BARFBURGER BABY, I WAS HERE FIRST

Jonathan has a new baby brother, Daniel. Jonathan calls him Gasburger, Poopburger, and Spaceblobburger. The rest of the extended family coos over the often smelly little guy. Most of them call Jonathan “Pookie Bear” because of the stuffed bear he used to carry with him at all times. He hates that name; it makes him silently growl. After making peace with his older cousin Charlie, Jonathan gives the bear to Daniel and announces to the family, “Now he is Daniel Pookie Bear, and I am Jonathan. JUST Jonathan.” Amber Brown’s creator goes after a younger audience with this tale of the new-baby blues. The tale’s end is realistic; there is no complete turnaround. Jonathan’s friendship is conditional: “When you’re older, if we get along, I’ll teach you to say GRRRRRRRRR.” Karas’s signature gouache-and-pencil illustrations are a good match: silly and cartoon-realistic. Just like Barfburger Baby. (Picture book. 4-7)