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Big Red Lollipop

by Sophie Blackall
40p. 978-0-67006-287-4.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-4 This sibling-rivalry story compares well with Kevin Henkes's "Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick" (HarperCollins, 2001). When Rubina comes home with a birthday-party invitation, her mother asks why people celebrate birthdays, as her culture does not, and insists that Rubina take her little sister along despite the older child's insistence that "they don't do that here." Sana is a brat par excellence at the party and steals Rubina's candy. It's a long time before Rubina is invited to another one. Expert pacing takes readers to the day when Sana is invited to her first party. Whereas the embarrassing scenario could be repeated with the girls' younger sister, Rubina convinces her mother to reconsider, and Sana is allowed to go solo. The beauty of the muted tones and spareness of the illustrations allow readers to feel the small conflicts in the text. The stylistic scattering of East Indian motifs from bedspread designs to clothing communicate the cultural richness of the family's home life while the aerial views, especially the rooms through which the siblings chase each other, are priceless. The book is a thoughtful springboard for discussion of different birthday traditions and gorgeous to the eye."Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
When Rubina is invited to a birthday party, her sister Sana wants to go. Their Pakistani mother doesn't understand American party customs and insists that Sana tag along. When Sana receives an invitation of her own, the tables are turned: the girls' baby sister demands to go too. The expressive illustrations bring this simple sibling rivalry/immigrant story to life.
Big Red Lollipop is a heartwarming reminder that your sibling can be your worst enemy and your greatest ally. Rukhsana Khan’s story touches on the complex relationship between a parent who has grown up in another culture and a child who is quickly adapting to a new culture. Sophia Blackall’s compositions place the emphasis on the characters and their expressions. True to the experience of childhood, every feeling is writ large and is instantly familiar. Blackall’s art is also delightful to look at, mixing subdued colors with detailed textile patterns.

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