Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Elmore Green is an only child. Until he's not. When the new small person comes along, Elmore is not at all pleased. The new small person knocks over his things, licks his jellybean collection, and doesn't get in trouble for it because they are only small. Elmore wants to return the new small person to wherever it came from.
This is the story of one of my nephews in a nutshell. M was none too happy when O arrived, apparently threatening to kick her at one point. It took him a while to warm up to her, but they seem to be getting on now. A lot sooner than it takes Elmore to adapt to his sibling thank goodness.
The subject matter of this book is nothing extraordinary. I am never particularly thrilled by new sibling books that make the new sibling seem like a bad thing either. It would be perfect for those children who are already experiencing these feelings of jealousy and loss already though. (like my nephew) As with all her books though, there is this adorable quality to them, one that always makes me want to read the book in a British accent.
Perhaps the most interesting and unique aspect of this book, which probably shouldn't be a thing but is, is the skin tone of the characters. Fess up. When was the last time you saw one of these 'new baby' issue books featuring children of color? They exist, but they are definitely few and far between. I found two others in my Internet ramblings. This is not what the book is about, to be sure, but it draws attention because of its rarity. An issue that I am hoping becomes less and less unique as more and more books featuring children of all backgrounds and ethnicities becomes more widespread.
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