Common Sense Media Review
Humorous take on a big sibling's jealous feelings.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
This big brother isn't excited about having a new baby in the house. Between the spitting up, the screaming, and the way that baby seems to be taking over Grandma's lap, it seems like things were better way back when before he arrived. That's why the narrator thinks perhaps Harry would be better off on the moon or in the trash or even -- dare he say it -- flushed down the toilet! But what if his baby brother really did go away? How would that feel?
Is It Any Good?
This author/illustrator team is known for their frank discussion of difficult topics, and this book is no exception. They take on a realistic and difficult story with humor and understanding. Likely every kid who's become a big sibling will relate to the feelings described here and reading the story will give them the opportunity to explore those feelings without guilt, and with a happy ending.
Cartoonish illustrations skillfully convey big brother's emotional state making it easy for little kids to figure out how he's feeling in each picture without losing the humor that drives the book. Some dialogue appears in talk bubbles, too, adding to the comic-excitement of the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the kids in their own family have struggled -- with an emphasis on getting through the struggle! They can talk about ways to cope with yucky feelings with a minimum of guilt and without visiting those yucky feelings on our siblings or parents.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Michael Emberley
- Genre : Family Life
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : June 1, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Last updated : July 13, 2017
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