You can leave me a comment below and let me know if you agree! The book was published in 2009, so maybe you're familiar with it already.
Title: SupersisterAuthor: Beth Cadena
Illustrator: Frank W. Dormer
Publisher: Clarion Books, 2009
Intended ages: 4-8
Themes: Older sibling, helpfulness
Opening Line: "Supersister bounds out of bed. Another super day.
Hark! A call from the kitchen. Mother is in need."
Synopsis: Told in a tongue-in-cheek manner, a young girl helps out at work and school taking on the role of Supersister. The illustrations show close-up shots of Mother's feet, and a head shot from a distance, but it isn't until the third spread from the end that we learn the reason Supersister is being so helpful.
Why I like this Book: The illustrator wrote and illustrated one of my favorite books, The Obstinate Pen. There's a lot of energy in his spare drawings. While there is humor in the book, the book doesn't go over-the-top in terms of how Supersister helps. Moments of getting dressed, getting her own breakfast, and being a good student at school take on super importance.These behaviors are all things a reader can emulate. Despite being a book with an obvious message, the author uses fun language so it doesn't come across preachy or hokey. I especially loved the moments when Supersister lets us know that superheroes are kids, too (and vice versa!) and checks if Mom is watching and listening.
Resources: DON'T READ THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT A SPOILER
The baby that is going to make Supersister a sister hasn't been born yet.
There are many websites to help prepare children for the arrival of a new sibling. The Baby Center and the What to Expect websites have practical information for expectant families.
Read Kevin Henke's classic picture book Julius, the Baby of the World and compare that story and its main character with Supersister. Talk about how people react differently to changes.
Websites with fun activities for older siblings while waiting for baby describes activities like helping to decorate the nursery and acting as family photographer.
This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF
Frank Dormer is hot right now, with good reason. Another good sibling book, it seems. Thanks for your review and suggestions. I'll pass them along.
ReplyDeleteThe blue and orange combo on the cover really pops!
DeleteAs an older sister, though maybe not super, I think I will definitely need to read this. ;)
ReplyDeleteBet you're more super than you give yourself credit for. :)
DeleteWhat a great opening for a book. So dramatic! This is such a great gift book for siblings waiting for a new baby's arrival. Enjoyed your activities.
ReplyDeleteThe opening had me, too! Hark isn't used often enough.
DeleteI love the tongue-in-cheek opener! And get a real sense of the tone of the story. I like also how the deeds are all replicable!
ReplyDeleteIt really is a simple story, but the story-telling done so well.
DeleteOk, so I read the spoiler. I couldn't help myself. :D
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book!
I always reader the spoilers. :) I'm incorrigible.
DeleteSuper heroes of all sorts seem to be everywhere these days! I love seeing super hero kids! Cool book!
ReplyDeleteThe fact that every day things can be super is a great message for kids. A tired parent will find this kind of help and attitude stupendous!
DeleteLike Jilanne I read the spoiler. Just couldn't help myself... :) I loved the opening lines which gave a great feel of the book. Since I'm an only older sister (2 brothers) I should be called 'super' lol.
ReplyDeleteI put the spoiler in because I think that's a huge part of the story's charm. Glad you read it.
DeleteLove, love, love those illustrations. I might just have to get this for my niece who is now a big sister. Thanks Wendy!
ReplyDeleteBig sisters rock. (Being a middle child in a step-family, I was a big AND a little)
DeleteCute one, Wendy! And I didn't mind the spoiler. ;-}
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jarm. :) Glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteWendy, this will be a great book to highlight for the 2015 summer reading - theme is "superheroes"
ReplyDeleteOoh! I will start keeping a separate list. Good to know!
DeleteI am always glad to add good sibling books to our list, Wendy - such a big topic for so many youngsters! This one looks super fun! :)
ReplyDeleteSibling dynamics fascinate me. And this one doesn't take the "blech" sibling approach that many other titles do.
DeleteClever - and I love this particular twist!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe twist made me smile - which is probably why I went back to re-read and enjoy. And that got it on my "perfect" list.
DeleteThis looks like a fun one Wendy. I'll check it out.
ReplyDelete