Big Brothers Don't Take Naps

PreS-Gr 1—Nicholas admires and pays great attention to everything his big brother does, and one important thing he doesn't do, as revealed in the title. James is a patient teacher and role model for his younger sibling, including him in many activities, watching over him, sharing with Nick, and teaching him to count backwards and use his good manners. When the two boys work together on a list of names for a "special event" to take place in June, the older boy lets his brother make the definitive choice. Of course, the surprise is a baby sister, which makes Nicholas a big brother himself. Bright pastel, digitally rendered illustrations span autumn, winter, and spring and show the brothers and their ever-present dogs in a loving, noncompetitive relationship. Becoming a big brother is an important event, and many prospective older siblings will enjoy this story of another milestone in growing up.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI