SARA LOVES HER BIG BROTHER

An unassuming little story about a toddler's adoration of her older brother--reciprocated, but not always enjoyed. The straightforward text enumerates things they do together: Sara wakes him in the morning, hugs him a lot, borrows his things, and helps him. But the soft, realistic pictures make it clear that her attentions can be troublesome. The roller-skating brother is in danger of being upended by an overenthusiastic hug; Sara's gifts at table are messy; and it's almost impossible for the long-suffering brother to find a peaceful moment to practice his new skill, reading. So he reads to Sara; and his goodnight kiss looks sincere, not just because it presages a chance to be alone at last. Plenty of children will recognize this familiar bit of family dynamics. The lively, humorous illustrations make an amusing contrast to the simple text. Though the format suggests a picture book, this may do even better as a book for beginning readers.