Synopses & Reviews
Emma is Jess's little sister . . . and her dilemma. How can one small girl be sweet, funny, imaginative, playful, and affectionate as well as a clinging vine, brat, tattletale, and nuisanceand#150;all at the same time? Why is Jess supposed to be a good big sister while Emma doesn't have to be a good little sister? The highlights and low points of this sibling relationship are insightfully evoked in short and simple poems, some funny, some touching, and all resonant with emotional truth. Everyand#160;child with a younger sibling will recognize Jess's dilemma and the combination of ambivalence and deep loyalty that is built into the sibling relationship. Nancy Carpenter's graceful illustrations perceptively complement Kristine O'Connell George's agile poems.
Review
Emma is Jess's little sister . . . and her dilemma. How can one small girl be sweet, funny, imaginative, playful, and affectionate as well as a clinging vine, brat, tattletale, and nuisanceand#150;all at the same time? Why is Jess supposed to be a good big sister while Emma doesn't have to be a good little sister? The highlights and low points of this sibling relationship are insightfully evoked in short and simple poems, some funny, some touching, and all resonant with emotional truth. Everyand#160;child with a younger sibling will recognize Jess's dilemma and the combination of ambivalence and deep loyalty that is built into the sibling relationship. Nancy Carpenter's graceful illustrations perceptively complement Kristine O'Connell George's agile poems.
"The vignettes form such a vivid portrait of Emma and Jessica that readers may feel as if they personally know themand#8212;and a tense turn of events will have readers holding their breath." and#8212;Publishers Weekly,starred review
"A potent combination of accessibility and understanding, this will work well as a readalone or a readaloud, offering sympathy to those who are in the older-sib position and perspective to those who arenand#8217;t."and#8212;Bulletin, starred review
"This touching portrayal captures well the many mutual acts of kindness and tolerance inherent in healthy sibling relation."and#8212;Kirkus
"The poems and art tell an absorbing storyand#8212;complete with a few tense moments and a warm, believable conclusionand#8212;widening the audience and making this book more than just an opportunity for big sisters to nod their heads in total recognition."and#8212;TheHorn Book
Review
"The vignettes form such a vivid portrait of Emma and Jessica that readers may feel as if they personally know themand#8212;and a tense turn of events will have readers holding their breath." and#8212;Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A potent combination of accessibility and understanding, this will work well as a readalone or a readaloud, offering sympathy to those who are in the older-sib position and perspective to those who arenand#8217;t."and#8212;Bulletin, starred review
"Spring-colored line drawings in pen-and-ink and digital media are filled with engaging details, expressive characters, and lots of humor, and bring the family dynamics to life while the verses build to a climactic situation that brings these youngsters together in a touching way."and#8212;School Library Journal, starred review "This touching portrayal captures well the many mutual acts of kindness and tolerance inherent in healthy sibling relation."and#8212;Kirkus
"The poems and art tell an absorbing storyand#8212;complete with a few tense moments and a warm, believable conclusionand#8212;widening the audience and making this book more than just an opportunity for big sisters to nod their heads in total recognition."and#8212;The Horn Book
"Older siblings everywhere will recognize the big-sisterand#8217;s view of family fury and fun."and#8212;Booklist
About the Author
Kristine O'Connell George, one of the principal voices in contemporary children's poetry, has received the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award and the Promising Poet Award. She lives with her family in Agoura, California.
Nancy Carpenter, illustrator of many successful picture books, lives in Brooklyn, New York.