Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Emma always says, “My sister Celia is the best sister in the whole wide world.” Every weekend they spend a day together, coloring, drinking “coffee” (Emma’s is really hot chocolate); every year they watch The Wizard of Oz on television with Mama. Then Celia brings Ben home on Emma’s special days. Emma’s best friend Debbie says, “I think Celia is getting married.” Emma refuses to believe it, but it’s true. Celia comes through for Emma, thoughshe gives her a pair of Dorothy-like ruby red slippers to wear at the wedding, and she winks at Emma when she comes down the aisle. The picture book audience now has its own version of Member of the Wedding and Sister of the Bride, as the author of the Molly Pink stories shows that changes are often bittersweet and sometimes welcome (Emma’s nephew is born the next year). Jolly watercolors portray everything from Emma’s fearful glances at Ben to the final blessed event.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2 This mildly amusing family anecdote centers on the negative feelings a younger sister harbors when her beloved older sister’s impending wedding causes her to be left out in the cold. Emma, around seven, has always looked forward to spending a special day each week with “the best sister in the world.” Together, she and Celia draw and make special treats. Emma feels that fiance Ben ursurps her place, and she acts out her disappointment and anger by rejecting Celia and refusing to enjoy the excitement surrounding the plans for the wedding. Naturally, wise Celia wins Emma over. The affection that the members of this family feel toward each other is evident in the text, and reinforced through the colorful, childlike illustrations that adorn each page. However, the story line is weakened by extraneous details, such as Emma’s conversations with her best friend Debbie, or Dad’s need to wash the dog to dispel pre-wedding jitters. The careful juxtaposition of text with pictures do make this an acceptable book for sharing as a read-aloud. It is not a priority purchase, but could be useful in collections needing material describing unusual sibling relationships. Martha Rosen, Edgewood School Library, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
