★ 08/12/2013
Hannah’s sister, Dee Dee, is older and taller, and she bullies Hannah with impunity, appropriating her belongings and literally treating her like the help during pretend play (“Butsy, that will be all”). But within every wimp beats someone yearning to control her own destiny, and by book’s end, Hannah has found the steel in her spine, discovered that she doesn’t need Dee Dee to have a good time (“I played jacks. No one hogged the ball. I won every game”), and rebalanced the power in the relationship. She does so without being mean, losing Dee Dee’s affection (which clearly means a great deal to her), or involving a single grownup. Schwartz (Lucy Can’t Sleep), a master of restraint and insight, scores again with this story, a thinly veiled and smart lesson for any kid who feels put upon by someone older and bigger. Schwartz doesn’t need to give her heroine a Big Moment; with economical yet deeply empathic prose and carefully inked scenes of family life, the author tells readers all they need to know about Hannah’s turmoil and triumph. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)
"Bright, sunny pictures and low-key text work together to capture the frustration and injustice of a younger sibling's station while also bringing humor to the details. While there are many picture books from the big kid's perspective, fewer come from the younger point of view, or do so in such a sensitive way."-The Horn Book
K-Gr 2—In this excellent look at sibling power plays, Dee Dee dominates Hannah in every way: she's taller, pushier, and able to gain control of a situation before her younger sister even realizes what is happening. When Hannah wears her beautiful new apron, Dee Dee admires it, takes it, cuts it up, and makes it into a purse for herself. When Dee Dee's friends come over to play, Hannah is told to pretend to be the butler and to make cucumber sandwiches, and then Dee Dee dismisses her: "Butsy, that will be all." Preparing to run away after being pushed too far, Hannah gives Dee Dee the cold shoulder and finds that playing by herself is fun. When Dee Dee comes looking for Hannah and asks her to play dress up, Hannah sets some ground rules, and Dee Dee complies-although she refuses to be Butsy. "Well I won't either," says Hannah. The gouache and pen-and-ink illustrations have a homey feel, plenty to look at, and a lot of movement. The text carries the story forward at an energetic pace, keeping readers guessing whether Hannah can figure out a way to solve the problem of her pushy sister. This satisfying story for both older and younger siblings is a real winner.—B. Allison Gray, Goleta Public Library, CA
Schwartz examines sibling power dynamics in this humorous and ultimately empowering tale. Hannah is an easy target for Dee Dee. She's younger and shorter (Dee Dee says the brains are in the 5 1/2 inches of height Hannah's missing), and she longs for her sister's acceptance. But after one too many manipulations, Hannah learns to assert herself--and now she's sure her brains are growing! Reflecting a genuine, multifaceted sibling relationship, Dee Dee also shows compassion, mending her sister's beloved bear. With ease, Schwartz shows readers how to become one's own advocate, so that all can feel respected in play. The illustrations, done in pen and ink and colored with gouache, have an energy reminiscent of Madeline, and the charmingly detailed patterns and backgrounds feel timeless. The artwork equally highlights the contentment and peace one can find in independent play and the joy and creativity found in playing together. Bright and captivating, this new take on sibling relations is a needed tale for all. (Picture book. 3-7)
