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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Silver Falls Library | JP NEWMAN | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Monmouth Public Library | NEWMAN | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Tom's new baby brother comes with a lot of surprises. When Tom's mother brings home a new baby brother, things start changing for Tom. Not only is the baby in his crib, but Mom and Dad never have time to read to him, go to the park, or play games. Tom gets very angry at all these changes, but his parents help him to see how much Tom and the baby have in common. For every child that has had a difficult time adjusting to a new baby, Marjorie Newman shows that a little bit of understanding can go a long way. Ken Wilson-Max's simple paintings illustrate the true excitement and sweetness of a new baby.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Tom is having trouble accepting his new baby brother. He has to share everything-his old crib, his parents, his world. Mom and Dad are too busy with the infant to take him to the park or read him a story. When they ask him if he wants to help with the baby, he shouts "No! No! No!" and "I hate that baby!" Finally, they show him photos of when he was a baby and explain that the infant will grow just like he did, and, like his big brother, will need them less. At the end, Tom is glad to be the big brother, though his feelings for his sibling are never quite resolved. Wilson-Max portrays emotion and mood well with thick black lines and boldly painted blocks of bright colors that will appeal to young children. Ezra Jack Keats's classic Peter's Chair (Puffin, 1998) has a kinder resolution, but for those looking for a more modern take on the theme, this one will suffice.-Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Tom's new baby brother is using his old crib, monopolizing his parents' time, etc. It's improbable that the baby-besotted adults in Tom's life would be so impervious to his needs at first, and it's unlikely that his parents' too-little-too-late reassurances would lead to an instant turnaround in Tom's black mood. Fortunately, Wilson-Max's childlike art features his dependably inspired color juxtapositions. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Feelings of possessiveness and jealousy emerge when Tom gets a new baby brother. Even before the baby is born, Tom asserts his place: "That's my crib!" His parents suggest ways for him to participate in caring for the baby, but Tom will have none of it. In a final fit of jealousy, he throws the baby's towel, climbs into "his" crib and sobs, "I want my mom!" Mom and Dad then sit down with Tom and the photo album. Tom learns that he used to be just like the baby, and soon, the baby will be just like him and not need so much time and attention. This solution is successful, and Tom is rather philosophical at bedtime. "He liked his new toys, but he loved his old teddy bear the most because he had come first and would always be special." Visible brush strokes and the texture of the underlying canvas add to the tone of Wilson-Max's boldly-colored illustrations, in which body language speaks louder than facial expression. A positive suggestion for parents hoping to alleviate new-sibling-itis. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
PreS. Genuine emotion distinguishes this story about the arrival of a new sibling. Unlike his parents and doting visitors, preschooler Tom doesn't think his new baby brother is cute. His resentment builds until he finally loses his temper: I hate that baby, he yells, accompanied by an effort to reclaim his crib. His understanding parents comfort him, but also acknowledge that things won't go back to the way they were. We just have to keep growing and changing, they explain, as Tom has been doing since he was a baby. Colorful, childlike paintings with black outlines capture the text's heartfelt feelings and aptly reflect Tom's ups and downs, which finally end when he shares a smile with the baby and then settles down contentedly in his own big bed. The large pictures, simple language, and perceptive portrayal of a familiar family issue make this book a good choice for storytime as well as family reading. --Kathleen Odean Copyright 2006 Booklist