Rex's parents are adopting a baby, and Rex doesn't like the idea at all. Suppose her parents are so busy with the new baby they forget about her? So she comes up with a plan. If she can be the perfect big sister, her parents will have to pay attention to her. The trouble is, being the perfect big sister is a lot of work, and it doesn't leave time for much else -- like her best friend, Pinky. Grade 2-4-- Fearing that she'll be an "invisible girl" when her parents adopt a baby boy, Rex hides her burgeoning feelings of insecurity by trying to be the perfect big sister. When she decides to stick close to home and help out, her best friend, Pinky, misses her. His gift of a soccer ball for the baby, which will need to be "broken in" by the older children, leads to a return to normalcy. Those who have outgrown easy readers will appreciate this gentle story of two friends who really care about each other. Situations unfold naturally; especially well handled is the topic of adoption, treated simply and sincerely with a touch of humor. The bright, colorful illustrations help make this a welcome addition to library collections. --Valerie F. Patterson, Queens Borough Public Library, NY Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. Perhaps because Rex is a little older than the expectant siblings found in many picture books, her experience is the reverse of theirs: her worries about being supplanted come before her parents bring home new adopted brother Matthew. But then it's love at first sight--and pride in her new role of big sister and helper. As a result, Pinky feels he's lost his friend, but he devises a perfect remedy: his gift to Matthew is a soccer ball that Rex can start ``breaking in'' right now--which she does with Mother's blessing: ``You've been terrific with the baby, but go out and have some fun.'' With lively, believable dialogue, realistic situations that gently test the likable pair's mettle, and Sweet's appealing art on every easily read spread: another strong entry in a popular series. (Fiction/Young reader. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. James Howe is the author of more than ninety books for young readers. Bunnicula , coauthored by his late wife Deborah and published in 1979, is considered a modern classic of children’s literature. The author has written six highly popular sequels, along with the spinoff series Tales from the House of Bunnicula and Bunnicula and Friends. Among his other books are picture books such as Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores and beginning reader series that include the Pinky and Rex and Houndsley and Catina books. He has also written for older readers. The Misfits , published in 2001, inspired the nationwide antibullying initiative No Name-Calling Week, as well as three sequels, Totally Joe , Addie on the Inside , and Also Known as Elvis. A common theme in James Howe’s books from preschool through teens is the acceptance of difference and being true to oneself. Visit him online at JamesHowe.com. Melissa Sweet has illustrated more than eighty children’s books, including the Caldecott Honor books The Right Word and A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams both written by Jen Bryant. She also wrote and illustrated Tupelo Rides the Rails ; Carmine: A Little More Red , which was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book; and Balloons Over Broadway , a picture book biography that was named a 2011 Publishers Weekly Best Nonfiction Picture Book. When she is not in her studio, Melissa can be found taking an art class, hiking with her dogs, or riding her bicycle. She lives with her family in Rockport, Maine.
