PINKY AND REX AND THE NEW BABY

Perhaps because Rex is a little older than the expectant siblings found in many picture books, her experience is the reverse of theirs: her worries about being supplanted come before her parents bring home new adopted brother Matthew. But then it's love at first sight—and pride in her new role of big sister and helper. As a result, Pinky feels he's lost his friend, but he devises a perfect remedy: his gift to Matthew is a soccer ball that Rex can start ``breaking in'' right now—which she does with Mother's blessing: ``You've been terrific with the baby, but go out and have some fun.'' With lively, believable dialogue, realistic situations that gently test the likable pair's mettle, and Sweet's appealing art on every easily read spread: another strong entry in a popular series. (Fiction/Young reader. 5-8)