Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sibling rivalry softens amid rich images, magic elevator.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In LIFT, it's older sister Iris' job to push the elevator buttons in their building -- until one day her toddler sibling pushes it first. Iris hates that the elevator button isn't just hers anymore, hates that it makes her parents so happy to see her sibling do new things, and hates that she's losing her special place in the family. But Iris finds solace in a new elevator button, one that will transport her to anywhere her imagination leads, returning to her room just in time to take on some new responsibilities as a big sister.
Is It Any Good?
Magic happens here, through few words and vibrant illustrations that capture emotions common to kids finding their place in a family and a community. In Lift, the imaginary world of Iris' elevator button gives her a sense of control and an escape, a way to get away from her frustrations, even floating above it all in outer space. Young readers can relate to the feeling of being lost in a world that is growing and changing in ways Iris isn't ready to accept, and in trying to find her role. The illustrations are much like a graphic novel: framed in black, often several panels per page, and eye-catching. Adult readers can encourage younger readers to slow down so they can catch the facial expressions and other clues to the plot, since racing through the illustrations could leave readers feeling lost.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about better ways to express feelings of jealousy than the way Iris reacts in Lift. What's your first reaction when you're jealous or upset? Is that usually your best option?
Do you think kids in other families feel the way Iris does when life changes?
What other picture books with brothers and sisters have you read? Which are your favorites?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Dan Santat
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 5, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 56
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate