Children's Book Reviews
For Sale: One Brother
North Winds Press, 1993
Molly believes her life would be better if she didn't have to take ballet lessons or eat liver or peas or brussel sprouts. And she knows her life would be better if she were an only child. One day, after seeing a sign in the laundry room advertising a chest of drawers for sale, Molly gets an idea. She posts her own ad -- "FOR SALE; ONE BROTHER. AGE 4. NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED." To her surprise, Molly does receive a couple of inquiries. However, her plan is thwarted when her mother discovers the ad. Molly's punishment is that she must spend every spare moment for an entire week with her brother David and his pet worm Spike. As the week progresses, Molly dreams of various ways to make David disappear. When David actually does disappear, Molly finally discovers that she really does appreciate him.
Patti Stren injects humour and energy into the age-old theme of sibling rivalry. Her vibrant illustrations, many created with rubber stamps, will delight young readers. The book is also full of humorous asides and cartoon-style speech bubbles. Children will find much to pour over and laugh about in this latest work from the author of such favourites as Hug Me and Mountain Rose.
Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies
Written by Jane Cutler
Illustrated by Susannah Ryan
Scholastic, 1993
"Darcy didn't like the baby. She didn't like his smell and she didn't like his looks," begins the book Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies. Darcy's reaction to her new brother is not unusual, judging by the vast numbers of picture books devoted to new babies. However, in Jane Cutler's story, Darcy finds an ally in her grandmother (Gran) who also doesn't like babies and agrees that they get far too much attention. Gran has come to visit and she and Darcy have a fine time at the park doing all the things that babies are too little to do. Eventually, Gran helps Darcy realize that, although it's okay not to like the baby, deep down she really does care.
Cutler gives this familiar theme a humorous and realistic treatment. The text is very readable and the repetition of key phrases helps emphasize the author's positive messages. Children will discover that their feelings of jealousy are normal and can be resolved. The warm relationship between Darcy and Gran is nicely portrayed in this story and in Susannah Ryan's charcoal and water-colour illustrations. Ryan also adeptly captures Darcy's feelings -- from anger and disgust to joy and love. Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies will find a sympathetic audience with children and adults alike.
Elizabeth Thornley is a librarian in the Children's Department of the Ottawa Public
Library.
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This article first appeared in Interaction published by the Canadian Child Care Federation, Spring, 1995. |
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