The New York Times Book Review - Maria Russo
…Wells's lively watercolors and wonderfully laconic take on toddlerhood and family life continue to enchant.
Publishers Weekly
★ 01/12/2015
Sophie the mouse gains a baby sister in her third outing, and her response to this intrusion involves showing off her inner polyglot, whether it’s her command of “Jellyfish language” (“Jubbabubba,” she babbles, rolling on the floor) or her decision to sing “the Baboon national anthem in her bed as loud as she could possibly sing” when both girls are put down for naps. Wells remains a master of conveying intense emotions through subtly funny writing, smartly observed situations (in the background, Sophie’s parents debate baby names), and emotionally telegraphic art—Sophie’s narrowed eyes broadcast so much disdain it’s downright chilling. Up to age 3. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Use Your Words, Sophie:
"This is Wells at her comedic best, and readers will be left in stitches. Absolutely enchanting—a must-have" —Kirkus, starred review
"Wells remains a master of conveying intense emotions through subtly funny writing, smartly observed situations. . . and emotionally telegraphic art." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Another winner from Wells." —School Library Journal
“This gentle, lightly piquant outing combines authentic humor and recognizable growing pains in a comfortable tale sure to delight young listeners, with or without siblings.” —Booklist
Praise for Sophie's Terrible Twos:
"Wells continues to demonstrate an almost telepathic gift for distilling everyday frustrations and triumphs to their essence." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Wells's beloved illustrations and her characteristic wit are pitch-perfect" —School Library Journal
Praise for Time-Out for Sophie:
“[A] soon-to-be favorite . . . Readers will clamor for more of the irrepressible Sophie, while parents will secretly smile—sheer delight." —Kirkus, starred review
"Wells’s signature artwork is vivid and pleasingly simple, and the characters are endearing." —School Library Journal, starred review
“As wise (and concise) as ever, Wells lets readers have guilt-free fun savoring Sophie’s naughtiness, but delivers the story’s aha moment with an equally deft hand.” —Publishers Weekly
“As always, Wells portrays her character’s developmentally appropriate behavior with genuine respect and affection.” —The Horn Book
“Wells captures a rite of passage—the terrible twos—both for the little one and for her exasperated parents.” —Booklist
School Library Journal
12/01/2014
PreS—Two-year-old Sophie uses her own language upon the arrival of "a brand new pink nosed baby." As Mama and Daddy try to settle in with a toddler and a newborn, Sophie rebels in her own way, creating made-up words. Granny is called in to rescue the frazzled parents, and it is Granny, speaking her granddaughter's pretend language, who helps Sophie become the hero, calming her crying sister with Sophie's words. As the story progresses, her parents disagree about the baby's name. "Amber," says her father. "'We decided on Ashleigh,' said Mama." But it's Sophie who knows what the baby wants to be called, and she is named Jane. Wells's colorful artwork features an assortment of patterns and detail, giving the home a cozy, lived-in look, and the facial expressions capture the frustrations of both parents and Sophie, who can be seen grimacing and rolling her eyes. Another winner from Wells.—Gwen Collier, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2014-12-22
Sophie, the spirited mouse toddler, is back—navigating sisterhood with mischief and delight. When Sophie's baby sister arrives home sans name (her parents are still deciding, a running joke), the vivacious 2-year-old decides to only speak Jellyfish...or Hyena, or sing Baboon (at the top of her lungs). The latter of which wakes her delicate, pink bundle of a sister, who proceeds to wail inconsolably. Nothing can calm the infant, not food nor change of diapers—not even Granny! Finally, Sophie uses her words, quietly singing to her sister, who becomes calm, but how? Sophie proclaims it was easy, as she knew the baby's name, so she sang "Jane, Jane, don't be a pain!" Wells perfectly captures the honesty and hilarious insight of a precocious youngster; and her mixed-media illustrations, rich in color and pattern, emit an earnest warmth. Here, her captivating character illustrations—with their hysterical expressions, silly (yet so recognizable!) poses and tender connectedness—shine. This is Wells at her comedic best, and readers will be left in stitches. Absolutely enchanting—a must-have for the new-sibling shelf. (Picture book. 2-6)
