  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 10/15/2018 When an eight-year-old boy gets a baby sister, his true feelings emerge in a series of letters and drawings addressed to her. At first, there’s a lot of antagonism: the narrator draws over-the-top pictures of his sister (“Even though it is not my fault that you look like this, they decided not to put my picture of you in your baby book”), writes her a regular progress report (“whininess: world class”), and sends her birthday cards (“Happy sixth birthday to someone who is still obnoxious”). But 10 years go by, and his attitude gradually softens. The epistolary format is comically complemented by Bluhm’s cartoon drawings, appearing in heavy pencil scrawls in the beginning chapters, and in a more refined hand as the narrator’s drawing skills steadily improve. Glimmers of plot appear, mostly about the boy’s best friend moving away, but more endearing is the slow-but-steady growth of affection. The ending might be a touch schmaltzy for the target audience, but the dry humor and clever format should nevertheless appeal to any kid with a sibling. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
 |