IT’S ALL ABOUT ME!

A first-born child learns that family life just might not be all about him . . . and that might not be so bad. Secure with his only-child role, a young boy is perturbed to learn of a sibling’s imminent arrival. With all the noises, messes and smells the baby makes, his opinion does not change . . . until the baby first smiles at his big brother. “And Mommy tells me I’m the best / Big brother that she knows / Someday we’ll play together / I can’t wait until he grows.” Best, when the time comes for baby number three to come home, he is there to ease his little brother into his new role of big brother. Young children with siblings will easily identify with the characters; Cote’s facial expressions bring the illustrations to life. The bright colors, simple details and rhyming verses make this a perfect read-aloud. The title and front cover art don’t reveal the true subject; it will be up to others to introduce it to growing families. A wonderfully sweet look at the challenges and benefits of adding children to the family, from the perspective of someone with experience. (Picture book. 2-8)