Sister Day!

April 1, 2017
Using her large imagination, a little girl shows how much she loves her busy big sister.Lizzie wants nothing more than to be and play with her big sister, Jane, who, Lizzie tells readers, has "the best imagination." Alas, Jane's also got a lot going on, what with her busy (arguably overprogrammed) schedule: in addition to homework and play dates with a friend, there are lessons and practice sessions in soccer, ballet, karate, and piano. What's a sad, lonely sibling to do? Finally Lizzie hits on a plan to capture Jane's attention and her precious time in a really spectacular way. The charming, expressive, digitally rendered illustrations follow Jane's daily activities on double-page spreads while depicting Lizzie painstakingly portraying each day's routines in picture-story form. On the appointed day, Lizzie amasses and displays her week's artworks on and around several walls, to Jane's amazement. But, unbeknownst to Lizzie, Jane has secretly created a wonderful surprise for her sibling as well. The sisters are white, but Sanchez places a multiracial bevy of children and adults in Jane's many activities. While thin and exploring a well-trod concept--each sister's unbreakable bond of love for the other--the telling is sweet, upbeat, and refreshing in presenting not a hint of rivalry or meanness. Young readers who enjoy loving sibling relationships in their own families will appreciate finding common ground here and may even pick up an idea or two. Nice for family sharing. (Picture book. 4-7)

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May 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-Lizzie adores her imaginative older sister and craves some alone time with her. Unfortunately, Jane is always busy-with friends, homework, soccer practice, ballet, piano lessons, and karate. The only free day in her week seems to be Saturday, and so she finally agrees to some special sister time. In the meantime, Lizzie plans a big surprise. Instead of cheering Jane on at soccer practice, Lizzie sketches dragons; instead of twirling alongside Jane at ballet class, Lizzie draws sugarplum fairies. She is busy all week working on her Jane-inspired decorations. Mom helps her bake her sister's favorite muffins, but when Lizzie knocks on her big sibling's door, where is Jane? It turns out Jane was busy making her own sister surprise at Emma's house-matching glittery "sister" T-shirts. When Jane sees Lizzie's elaborate, hand-crafted celebration, she exclaims, "You didn't just write a story... You made a whole lot of magic. You have a great imagination." "It runs in the family," replies the elated youngster. The digitally rendered illustrations feature many full spreads of the busy, creative brunettes, who indeed look like sisters. Lizzie's drawings come to life as fanciful, life-size shadows that only she can see. VERDICT Sisters will enjoy this sweet solution to an all too common problem. A solid addition to large collections.-Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

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