New sibling relationships will never fail to need stories—especially ones that end in acceptance.
A young tot learns how to cope with the disappointment of having a brother instead of a sister.
Sophie has a new baby in her family, and more than anything she wanted a little sister. But that didn’t happen. Quick to find a solution, she turns her brother into Pretend-Sister. Pretend-Sister doesn’t mind wearing pigtails or pink, frilly doll dresses. Pretend-Sister also loves to play with beaded necklaces and paper earrings. But one day Mommy cuts Pretend-Sister’s hair and Pretend-Sister outgrows the doll dresses. In a tantrum, Sophie takes her brother to town in an attempt to trade. Many other tots are willing to give up their crying, pesky little sisters—and Sophie realizes how lucky she is to have her brother after all. Sophie, her little brother, and almost all of the other kids are white (round-faced with button noses) except for one family with darker skin. Paisley, polka dots, and plaid adorn the pages, and muted tones never overwhelm. The one misstep in this Dutch/Belgian import is that gender stereotypes abound. Sophie’s brother does continue to wear pink dresses sometimes (when he is still pretending to be a girl), but he much prefers a pirate costume.
New sibling relationships will never fail to need stories—especially ones that end in acceptance. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-60537-351-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clavis
Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
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
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