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Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems

by Kristine O'Connell George

School Library Journal Gr 1-4-Jessica shares the struggles of being the big sister in this collection of 34 poignant poems. The fourth grader's three-year-old sister, Emma, vacillates between being sweet and lovable and being Jessica's biggest problem. She wants to be a good sibling, but little sisters can try one's patience. In one poem, Jessica generously allows Emma extra space to draw, but in the entry on the facing page she only grants Emma a "teeny twig" in her family tree. Spring-colored line drawings in pen-and-ink and digital media are filled with engaging details, expressive characters, and lots of humor, and bring the family dynamics to life while the verses build to a climactic situation that brings these youngsters together in a touching way.-Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 1-4-From room-wrecking trespasses and secrets tattle-told to shared giggles and hand-holding moments of comfort, Jessica conveys the frustrations and delights of being older sibling to an exasperating but loving preschooler. The slice-of-life free-verse poems and sherbet-colored illustrations shine with playful humor and heartfelt emotion. (Feb.) (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly A likable fourth-grader shares her frustrations about her preschool-age sister, Emma, in candid narrative poems. Emma copies everything Jessica does, embarrasses her at her soccer game by wearing a boa and high heels ("I pretend I've never seen/ that kid ever before/ in my whole entire life"), and "decorates" her room with yarn. There are tender moments, genuinely conveyed in Carpenter's expressive pen-and-ink illustrations: "Emma cheats/ at board games/ and card games/ and still loses." The vignettes form such a vivid portrait of Emma and Jessica that readers may feel as if they personally know them-and a tense turn of events will have readers holding their breath until the reassuring conclusion. Ages 6-9. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Book list Jessica's little sister, Emma, is a pest. She embarrasses Jessica by showing up at soccer games in dress-up costumes, and at home, she invades Jessica's private space. Someone / has been shopping' / in my room / Someone / left the caps off / all my new markers. In free verse written in Jessica's realistic voice, George describes each lively scenario, and Carpenter's full-page, pen-and-ink and watercolor pictures extend the sense of anger, irritation, jealousy, guilt, love, and joy between the sisters. Jessica is protective, too; in a hilariou. Translato. poem, she explains to Dad what Emma means when she asks fo. squabbled egg. for breakfast. The daily dramas build to a real climax when Emma falls and breaks her arm, and Jessica tries not to blame herself ( An accident / Not my fault / Not my fault ), then weeps as Mom and Dad hold her tight, and she writes the first message on Emma's cast. I love you. Older siblings everywhere will recognize the big-sister's view of family fury and fun.--Rochman, Haze. Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.