Review by Booklist Review
Aunt Esme and Uncle Jax are expecting a baby, and Loretta and her parents are thrilled. Mom knits fuzzy hats, and Dad buys piles of diapers, but Loretta is unsure what present she can give. When baby Gabe arrives, Loretta is very helpful (organizing his clothes, tickling his toes, feeding him bananas, and rocking his cradle), but she feels remiss without a proper gift to bestow. Then at Gabe's first birthday party, he takes a tumble, resulting in loud wails. Loretta rushes to comfort, cajole, and bring back his giggles, prompting Esme to declare that Loretta is the best gift Gabe ever received. The author of Sophie's Squash (2013) offers here another satisfying story that validates young listeners' perceptions of their place within the family. Marley's colorful, cartoon-style art favors orange, purple, and green hues that complement the skin tones of this mostly brown extended family as they go about the loving and sometimes messy tasks surrounding a new baby. Perfect for group or one-on-one sharing, wherever new babies are to be found.--Kay Weisman Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Loretta's aunt and uncle are having a baby, and while Loretta isn't clear on all the details ("Loretta looked at Aunt Esme's belly. Could it hold all that and a baby?"), she sees that everyone has something to give the new arrival, and she wants in on the action. But without money ("Her penny collection wasn't enough") or adult motor skills (Mom knits baby caps, Uncle Jax assembles the cradle), what can a kid do? Eventually, she discovers that being an eager helper and enthusiastic cousin-organizing little Gabe's hats, feeding him mashed bananas, cooing "Who's the best baby on the block?"-makes her, in Aunt Esme's words, "the best gift Gabe ever got." Miller (Be Kind) and debut artist Marley's straightforward, mostly unsentimental treatment and diverse cast (Loretta, her parents, and Aunt Esme are brown skinned; Uncle Jax is white) make a familiar story feel fresh as it focuses wholly on how even the smallest members of a family can take on more mature roles. Ages 3-6. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-When Loretta hears that her aunt is expecting, she wants to give a gift. But her funds are limited, her jump rope is old, and her crafting makes a mess. Once Gabe arrives, she decides he is the "best baby on the block." She helps with diapers, tickles his toes, feeds him, and rocks him. Soon, his first birthday arrives, but she is still presentless. When he falls and cries, it is Loretta who rushes to help him up and make him laugh, prompting her aunt's declaration that Loretta is Gabe's best present. Loretta realizes her love is the most important thing. Despite the sweet sentiment, Miller avoids the saccharine, with concise yet descriptive language, and a tight focus on Loretta's thoughts and point of view. Marley portrays Loretta and her family with dark brown skin. Her aunt is also dark-skinned, while her uncle is white. Marley's characters have rounded eyes and simple, expressive faces. An effective mix of spot art, single pages, and spreads move the story along effectively, and while many backgrounds are white, the color palette focuses on pastels and earth tones, providing a cozy feel. VERDICT While there are many books on this subject, the sentiment is timeless, and the inclusion of the multiracial family will make this gentle story a welcome addition to most libraries.-Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT © Copyright 2018. 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
Loretta anxiously awaited the birth of her baby cousin. Before she knows it, Gabe's first birthday is approaching, and Loretta becomes increasing worried because she doesn't have the perfect gift. However, from showing Gabe lots of affection ("Who's the best baby on the block?") and being helpful, Loretta discovers that she is Gabe's greatest gift. A sweet, emotively illustrated story of a tight-knit African American family. (c) Copyright 2019. 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
Loretta is excited to find the perfect gift for her new baby cousin.Loretta's aunt Esme and uncle Jax are expecting a new baby. Loretta's mom knits a furry hat, her dad buys a pile of diapers, Uncle Jax builds a cradle, and Aunt Esme fills the nursery with family photos. As the gifts pile up, Loretta realizes she doesn't have anything to give to the new baby. Even as she frets, Loretta actively takes part in loving and caring for Gabe, till on his first birthday, Aunt Esme assures Loretta that she is the best gift Gabe has ever gotten. Loretta comes to acknowledge that Aunt Esme is rightand that Gabe can never outgrow her love. This warm and affectionate tale will engage readers. Marley's artwork is whimsically earthy, featuring muted greens and rich browns and weaving in leaves, flowers, and touches of nature as accents. She depicts Loretta, her parents, and Aunt Esme with brown skin and Afro-textured black hair; Uncle Jax has pale skin and straight, brown hair. The important message that quality time is as valuable as gifts bought in a store is familiar and always appreciated. Lovers of Family, by Isabell Monk and illustrated by Janice Lee Porter (2001), and Home in the Rain, by Bob Graham (2017), will enjoy this adorable story featuring a multicultural family.A lovely, cousinly twist on the new-baby story. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
