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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Another Brother, written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Feiwel and Friends, 2012. $18.99 ages 4 and up

 
"So, he spent the rest of the day alone.
Wonderfully...
gloriously...
completely...
utterly...
awfully...
alone."


This is not your usual 'big brother' story...it's much funnier! Davy, his mom and dad have happily shared life and love for four years. They are a contented sheep family. Davy is the center of attention and basks in the wonder of it all. Then, Petey makes his presence known:

"When Davy sang, Petey cried.
When Davy knitted, Peter spat up.
When Davy sheared, Petey "needed potty."
And if that wasn't enough..."

The enough adds up to twelve baby brothers who love having Davy in their lives and aping every single thing that he does. It seems there is nothing he does that his brothers don't just love. Soon, it's driving Davy bananas! Since I haven't read it aloud to anyone, I have to imagine their response. There are so many spots that allow for brief pauses, rolled eyes and drama. I can't wait to share it. I think it will be especially effective in a small group or with one listener as there is so much to see in Matthew's humorous rendering of life with Davy and his siblings.

From Petey throwing up on the scarf that Davy is so meticulously knitting to the animated antics of the enamored brothers following their ovine idol in varying stages of competence, Matthew Cordell encourages eagle-eyed attention to his droll characters and his action filled pages. The parents look suitably exhausted by the mayhem and thoughtfully encourage Davy to 'hang in there' until the phase passes. When that suddenly happens and his elation subsides, Davy is not sure he likes it.

Imagine his surprise when a new voice echoes his every sound!

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