FICTION

Little Sisters

Arctis. Feb. 2024. 40p. Tr $18. ISBN 9781646900398.
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PreS–An imaginative story told from the perspective of an only child who muses about what it would be like to have a little sister. As more scenes unfold, the black-haired, light-skinned child adds more little sisters to her adventures. They play with building blocks, jump on couches, climb up bookshelves, and much more. They share cake—less for everyone, true for a blanket, too—but have one another to snuggle with as compensation. In each new adventure, there are more small sisters added, identical in mostly black and white drawings on very spare, often empty backgrounds. The cartoon-like art is stylistic and the illustrations match the story’s taut expressions well. The narrator breaks off, admitting there are no sisters, not even a “whisper.” She scampers to a mostly out of frame adult, and admits she likes having “mommy” to herself. This book could be used with children who have siblings or those who don’t; the action is open for interpretation and the ending is up for discussion.
VERDICT Unique illustration style, simple sentiments, and exquisitely composed vignettes combine in a tale that is either wistful or resigned, for a recommended limited purchase

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