, make him laugh, / play with your baby, read to him, and most of all… // give your baby lots and lots of love” is the sweet closing.
Sibling love, equal parts sweet and silly. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: March 15, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-84780-506-5
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: Jan. 19, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...
A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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