Less a guide for preparation for a new baby than a humorous look at sibling dynamics for those who have weathered the storm...
Thirteen tips explain sibling foibles, told from the perspective of one big sister to all big sisters everywhere.
A precocious young narrator breaks it down for readers: babies are cute and cuddly but hard to understand. Luckily, there is one big sister who has it all figured out, and she is willing to share her newfound knowledge. Broken into 13 categories, from “On the Move” to “Style” and “Sharing,” she explains the intricacies of having a younger sister. The “Getting Started” section begins when a young baby arrives (“They are warm and squishy, like a freshly baked loaf of bread…but you should NOT put butter on them”), but most of the text focuses on a slightly older sibling relationship. This little girl’s younger sister is old enough to follow her around, copy her, and destroy her things—all of the usual tensions. Luckily, tickling can defuse any situation (a handy cutout diagram shows the best spots to target). In the end, all fights are put aside at bedtime, and sweet snuggles abound. Breezy illustrations capture messy mops of hair and shared sisterly smiles; both sisters are white (literally—exposed flesh and hair are simply outlined in quick strokes of black.
Less a guide for preparation for a new baby than a humorous look at sibling dynamics for those who have weathered the storm and are now ready to laugh. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 28, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-553-49899-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family.
For his debut picture book, teacher and activist Chasten Buttigieg draws inspiration from life with husband Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. transportation secretary.
The big day has finally arrived! Rosie and Jojo have been counting down the days until Papa comes home from his work trip. With a little help from Daddy, they make “welcome home” signs to greet Papa at the airport, pick flowers from the garden, and bake a “seven-layer chocolate cake with purple and yellow frosting.” Much to Daddy’s bemusement, the kids gather all of Papa’s favorite things, including his robe and slippers and their adorable pooch, Butter, as they walk out the door to pick up Papa from his travels. The author offers an affectionate portrait of the everyday domestic life of a same-sex family unit. While many kids and adults will be pleased to see their experiences reflected on the page, both the choppy writing and the flat digital artwork are fairly bland. Characters display similarly excited facial expressions throughout, while the portrayal of the children borders on overly cutesy at times, with intentionally misspelled signs throughout the house (“Papa’s Very Spechull Garden. Please do not tutch”). Like the author’s actual children, Rosie and Jojo are brown-skinned, while Daddy and Papa present white.
An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 20, 2025
ISBN: 9780593693988
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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