We Are Brothers, We Are Friends

PreS—An enthusiastic big brother shows his baby sibling all the ways that they'll have fun together. With simple, straightforward text addressed directly to the wide-eyed toddler, the older brother gamely lists the types of adventures they'll have, from playing trains and planes and hide-and-seek to pretending to be dinosaurs. There is not a drop of sibling rivalry or animosity here. Penfold's earnest story portrays a child who's proud to be a big brother and takes his responsibilities seriously. (Decked out in a superhero cape, the big brother exclaims, "When you cry…I will hear you first./Don't worry, baby. I will help!") Kaban's playful cartoon art has a retro-modern vibe, with expressive facial features and cheerful energy. Will all expectant siblings be as easygoing as this young lad ("I will share my toys/and my mama and my dada, too.")? Perhaps not. But how refreshing to find a sibling story with such a strong emphasis on the positive aspects of sharing toys, parents, and experiences with a new baby.