From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1–After his baby sister has been at his house for several months, John decides that it is time for her to go. He is tired of sharing and being quiet during naps. His mother agrees, and they begin packing the tot's suitcase. As they work, John thinks of ways in which his sibling's no-good behavior can be good: for example, she is noisy, but that is useful at the library because she is louder than he is. Eventually, they decide that she is good for "quite a lot," and should only go to Grandma's for the day. The story is touching, funny, and honest. While most titles on this topic focus on the first few days after a newborn's arrival, this one looks at the continuing adjustment of older siblings and gently reminds parents to find special time together without the newcomer. The stereotypical portrayal of the librarian is the one disappointment in an otherwise rollicking tale. Sitting behind a desk, sporting a frizzy bun and half-moon glasses, she scowls at the baby's noisy enjoyment of the library. Still, the watercolor illustrations capture the text's warm, lighthearted tone and keep the visual focus on John and his sister. The boy's frustration at his sibling's actions comes across clearly, as do his mixed emotions when he thinks she may stay at Grandma's forever. A quality title that will resonate with older brothers and sisters everywhere.–
Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PreS. Both angry and affectionate, the simple words and vibrant watercolor illustrations in this picture book tell an honest story about sibling rivalry. John wants to get rid of his bothersome baby sister, and to his surprise, his mother agrees that if No-Good baby is so much trouble, it's time for her to go. On every double-page spread, Baby makes mess and mischief, making John look good by comparison: she squeezes the cat's tail, so the cat likes John more, and she yells in the library, making John's noise seem less. The action-packed pictures show the love between the brother and his pesky sister. At the same time, the art never denies the resentment of the intruder. In the end, Baby goes to loving Grandma, and John has his mother all to himself--but for just one day. There's only one question: Why can't we get rid of that old-fashioned stereotype of the librarian as prissy authority?
Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
