Review by Booklist Review
This playful book introduces self-sufficient Maddie and her younger sister, Mabel, who wants to be helpful, then launches into four family stories. First, Maddie recalls when she was an only child and her mother asked whether she would rather have a baby sister or a rabbit. Next, Mabel watches Maddie put on a musical show that lacks just one element. In "The Fight," Mabel is angry, but eventually gets over it. In the final chapter, Mabel can't sleep, and Maddie knows just what to do. Throughout the amiable, episodic text, readers can see each girl's point of view, and the expressive illustrations have their own breezy charm. Considering how many early reading books feature two main characters, it's surprising that the sibling dynamic isn't explored more often. An inviting, amusing series debut.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--This short chapter book is about two sisters--whose appearance and personality complement each other--and their world of imaginative play. Maddie is the older sister, with long, blond hair that she often wears in pigtails. She is a doer and loves to be in charge. Mabel is the younger sister, with short, brunette curls framing her face. She is a thinker and helper, and she just can't stop asking questions. The book contains five brief chapters. In a world without parents or technology, we watch Maddie and Mabel make their own fun (they build an indoor furniture fort and create costumes from household items) and witness how siblings navigate the shoals of power and friendship. When the inevitable conflict occurs--Mabel refuses to play because Maddie insists on making the final decisions--Maddie must recognize the inestimable value of having an ever-present playmate. These stories capture the small moments in a sibling's life that create the building blocks of a lifelong friendship. Mai-Wyss's illustrations have clean lines and convey a timeless sweetness. The sisters live in a Victorian-styled home, but they wear dresses and high top sneakers. In the end pages, readers are asked to think about their own family stories and how to make a good apology. VERDICT A lovely easy reader about the power of family stories and the bond sisters share.--Sally James
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
This sister act is hard to beat. Big sister Maddie and little sister Mabel star in this delightful, cozy, five-chapter early-reader series opener. The siblings enjoy a loving, trusting, and--mostly--cooperative bond. Though adults aren't depicted here, in "The Rabbit," readers learn that Maddie's parents asked her an "important question" before Mabel's birth: Would she rather a baby sister or a pet rabbit? Kids, especially those in tight sibling partnerships themselves, will understand completely when Maddie confesses she chose the rabbit but is happy she got Mabel instead--and giggle when Mabel demonstrates rabbity attributes. In "The Fight," Mabel feels frustrated that Maddie always takes the lead on their activities, but the sibs can't remain foes for long as they run the gamut of emotions and display mutual concern, humility, and forgiveness; a gracious apology is extended, too. Siblings of all stripes will feel reassured and affirmed by this devoted duo's unbreakable kinship. Especially noteworthy about this quiet, endearing offering is how much its economic prose and dialogue reveal about the girls' relationship and distinct personalities. Delicate line drawings lend a gentle atmosphere and perfectly suit the proceedings. Maddie, who has long, straight, blond hair, and Mabel, who has short, wavy, brown hair, present White and are very expressive. A real charmer; kids will eagerly anticipate reading more about these two. (critical-thinking, writing, and drawing activities) (Early reader. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
