Review by Booklist Review
In contrast to many books about sibling rivalry, the older boy in this story is not threatened or unhappy about a baby joining the family. He is more than ready to take on the roles of teacher and protector for his younger brother. In the bedroom they share, the big brother describes many things for the baby, such as trains, planes, and dinosaurs. He thinks of the fun they will have camping, singing, and laughing together, and reassures his brother that he will always be around to help when needed. The big brother even promises to share not only toys but also his mother and father. Alternating between the realistic setting of the children's room and fantasy adventures, the retro, cartoon-style illustrations fill in many details of the boy's ideas. Flat, bright colors with black details for contrast create humorous, appealing images. Full-bleed two-page spreads allow readers to take in scenes at an unhurried pace. Parents helping children adjust to a changing family dynamic will appreciate the positive tone and strong sibling bond.--Whitehurst, Lucinda Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Sibling rivalry? What sibling rivalry? Penfold's cheerful big brother narrator is totally cool with having a baby brother. He looks forward to "adventures, just the two of us," that include pretend play with "trains, and planes, and how to be a dinosaur." Most poignantly, he promises, "When you cry... I will hear you first." Kaban (Even Superheroes Have Bad Days)-whose crisp lines, bright colors, and eager-eyed characterizations bring to mind 1960s animation-builds some wonderful images from Penfold's (Eat, Sleep, Poop) words. The dinosaur scene shows the brothers transformed into giant, green carnivores, snacking on vehicles while tiny citizens scatter; when the older boy promises to comfort his brother, a wordless sequence has him displaying impressive superhero moves as he retrieves a dropped pacifier. The story sets a high bar for readers who are struggling with displacement: what kid readily wants to "share my "best toys and my mama and my dada, too," with an interloper? But it's hard to imagine that parents will fault Penfold and Kaban for bringing a little optimism to the table. Ages 2-6. Author's agent: Susan Ginsburg, Writers House. Illustrator's agency: Shannon Associates. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-An enthusiastic big brother shows his baby sibling all the ways that they'll have fun together. With simple, straightforward text addressed directly to the wide-eyed toddler, the older brother gamely lists the types of adventures they'll have, from playing trains and planes and hide-and-seek to pretending to be dinosaurs. There is not a drop of sibling rivalry or animosity here. Penfold's earnest story portrays a child who's proud to be a big brother and takes his responsibilities seriously. (Decked out in a superhero cape, the big brother exclaims, "When you cry I will hear you first./Don't worry, baby. I will help!") Kaban's playful cartoon art has a retro-modern vibe, with expressive facial features and cheerful energy. Will all expectant siblings be as easygoing as this young lad ("I will share my toys/and my mama and my dada, too.")? Perhaps not. But how refreshing to find a sibling story with such a strong emphasis on the positive aspects of sharing toys, parents, and experiences with a new baby. VERDICT This buoyant tale is a welcome addition to early childhood picture book collections, especially where selections about new siblings are in demand.-Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A young boy makes generous promises to his baby brother: he will comfort the baby when he cries; he'll share his toys as well as his mom and dad; they'll have adventures together; they'll be friends. The retro-looking illustrations expand humorously on the understated text, showing the brothers on imaginative adventures, with the baby comically clad as a pilot, rock star, ninja, and more. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
"We will have adventures, just the two of us." Some kids might see the intrusion of a new siblings as a burden, but not this effervescent older brother. From the get-go he embraces his little brother, promising "I have lots to show you." Together (always together) he and the new baby will explore trains, planes, dinosaurs, and have adventures galore. They may not be able to do everything together, but at least the new baby will have someone on his side. There's always room for gentle books for older kids about their new younger sibs. Penfold stresses above all the notion that even though a baby isn't much for company, you can still be friends. The book is also rife with suggestive sentences such as "I will share my best toys," which is followed immediately by "and my mama and my dada, too." Kaban's art, which renders the entire family as light-skinned, offers lively, loving depictions and clever visual counterpoints and narratives, as when the older brother modifies a game from ninjas to peekaboo to better please the baby. The moral at the end is clear: you may not be able to do everything with your little brother, but that doesn't mean you can't be pals. Equal parts reassurance and road map, done with skill and charm. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
