The Selfish Sister, written by David Sedaris and illustrated by Bob Staake. A Toon Book, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Don't try to ride 
       her bright green trike. 
It's hers alone, 
       the un-kind tyke. 

It sits 

      un-used, 

            ignored, 

               forsaken

not peddled yet, no long rides taken."

I have always enjoyed David Sedaris' humor! I have read many of his adult books, and was happy to learn that he has turned his talents to writing for children. The first was Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk (Little, Brown, 2011). Look for it at the library; you won't be disappointed. I told readers about Pretty Ugly (TOON Books, 2024) previously, and next up is this book about a sister who can only properly be described as both SELFISH and GREEDY! She is trouble at every turn ... taking on anyone who gets in the way of her belief that the world (and all in it) is her oyster. 

 In cheeky rhymes, the author is able to show readers just exactly what greediness in its purest form is. There is not a thing that doesn't belong to her and she makes sure that everyone knows it, especially her small and quite terrified brother. No amount of trying keeps her from taking everything in sight: cork, tuning fork. bed, towel, chair, stuffed animals. Then, she moves outside. 

Finally, in a fit of anger, her father shouts "Enough! When she continues in her selfish ways, he offers a deal. She refuses. When she has finally claimed ALL to be hers, she finds herself without only one thing: friends. So much for her self-centered ways! 

Bob Staake fills the spreads with digitally colored pencil and ink drawings that are sure to please young readers. He leaves plenty of white space in order to keep attention on her antics and expressions. Green skin and one tooth make her a real charmer. Get ready to giggle, and then read it again.