Customer Reviews

I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother

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Big brother wonders whether the new baby will look like him - and considers all the different family features the new baby could have. A lyrical text lends to read-aloud rhythm and an artistic set of drawings captures the feel of a big brother's anticipation of the new arrival.

When I first encountered this book its frank and welcoming approach captured my attention. The physical variety and difference our species generates is a subject that deserves the contemplation of not only children but also adults. The book is so direct in both its imagery and its text that I was astonished. Such clarity is a welcome gift to teach acceptance and temper the fear that can be experienced when we encounter anyone who isn't us.

This book is an absolute delight! It appeals on all levels; the illustrations are gorgeous, the text poetic and musical. Alko artfully captures the excitement and curiosity of a young child awaiting a younger sibling. What's nice is that this child has no one pre-determined picture of the sibling-to-be; through masterful artwork and spoken-word style text, the book explores a range of possible images of his future sibling. Written from the child's perspective, the book celebrates the lineage of interracial families, while joyously affirming kids and parents of all colors: "Starry night sky and lemon meringue sunshine / Daddy and Mommy blend a mocha cloud." Several of the illustrations resonate, for me, with deep truths about the experience of parenting -- the world-stop-still moments of kissing a child, and the full-heart feeling of watching an older sibling hold the younger one for the first time. My 4-year-old daughter and I can't stop reading and looking at this book (and I know her younger brother will love it in a few years, too)!

"I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother" is a fun and beautiful book. The imagery, both visual and written, explores a complex issue in a poetic and rich way. A perfect compliment to the words, Alko's stylized illustrations are gorgeous and continue to reveal upon repeat examinations. I highly recommend this book not only for soon-to-be sibling but for all!

Got this book for my 18 month old when we found out he was going to be a big brother. Being that he is a "peanut butter big brother", it's perfect!

If you're looking for a great picture book with a different type of format, you just may have found it. I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother, by author/illustrator Selina Alko, has a little bit of something for everyone.

I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother captures the wonder and imagination of a big brother waiting for his baby sister or brother to be born, and blends that wonder with the idea of total, unconditional acceptance.

Big Brother's Mom is "strawberry cream mother's milk" in color, and his Daddy is "semi-sweet dark daddy chocolate bar." The book's unique format offers a series of dream-like skin-color and hair-texture combinations (all illustrated by the author!) to describe what Big Brother imagines the new baby might look like when it is finally born. Combinations like ginger cookie brown skin and cappuccino-frosted `fro, make this book a visual delight. And all the while Big Brother imagines these quirky but cute combinations, he portrays only love, excitement and acceptance over the new addition to the family.

This is a multi-cultural jewel without even trying. So if your goal is to teach your children or your students about tolerance, acceptance and the beauty of multiculturalism, I highly recommend I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother.

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