Start with imagination, add a sprinkle of mischief, and stir for pure joy!
What would life be like with a younger sibling?
A young girl imagines life with a little sister, who “would be just like me, only smaller.” As the girl’s imagination grows, a little sister appears, and the two build towers, play hide-and-seek, jump on the sofa, and share a sweet treat. Magically, more little sisters appear, like the brooms in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” until a multitude of them are snuggling together and a whole line of little sisters are wiggling away. But then they all disappear, and the child is alone. Nevertheless, she finds happiness in her family just the way it is. Translated from French, Miura’s delightful prose is simple yet earnest, leaving ample space for well-crafted, spare illustrations. Miura wields white space to give the girl room for her imagination to expand. Little by little, the sisters conquer that space until they fill the page—literally and metaphorically—as they wildly splash paint all over a blank canvas. The perspective stays distant until Miura zooms in on the protagonist’s joyful expression as she dreams of having droves of playmates. Young readers anticipating, even hoping for, siblings will delight in all the ways these sisters play with and enjoy each other. All the siblings have skin the white of the page, pink cheeks, and short dark hair.
Start with imagination, add a sprinkle of mischief, and stir for pure joy! (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Feb. 27, 2024
ISBN: 9781646900398
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Arctis Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 18, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2023
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
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