I had a different review planned for today, but as with the rest of the children’s book community, I am reeling with the premature loss of one of our best. A year younger than me, Amy Krouse Rosenthal died of cancer this week. She wrote 28 children’s books, including “Duck! Rabbit!”, “Little Pea,” “I Wish You More,” “Plant a Kiss,” “Spoon,” “Exclamation Mark!” and most recently, “Holy Cow, I Sure Do Love You!” Every single one had a message of hope: be yourself, try new things, follow your imagination….
She was an inspiration to so many of us and I felt today’s review should be a recommendation of on of her picture books.
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Publisher: Harper Collins, 2015
Ages: 4-8
Themes: sisters, babies, stories in rhyme, family
Opening:
The big news is this:
Little Miss
will be a big siss.
Synopsis:
The life-changing exciting moment of the arrival and first months of a little girl’s baby brother–all told in simple rhymes, often of only one or two words.
Why I like this Book:
It is an issue book, therefore the audience is limited but as there’s no shortage of older brothers and sisters and baby arrivals, this will not lack a readership. Indeed the short rhymes are at times very funny and emotive, and will appeal to adults as well as kids. Peter Reynold’s Illustrations are as adorable and expressive as ever.
The simplicity of the text more than allows for a full range of older sibling emotions such as the bit of disappointment when you discover a newborn baby isn’t exactly able to be a real playmate. And while the story remains completely upbeat, Big sis takes her evolving role seriously and with panache.
It’s a great example of a perennial topic presented in a fresh and charming way, and a great celebration of the connection of siblings.
Resources/Activities:
This is great for a preschool story time about family. Or for a parent to read to a soon to be older sibling.
Amy Krauss Rosenthal dies age 51.
Find more “Perfect Picture Book Friday” reviews at Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog HERE.
This is such a great gift for me to give to my great grandson as he’s expecting a sibling in June. I was hoping some Amy books would be shared today because they are so creative and beautiful. Plant a Kiss is my favorite with 28 words. Such an untimely loss.
Yes, this I believe this is a follow up to Plant a Kiss, which is also my favorite.
Sure wish I was old enough to remember anything about expecting a baby brother myself, but maybe it was a good thing – I still do a fair job of tolerating him! Ha!
Yay, you were able to comment. My brother is only 12 months younger, so i too have no recollection.
How fun! I just read this book a couple weeks ago and absolutely love the sparse text and endearing illustrations.
Oh, I haven’t read this one yet, but I saw it when I was writing my tribute and trying to capture the essence of Amy KR yesterday. I can’t believe she’s gone … and I’m feeling so grateful for her positive influence and bright light in our world. This is the perfect pick for today’s PPBF.
Thanks for this timely choice. I only finally got around to reading Amy’s books last summer. This one is pure gold. One of a vast legacy we as writers and readers will not let fade away. Thank-you.
What a fitting tribute to Amy! She was a master at evoking big emotions with few words. I haven’t read this one; I’ll check it out.
Perfect tribute to Amy. I need to find this one for a friend about to have a third baby. Thanks for the timely feature.
Adore this book. And all of her other books. R.I.P Amy.