Max and Ruby and twin trouble

PreS-K--Max and Ruby's Mama has a baby in her tummy that grows bigger and bigger, and soon it's obvious that nothing will be the same. Max suspects that she simply loves cookies, but sister Ruby has helped with a new baby when Max was born and as usual, knows simply everything about everything, showing Max her Hannah the Howler doll to demonstrate her superior knowledge of infant care. Their family grows, as not one but two newborns are brought home to a surprised Max, Ruby, and Grandma. The twins keep all busy with feeding, changing, and bathing, for no one sleeps when the two are unhappy. Max creatively applies his own common sense solution, and his idea gives the family members a good rest as he finds a way to distract and entertain his new siblings. VERDICT This suggested additional purchase holds appeal for young readers expecting new family members and those simply eager to enjoy Max's latest adventure.--Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Max and Ruby's sibling skills are put to the test with the arrival of twins.Know-it-all Ruby thinks she's an expert on babies, especially now that her mother is pregnant. She tries to explain to her little brother where babies come from, but mischievous Max knows they come from taxis, as that's how their cousins arrived. Not to be outdone, Ruby uses her Hannah the Howler doll(an extremely creepy, wide-eyed white human) to show Max how to care for babies. After pressing a button that makes the doll cry, Ruby demonstrates how to feed, diaper, bathe, and put Hannah to bed. But Max considers their efforts finished only when he wakes Hannah up with a final push of her button. Wells' signature illustrations raise the excitementand humorwhen Mama and Papa bring home not one, but two babies (by taxi, of course!). Piles of laundry and a flurry of adults carrying babies to and fro, day and night realistically depict life with newborn twins. All seems well, albeit busy, until the day nothing makes the babies happy. Not changing their diapers, giving them a bath, or winding up their Vibra-Chairs. Then Max remembers Hannah! Her wailing makes the twins' crying turn to giggles and, finally, sleep. Youngsters expecting one or more additions to their own families will find warmth and wit here to ease the transition.Double trouble finds comic relief. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.